Satellite · Technology · United States
Vanguard 1
Operated by U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
SatellitesRetired (still in orbit)Launched 1958
Imagery
KSC-58PD-06149A
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Waiting for the Vanguard 1 launch.
1958
NASA/Kennedy · NASA media (public domain)
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
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- 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.