Explorer 1 Satellite Facts

James van allen s discovery of radiation belts around earth held in.

Explorer 1 satellite facts.

The satellite which was designed built and operated by the nasa jet propulsion laboratory carried a cosmic ray detector which lead to explorer principal investigator dr. The people behind explorer 1. Sixty years ago this week the united states sent its first satellite into space on jan. Satellite 1958 alpha later and better known as explorer 1 successfully lifted off from cape canaveral florida on jan.

It was the first spacecraft to detect the va. Satellite and the first satellite to carry science instruments. Explorer 1 was the united states first satellite in space. Explorer i officially satellite 1958 alpha and sometimes referred to as explorer 1 was the first earth satellite of the united states having been launched at 10 48pm est on 31 january 1958.

Explorer 1 was the first satellite launched by the united states and was part of the u s. Explorer 1 was the first u s. Explorer 1 fast facts. A quick response to the soviet union s launch of sputnik 1 explorer 1 s success marked the beginning of the u s.

Explorer 1 became the first successfully launched satellite by the united states when it was sent to space on january 31 1958. At a jubilant early morning press conference a few hours later pickering von braun and van allen hoisted a model of explorer 1 over their heads in what has become an iconic photograph. 31 1958 from cape canaveral fla. Participation in the international geophysical year.

The soviet union s sputnik 1 and 2 beginning the cold war space race between the two nations. Explorer 1 was launched on january 31 1958 at 22 48 eastern time atop the first juno booster from lc 26 at the cape canaveral missile annex in florida. The mission followed the first two satellites the previous year. The original science robot.

January 31 1958 launch. March 31 1970 burned up on re entry over pacific ocean. 10 things to know about explorer 1 america s first satellite. Explorer 1 followed a looping flight path that orbited earth once every 114 minutes.