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Sputnik, Explorer, and the Dawn of the Space Age

During the International Geophysical Year (1957–1958), the Soviet Union and the United States vied with one another to launch a satellite into space. The Soviets were the first to achieve this goal with the launch of Sputnik on October 5, 1957. America's first successful launch happened a few months later with the launch of Explorer 1 on January 31, 1958.

Juno II was a part of America's effort to increase its capability to lift heavier satellites into orbit. One payload...
Workers installing the Explorer VII satellite on the Juno II booster.
The Juno II launch vehicle, shown here, was a modified Jupiter Intermediate-Range Ballistic missionile, developed by Dr. Wernher von Braun...
The Juno II launch vehicle on the launch pad
The ignition of Juno II (AM-19A). Juno II (AM-19) successfully placed a physics and astronomy satellite, Explorer VII, in orbit...
The Explorer VII mission begins with the launch of a Juno II rocket on October 13, 1959.
The Vangard III satellite to study the magnetic field and radiation belt in orbit. NASA successfully launched Vanguard III (SLV-7)...
View of the Vanguard III satellite against the backdrop of a deep blue sky.
Launch of a three-stage Vanguard (SLV-7) from Cape Canaveral, Florida, September 18, 1959. Designated Vanguard III, the 100-pound satellite was...
The SLV-7 rocket lifts off from the launch pad at night carrying the Vanguard III satellite.
The launch of Thor/Able 3 launch vehicle on August 6, 1959, from the Atlantic Missile Range. The payload was Explorer...
Launch of Explorer VI mission in 1959
In this photograph, the lunar and planetary exploration satellite, Pioneer III, is being prepared for installation to Juno II (AM-11)...
Pioneer III is being prepared for launch
The idea behind a communications satellite is simple: send a signal into space, and send it back down to another...
50 Years of Communications in Space
On July 1, 1960, the Army Ballistic Missile Agency was officially transferred to NASA, creating the Marshall Space Flight Center.
This week in 1960, the Army Ballistic Missile Agency was officially transferred to NASA, creating the Marshall Center.
Project Echo was launched. Echo originally started as a 30 inch balloon for the payload of Vanguard to observe atmospheric...
August 1960 - Project Echo Launched
PRESIDENT DWIGHT EISENHOWER VISIT TO MSFC FOR THE DEDICATION OF THE CENTER.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower during tour of Marshall with NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan (left).
President Dwight D. Eisenhower during tour of Marshall with NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan (left).
President Dwight D. Eisenhower and MSFC Director Dr. Wernher von Braun with various other dignitaries at the Redstone Arsenal airfield.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Dr. Wernher von Braun with various other dignitaries at the Redstone Arsenal airfield.
Dr. Wernher von Braun (right) briefs President Dwight D. Eisenhower (center) on a model of the Saturn I vehicle at...
Dr. Wernher von Braun (right) briefs President Dwight D. Eisenhower (center) on a model of the Saturn I vehicle at Marshall.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower (left) arriving at Redstone Arsenal for the dedication of Marshall Space Flight Center. Also pictured from...
President Dwight D. Eisenhower (left) arriving at Redstone Arsenal for the dedication of Marshall Space Flight Center.
Dr. Wernher von Braun (right) briefs President Dwight D. Eisenhower (center) at Marshall with NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan (left).
Dr. Wernher von Braun (right) briefs President Dwight D. Eisenhower (center) at Marshall with T. Keith Glennan (left).