Posted on 06/22/2016 4:28:52 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Vanguard 1 was the fourth satellite launched into space and the first that was solar powered. It was also, perhaps, the most successful of the early satellites. Though Vanguard 1 weighed in at a paltry 3.2 pounds, it remained operational for 2,200 days, and took readings from space which showed that the Earth is slightly pear-shaped. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev derided Vanguard as "the grapefruit satellite" (probably out of jealousy). Vanguard 1 remains in orbit to this day, making it the oldest manmade satellite in space.
(Excerpt) Read more at realclearscience.com ...
Vanguard is still in orbit!
Wow!
All pretty primitive compared to satellites today. The SIRIUS radio satellites have the greatest total power density on the surface of the Earth of any satellite system.
Y wing fighters always looked pretty strange to me...
In what way is Vanguard I “odd looking”? That’s like calling George Washington an “odd looking” President. I was alive when Vanguard I went up, and that picture is seared in my memory as the true and proper image of a satellite.
It is space junk today. I expect that the EPA is trying to figure out a way to fine the citizens whose tax money paid for this litter.
The Echo satellite concept is particularly cool. I expect it may be resurrected, someday.
Communication systems have bounced signals off the moon too.
I saw something on Haleakala like that.
Vanguard is still in orbit!
It is space junk today.
...
It will be in orbit for almost another 200 years. Somebody will grab it one of these days.
We now have inflatable space station modules. Similar to Echo but for a different purpose.
I fell a song coming on. ( You can skip the ad. ) The "Soviet Sputnik" is mentioned, but not Vanguard. Such is glory.
what about V’Ger
My dad, Roger Easton, designed Vanguard 1 (and then helped create GPS). The first six seconds of this video show Vanguard 1 a week or two before its launch outside our home in Oxon Hill, Md. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msLSW1U1t1U
I’m wearing the red coat. The website for my book on GPS is www.gpsdeclassified.com
How are these odd in looks?
Very simple shapes mostly, and what I expect!
That is so cool. Free Republic has the finest people on earth! Or in space! Thanks for that story.
Vanguard 1 Launch date March 17, 1958, 12:15:41 UTC
Wow! It’s been up there 58 years!
If you really think about it, a spacesuit is an inflatable module. They just made it room size. ;-)
That’s very cool! You’re so lucky!
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