This full size replica built by Retro Rcket/Jonpage Risque is in the configuration of it’s first successful satellite launch for America.

Explorer 1 is a historic artificial satellite that marked the United States’ entry into the era of space exploration. It was the first successful U.S. satellite and played a crucial role in the early years of space research. Here are key details about the Explorer 1 satellite:

1. Launch Date: Explorer 1 was launched on January 31, 1958, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This date marked the beginning of the Space Age for the United States.
2. Launch Vehicle: Explorer 1 was launched into orbit atop a Jupiter-C rocket, which was a modified version of the U.S. Army’s Redstone rocket.
3. Mission Objectives: Explorer 1 was part of the U.S. response to the Soviet Union’s successful launch of Sputnik 1 and Sputnik 2, which were the world’s first artificial satellites. The primary objectives of Explorer 1 were:
   • To conduct scientific experiments in Earth’s upper atmosphere.
   • To measure and study cosmic rays in space.
4. Scientific Instruments: Explorer 1 carried several scientific instruments, including:
   • A cosmic ray detector, designed by Dr. James Van Allen, to measure cosmic rays and radiation in space.
   • A temperature sensor to monitor the satellite’s internal conditions.
   • A micrometeoroid impact detector to record data on tiny particles in space.
5. Discoveries: Explorer 1 made significant discoveries, including the detection of the Van Allen radiation belts, which are regions of charged particles (mainly electrons and protons) trapped by Earth’s magnetic field. The discovery of these radiation belts revolutionized our understanding of Earth’s space environment.
6. Satellite’s Name: Explorer 1 was originally known as “Project Alpha” before its launch. Following its successful launch, it was officially named “Explorer 1” in keeping with the U.S. tradition of using the term “Explorer” for its early spacecraft.
7. Legacy: Explorer 1’s successful launch and scientific discoveries marked a historic achievement for the United States in the early days of space exploration. It was a significant response to the Soviet Union’s Sputnik program and the beginning of the U.S. space program, which eventually led to the establishment of NASA.
8. Current Status: Explorer 1 re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and burned up on March 31, 1970. However, its scientific contributions and the data it collected during its mission continue to influence space research and exploration.

Explorer 1’s legacy is not only its status as the first successful U.S. satellite but also its scientific discoveries, which had a profound impact on our understanding of the Earth’s space environment. It marked the start of an era of scientific exploration beyond Earth’s atmosphere and paved the way for future space missions.