Vanguard 1, launched on March 17, 1958, is the oldest human satellite still orbiting Earth, initially deployed by the US Navy shortly after the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1. This pioneering satellite, weighing only 3 pounds, was the first to utilize solar power and has been silently orbiting since its transmitter went silent in 1964. Recently, researchers proposed a plan to retrieve Vanguard 1 from its high elliptical orbit, making it the first spacecraft to be recovered from space decades after its launch.
Led by aerospace analyst Matt Bill, this mission aims to assess the satellite’s condition and potentially capture it for return to Earth, where it could be displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. This recovery would not only serve historical and educational purposes but also allow scientists to study the effects of long-term space exposure on its materials and technology.
Despite generating interest in the scientific community, the mission currently lacks official support. Funders like private investors with a historical interest might be necessary due to the precision required for the challenging navigational demands of such operations. Ultimately, the mission stands as a homage to early space exploration and the engineers who contributed to it.
Source link
