Vanguard 1
Operator | Naval Research Laboratory |
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COSPAR ID | 1958-002B |
SATCAT no. | 00005 |
Mission duration | Planned: 90 Days In Orbit: 66 years, 1 month and 13 days |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft | Vanguard 1 |
Manufacturer | United States Naval Research Laboratory |
Launch mass | 1.46 kg (3.2 lb) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | March 17, 1958 12:15:41 (UTC) |
Rocket | Vanguard TV-4 |
Launch site | Cape Canaveral Air Force Station LC-18A |
Deployed from | Vanguard 3rd Stage |
Deployment date | March 17, 1958, 12:26:51 (UTC) |
End of mission | |
Disposal | Decomissioned |
Last contact | May 2, 1964 |
Decay date | 2198 (Estimated) ~ 240 Years Orbital Lifetime |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric Orbit |
Vanguard 1 is an American satellite that was the fourth artificial Earth-orbiting satellite to be successfully launched, following Sputnik 1, Sputnik 2, and Explorer 1. it was launched 17 March 1958. Vanguard 1 was the first satellite to have solar electric power.