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.
Read more about this topic: 1958 In Science
Famous quotes containing the words astronomy, space and/or exploration:
“It is noticed, that the consideration of the great periods and spaces of astronomy induces a dignity of mind, and an indifference to death.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“... the space left to freedom is very small. ... ends are inherent in human nature and the same for all.”
—Hannah Arendt (1906–1975)
“The future author is one who discovers that language, the exploration and manipulation of the resources of language, will serve him in winning through to his way.”
—Thornton Wilder (1897–1975)