1958 in Science - Astronomy and Space Exploration

Astronomy and Space Exploration

  • January 4 - Sputnik 1 falls to Earth from its orbit and burns up (launched on October 4, 1957).
  • January 31 - The first successful American satellite, Explorer I, is launched into orbit.
  • February 5 - A backup for Vanguard TV3 fails to reach orbit.
  • February 11 - The strongest ever known solar maximum is recorded.
  • March 5 - Explorer 2 fails to reach orbit.
  • March 17 - Vanguard 1 becomes the first of its program to enter space, after three failed attempts.
  • March 26 - Explorer 3 is launched into orbit.
  • April 14 - Sputnik 2 re-enters Earth's atmosphere.
  • July 29 - The United States Congress formally creates the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
  • September 14 - Two rockets designed by Ernst Mohr (the first post-war German rockets) reach the upper atmosphere.

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