Explorer 1
AgencyABMA/JPL
Year1958
TypeEarth orbit
RocketJuno I
CountryUSA
About the Mission
The first American satellite, launched January 31, 1958. Discovered the Van Allen radiation belts, the first major scientific find of the space age. Built in under 3 months by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Its cosmic ray instrument was designed by James Van Allen himself. Restored American confidence after the Sputnik shocks.
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