This is a full size replica of America’s second satellite. It’s still in orbit a should be for another2,000 years. Built by Retro Rocket/Jonpage Risque

Vanguard 1 is a historic artificial satellite that holds the distinction of being one of the first satellites ever launched into space. It was part of the United States’ Vanguard program, which aimed to explore and study Earth’s near-space environment. Here are key details about the Vanguard 1 satellite:

1. Launch Date: Vanguard 1 was launched on March 17, 1958. It was one of the early satellites launched during the early years of the Space Age.
2. Launch Vehicle: Vanguard 1 was launched into orbit atop a Vanguard rocket, specifically Vanguard TV-4.
3. Orbit: Vanguard 1 was placed in a nearly circular orbit around Earth at an altitude of approximately 654 miles (1,054 kilometers). It had an inclination of approximately 34.2 degrees, which means it orbited the Earth at a slight angle relative to the equator.
4. Mission Objectives: Vanguard 1 had several scientific objectives:
   • It was equipped with instruments to measure temperature, cosmic rays, and micrometeoroid impacts in Earth’s near-space environment.
   • It aimed to collect data on the density of the upper atmosphere.
   • Vanguard 1 also served as a test of the Vanguard rocket’s capabilities.
5. Scientific Instruments: The satellite carried three scientific instruments:
   • A radio transmitter for tracking and telemetry.
   • Two thermistors to measure the temperature in orbit.
   • Three antennas to measure the density of the Earth’s atmosphere.
6. Status: Vanguard 1 remained in orbit for many years, long outlasting its designed operational life. It continued to transmit data until May 1964, after which its radio transmitter was turned off. The satellite, however, continued to orbit the Earth and became one of the oldest human-made objects in space.
7. Legacy: Vanguard 1 is historically significant for several reasons:
   • It was the fourth human-made satellite to be launched into space, following the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1 and Sputnik 2 and the United States’ Explorer 1.
   • It provided valuable data on the Earth’s upper atmosphere and helped contribute to our understanding of the space environment.
   • Vanguard 1’s long life in orbit highlighted the persistence of space debris and the importance of space debris tracking and management.
8. Current Status: Vanguard 1 remains in orbit to this day. It is considered a piece of space debris and is tracked by space agencies to help prevent potential collisions with other satellites and spacecraft.

Vanguard 1’s successful launch and mission marked an important milestone in the early years of space exploration and contributed to scientific research in Earth’s near-space environment. It serves as a testament to the early efforts of spacefaring nations to explore and understand the cosmos.