Vanguard 1

Overview

An early U.S. technology and science satellite — the oldest human-made object still in orbit, and the first satellite to use solar cells.

Knowledge connections

• OrbitMedium Earth Orbit (MEO)

Sources

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

• NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration

  Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.

  Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.