US satellite into space | Techday, January 31st
On this TECHDAY in history, on January 31st 1958, Explorer 1 was the first satellite launched by the US. With the Explorer 1 the United States of Amrica participated among the many countries involved in the IGY (International Geophysical Year). The mission followed the first two Soviet Union satellites, launched in 1957; Sputnik 1 and 2. This began the Cold War Space Race between America and the Soviet Union.
The Explorer 1, with Satellite Catalog Number 00004 and Harvard Designation 1958 Alpha 1, was the first spacecraft to detect the Van Allen radiation belt. Fun fact, remained in orbit until 1970, for a total of 12 years. Amazing!
The satellite program began back in 1954 from a joint US Army and Navy proposal, called Project Orbiter. After the launch of Sputnik 1 the initial Project revived and launched the US satellite into space as well.
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Author: PC-GR
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