AI overview
Explorer 1 was the first satellite launched by the United States, sent into orbit in 1958 during the Space Race with the Soviet Union. It mattered because it demonstrated American capability in space technology and carried instruments that made important scientific discoveries, including detecting the radiation belts around Earth.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Names
- Explorer I, 1958 Alpha 1
- Mission type
- Earth science
- Operator
- JPL / ABMA
- Harvard designation
- 1958 Alpha 1
- Cospar id
- 1958-001A
- Satcat number span no
- 00004
- Mission duration
- 120 days (planned), 111 days (achieved)
- Spacecraft
- Explorer I
- Spacecraft type
- Science Explorer
- Bus
- Explorer 1
- Manufacturer
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Launch mass
- 13.97 kg (30.8 lb)
- Dimensions