Mar 17 1958

From The Space Library

Second U.S.-IGY satellite, VANGUARD I, launched into orbit with life expectancy of perhaps a 1,000 years, a highly successful scientific satellite which proved that the earth is slightly pear shaped. Operating on solar-powered batteries, it was still transmitting after 3 years in orbit.

An experiment testing the behavior of crews under conditions of long confinement was concluded at Wright Air Development Center, as five Air Force officers ended a 5-day simulated space flight.