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Explorer 1 launch
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Explorer 1 launch
Explorer 1 launch. Explorer 1, Americas first successful artificial satellite, being launched by a Jupiter-C rocket from Cape Canaveral (now Kennedy Space Centre), Florida, USA, on 31 January 1958. Explorer 1 was launched after the USSR took the USA by surprise by launching the worlds first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, on 4 October 1957. The rocket-shaped satellite, which weighed 14 kilograms, was housed in the nose cone of the rocket. It orbited Earth at heights of between 360 kilometres and 2520 kilometres until 31 March 1970. It carried a geiger counter, used to detect cosmic rays. Data collected by the satellite led to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belt, a torus of charged particles held in place by the Earths magnetic field
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Media ID 6443319
© NASA/VRS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1950s 31 January 1958 Artificial Satellite Blast Off Blasting Off Cape Canaveral Cosmic Ray Research Explorer 1 Florida International Geophysical Year Jet Propulsion Laboratory Juno Kennedy Space Centre Launch Launcher Launching Nasa North American Rocket Satellite 1958 Alpha Space Flight Space Race Us A Van Allen Radiation Belt
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This print captures the historic moment of the Explorer 1 launch, marking America's first successful artificial satellite. On January 31,1958, amidst the backdrop of Cape Canaveral (now Kennedy Space Centre) in Florida, USA, a Jupiter-C rocket propels Explorer 1 into space. This event unfolded shortly after the USSR astounded the world with their pioneering launch of Sputnik 1 on October 4,1957. The rocket-shaped satellite weighed a mere 14 kilograms and resided within the protective nose cone during its journey. It embarked on an orbit around Earth at altitudes ranging from 360 to an astonishing 2520 kilometers until March 31,1970. Equipped with a geiger counter for cosmic ray detection purposes, this groundbreaking mission led to one of humanity's most significant discoveries - unveiling the existence of the Van Allen radiation belt encircling our planet. This image not only symbolizes American technological prowess but also represents a pivotal moment in history known as the Space Race between superpowers during the mid-20th century. The launch itself showcases remarkable advancements in aerospace engineering and signifies mankind's relentless pursuit of knowledge beyond our earthly boundaries. Preserved by Science Photo Library as part of their extensive collection documenting scientific achievements throughout time, this photograph serves as a testament to human ingenuity and exploration that continues to shape our understanding of space today.
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