Have you ever pondered the origins of the space age? It is widely recognized that it commenced with a vigorous rivalry between the USSR and the United States. However, what was the nature of this rivalry when examining the specific spacecraft that were launched into space prior to 1960? Let us examine the first ten satellites to be launched into orbit.
The commencement of the space race
It is widely acknowledged that the first artificial Earth satellite was launched on October 5, 1957, marked by its characteristic “beep-beep-beep,” which initiated the space race between the USSR and the United States. Nonetheless, when examining this rivalry, it is common for individuals to immediately focus on Yuri Gagarin’s flight subsequent to this event, often only briefly referencing Belka and Strelka. Such discussions may inadvertently create the impression that no significant activities occurred in space between 1957 and 1961.
In fact, it was during this period that the most intense “duel” between the two countries occurred, as early as 1962, when the United Kingdom joined them, followed by other nations that subsequently launched their own satellites.
The first ten satellites were solely entrusted to two nations: the United States and the Soviet Union. Their launches occurred prior to 1960, representing a span of merely fifteen months. How did this development transpire?
1. Sputnik 1
The inaugural satellite, deployed into orbit on October 5, 1957, generated a significant global sensation, which at times escalated into outright panic. However, it was, in essence, a remarkably simple apparatus — a metal sphere measuring 58 centimeters in diameter, assembled from two hemispherical halves.
Inside, only batteries and a transmitter were present, while two pairs of antennas extended from the exterior — each measuring 2.9 meters in length — contributing to the spacecraft’s distinctive appearance. “Sputnik 1” remained in orbit until January 4, 1958, lasting approximately three months.
2. Sputnik 2
The second successful satellite in Earth’s orbit also belonged to the USSR. It was launched just one week after the first — on October 12, 1957. It was already much more complex than the first and was shaped like a cone, 4 meters tall and weighing 508 kg.
“Sputnik 2” encompassed more than merely a transmitter and scientific instruments. Within it was a diminutive container furnished with an air regeneration system. Enclosed therein was a passenger — a dog named Laika. She became the first living organism to journey beyond Earth.
Regarding Laika, her mission was inherently irreversible from the outset. Serhii Korolov, driven by the Soviet leadership’s strategic imperative to maintain dominance in the space race, consented to this mission despite the absence of a return system to Earth. Consequently, the plan was to euthanize the dog with a lethal injection prior to re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. However, this measure was ultimately unnecessary. During the initial orbits, the temperature within the compartment increased precipitously, leading to Laika’s death due to hyperthermia.
3. Explorer-1
On February 1, 1958, the United States successfully launched its inaugural satellite, which became the third spacecraft to orbit the Earth. Explorer-1 had a mass of merely 8.3 kg. Nonetheless, a decision was made not to detach it from the upper, fourth stage of the launch vehicle. Consequently, when combined with the launch vehicle, its total weight amounted to 21.5 kg.
Explorer-1 was launched into a considerably higher orbit than its Soviet predecessors, with an apogee reaching 2,550 km. Onboard were not only a transmitter but also scientific instruments, including a meteorite detector and a Geiger counter. It was the latter that facilitated the primary scientific discovery of the flight — detection of Earth’s radiation belts.
Due to its elevated orbit, the first American satellite remained in space significantly longer than its Soviet counterparts. It re-entered Earth’s atmosphere in 1970.
4. Vanguard-1
Following the successful deployment of Explorer-1, NASA proceeded to launch its second satellite. Vanguard-1, which was launched into space on March 17, 1958, was the smallest among the first ten satellites. It comprised a metal sphere measuring 16.5 centimeters in diameter, equipped with eight small rod antennas extending from it.
Vanguard-1 had a mass of only 1,474 grams; however, it contained not only the transmitter but also a Geiger counter, two thermometers, and two micrometeorite sensors. This achievement was made feasible by the fact that, during an era dominated by vacuum tubes, it was the first spacecraft to utilize semiconductor electronics.
