Born on March 17
Vanguard 1 Takes Off
The oldest satellite still circling.
Next: March 17, 2027
Where it comes from
This Story marks the anniversary of 17 March 1958, when the US Naval Research Laboratory launched Vanguard 1, a shiny aluminium sphere just 16.5 centimetres across.
How it's celebrated
There is no formal observance, but the Naval Research Laboratory has marked its big anniversaries. On a clear evening it is a good day to step outside after dusk and watch for satellites crossing the sky, and to remember that one of the first, no bigger than a grapefruit, is still among them.
Did you know
Vanguard 1 was about the size of a grapefruit and light enough to carry in one hand.
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