SPUTNIK 1 (replica) and EXPLORER 1
	(backup)
    First Artificial Satellites
    
    
    
    
    Hanging above are copies of the first artificial satellites to orbit the Earth.
    Sputnik 1 was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, and Explorer 1
    was launched by the United States on January 31, 1958.
    
    
    
    Sputnik 1 operated for 22 days, providing information about internal and
    external temperatures and atmospheric and electron densities at high altitudes.
    Explorer 1 operated for 105 days, transmitting data on micrometeoroids, cosmic
    radiation, and internal and external temperatures.  Data obtained from Explorer
    1 and Explorer 3 (launched in March 1958) revealed the existence of the Van Allen
    radiation belts.  This was the first major scientific discovery of the
    space age.
    
    
    
    Sputnik 1 on loan from the Science in Russia Exhibition of National
    Achievement
    
    
    
    Explorer 1 transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the National
    Aeronautics and Space Administration
    
    
    
    
    
    | Explorer 1 | 
    
      | Length (with rocket): | 
      203 cm (80 in) | 
    
    
      | Diameter: | 
      15 cm (6 in) | 
    
    
      | Weight: | 
      13.9 kg (30.7 lb) | 
    
    
      | Launch vehicle: | 
      Jupiter-C
      (Juno I) | 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    | Sputnik 1 | 
    
      | Diameter: | 
      58 cm (23 in) | 
    
    
      | Weight: | 
      83.6 kg (184 lb) | 
    
    
      | Launch vehicle: | 
      A 1 Sputnik |