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Explorer 1

Occurred 66 years ago

In the mid-1950s the Cold War was running hot. The U.S. and U.S.S.R. each sought to gain an edge over the other with new technologies and weapons developed during World War II and in the burgeoning Atomic Age. The competition to put a satellite into orbit ― a goal of the International Geophysical Year (IGY), which ran from July 1, 1957 to Dec. 31, 1958 ― was particularly intense. Explorer 1 was the first satellite launched by the United States when it was sent into space on January 31, 1958.

Mission Type

First Satellite

Partners

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Launch

Jan. 31, 1958

last transmission

May 23, 1958
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Explorer 1 Overview

Explorer 1 was the first satellite launched by the United States when it was sent into space on January 31,…

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The Science

The science section of the satellite, designed by University of Iowa physicist James Van Allen, was relatively straightforward.

The main instruments were a cosmic-ray detection package; internal, external and nose-cone temperature sensors; a micrometeorite impact microphone; a ring of micrometeorite erosion gauges; and two transmitters.

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This image is a cutaway illustration of the Explorer I satellite with callouts.
Cutaway illustration of the Explorer I satellite
NASA
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Story of Explorer 1

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union surprised the world with the launch of a 23-inch-diameter, 184-pound ball designated Sputnik…

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Stories of Missions Past: Early Explorers

On September 29, 2011, NASA announced the short list for five potential new “Explorer class” spacecraft. These missions are by…

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Fast Facts

Need the quick rundown on Explorer 1? Check out this Fast Facts page.

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Launch of Explorer 1 on the Juno rocket
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