Let's Learn About Satellites!
 | History of Satellites Over the ages, man has marveled at the moon, concepts and ideas within space. History would be forever changed and affected within the years following 1952. In this year, the International Council of Scientific Unions collaborated and determined that the next years within space would be ultimately powerful for the nation to learn more about the planet. In July of 1955 the White House officially announced that plans were being established to launch the first ever ‘Earth orbiting satellite’ for the coming International Geophysical Year (IGY). The first attempt made by the United States in September of 1955, Vanguard, sadly failed. The satellite burst into flames and never left the ground. This disheartening for the scientific team but they pursued. Science drew more attention and captured more minds than ever when the USSR successfully sent Sputnik I into orbit, October of 1957. Within this same year, a second Sputnik was sent into space. This time, however, the satellite carried a precious little dog named Laika (History). The American public marveled in the accomplishment, but also grew increasingly scared. Citizens worried that bombs would be dropped upon them from space, that the satellite was spying on them and preparing locations for occupying the US. The science teams in America ‘got down to business’ and called in the professional assistance of Doctor Wernher Von Braun along with his team. One year later, Americans were relieved and excited to see Explorer launch into orbit in January of 1958. To further lift the spirits of not only the public, but also Dr. Braun’s team, the satellite discovered magnetic radiation belts around the Earth (Launius). Out of all the excitement and attention on science grew the birth of NASA: the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in October of 1958. The Space Age and all its achievements continued to grow and expand in numerous ways. In the 1960’s the first TIROS, Television and Infrared Observation Satellite entered Earth’s orbit to send back information regarding the ever-changing weather. In the next ten years, a new breed of satellite was sent into space to show us more about the changing landscape and surfaces of Earth (Geographic). Records are showing us that along with our growth as a global unit, the satellites grow with us. Sputnik was the size of a basketball (surprisingly) and today, we have satellites as small as the palm of your hand making their journey around our planet. |