However, what truly made Vanguard-1 remarkable was its orbit. It had an apogee of 3,969 km and a perigee of 654 km. It was precisely because of this orbit that the satellite remained in orbit even after it ceased to function. It remains the oldest man-made object in space to this day.
5. Explorer-3
Shortly following the triumph of Vanguard-1, Explorer-3 was launched into space on March 26, 1958. Its design was identical to that of the initial successful spacecraft in the series; in fact, it was not even separated from the rocket’s upper stage.
With an apogee of 2,799 km and a perigee of 186 km, it remained in orbit for a comparatively brief duration — 93 days. The primary accomplishment of Explorer 3 was to confirm the presence of Earth’s radiation belts. Furthermore, this mission enabled the United States to assume a leading position in the number of spacecraft successfully launched into orbit.
6. Sputnik 3
Subsequently, the Soviet Union once again endeavored to surpass the United States and even to forge ahead. On May 15, 1958, the launch of “Sputnik 3” into space was undertaken. In many respects, it bore a resemblance to “Sputnik 2.” It was fundamentally the same 3.75-meter-tall cone weighing 1,327 kilograms. However, instead of a canine, it housed a substantial array of scientific instruments.
“Sputnik 3” entered orbit with an apogee of 1,864 km and a perigee of 217 km, commencing the investigation of atmospheric composition at high altitudes, the Earth’s magnetic field, and high-energy particles originating from deep space. Notably, it was on this satellite that a solar flare was first documented outside Earth’s atmosphere.
Sputnik 3 was also the first spacecraft to be equipped with experimental solar panels. Consequently, it was able to maintain operational status even after its chemical batteries decommissioned. The spacecraft ultimately ceased operation on April 6, 1960.
7. Explorer-4
On July 26, 1958, the United States reestablished its leading position in the number of successfully launched spacecraft, with the launch of Explorer-4. Its design closely resembled that of preceding spacecraft in this series; however, it was equipped with a significantly more advanced system dedicated to the study of cosmic radiation. This system comprised up to four detectors.
Thanks to this spacecraft, the investigation of cosmic rays and solar flares was achieved. Communication with the spacecraft was maintained until October 5, 1958; however, it continued to remain in orbit for an additional year.
8. Pioneer-1
On October 11, 1958, the United States launched a spacecraft into space that, strictly speaking, should not have been included in this list. It was the Pioneer 1 space probe, designed to study the Moon.
Formally, the launch is regarded as successful, as the rocket did not experience an explosion during liftoff. However, it did not attain the planned trajectory. In actuality, it was a suborbital flight — a notably high and prolonged journey. Achieving an apogee of 113,854 km (equivalent to nearly one-third of the distance to the Moon), the flight persisted for a total of 43 hours.
This implies that during the Pioneer 1 mission, Earth completed more than one full rotation, rendering the question of whether to consider it equivalent to a satellite a subject of debate. Nonetheless, the mission was not without significance. For the first time, a point so distant from Earth was reached, enabling scientists to gather valuable information about the environment in that region, particularly concerning the presence of radiation hazardous to humans.
9. Pioneer-3
On December 6, 1958, the Pioneer 3 spacecraft was launched toward the Moon. Once again, it is challenging to definitively classify the launch as either a success or a failure. The rocket did not explode; however, it failed to deliver the spacecraft to its intended destination.
The event ultimately culminated in a 38-hour parabolic flight conducted at an altitude of 102,000 km. The classification of the craft as a satellite remains a subject of debate. However, the duration of the flight was sufficient to demonstrate the presence of a second radiation belt encircling Earth.
10. SCORE
Ultimately, on December 18, 1958, the United States inaugurated the Signal Communications by Orbiting Relay Equipment (SCORE) mission. This initiative marked the discovery of the world’s inaugural communications satellite. The satellite was equipped with two experimental transceivers, each capable of transmitting only a single telephone call at a time. The satellite remained operational in orbit for a period of 34 days, during which it was utilized as a relay for 13 days.
