Program archive

Foundational Satellites

Sputnik 1, Explorer 1, and Vanguard 1 established artificial Earth orbit, space science, tracking, solar power, and the institutional momentum that created modern space programs.

Missions: 3
People: 0
Vehicles: 3

Explore this program

Choose a path through the Foundational Satellites archive.

Currently viewing · Spacecraft

Foundational Satellites spacecraft

3 mission-specific spacecraft and test articles, plus 0 launch systems and shared hardware records.

Showing vehicles 1–3 of 3SortPer Page

Robotic spacecraft missionOctober 4, 1957

Sputnik 1

Sputnik 1 supported Sputnik 1 in the Sputnik program.

SatelliteFebruary 1, 1958 UTC

Explorer 1

Explorer 1 was the first successful United States satellite.

Geodetic and space-environment research satelliteMarch 17, 1958

Vanguard 1

Vanguard 1 was the second successful United States satellite and the first spacecraft powered by solar cells.