In the vastness of space, a small grapefruit-sized satellite called Vanguard 1, launched on March 17, 1958, continues its silent journey around our planet [1][2].

60 years in orbit for ‘grapefruit satellite’ – the oldest human object in space

Vanguard I has spent six decades in orbit, more than any other craft

This remarkable object, built by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, remains the oldest man-made object in space even though it stopped transmitting in 1964 [1][8].

What Is The Oldest Man Made Object In Earth Orbit - The Earth Images ...

What Was Really the First Man-Made Object in Space? - Inside Telecom

Its enduring orbit, tracked between roughly 650 km and nearly 4,000 km above Earth, offers us a glimpse into the dawn of human space exploration [12][14].

Today, Vanguard 1 stands as a timeless artifact, quietly circling our world and reminding us of humanity's early triumphs beyond our home [16][17].

This Scientist Spent Decades Cataloging 57,424 Man-Made Objects in Space

The Oldest Satellite

In the vastness of space, a small grapefruit-sized satellite called Vanguard 1, launched on March 17, 1958, continues its silent journey around our planet [1][2]. 
This remarkable object, built by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, remains the oldest man-made object in space even though it stopped transmitting in 1964 [1][8]. 
Its enduring orbit, tracked between roughly 650 km and nearly 4,000 km above Earth, offers us a glimpse into the dawn of human space exploration [12][14]. 
Today, Vanguard 1 stands as a timeless artifact, quietly circling our world and reminding us of humanity's early triumphs beyond our home [16][17]. 


What's the oldest man-made object in space?

Vanguard 1 - Wikipedia

a satellite in space with people standing on it

Vanguard 1 is the oldest satellite orbiting Earth. Scientists want to bring it home after 67 years

a satellite dish with a reflection of people

The Oldest Satellite

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