Explorer 1

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Explorer 1 blasted off on January 31, 1958, marking a historic moment for the United States as it launched its first satellite into space. The launch came hot on the heels of the Soviet Union's Sputnik 1, which had taken to the skies on October 4, 1957, sending shockwaves across the globe. In response, the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency was tasked with launching a satellite using its Jupiter C rocket, designed by Dr. Wernher von Braun. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory took on the challenge of building and operating the artificial satellite that would serve as the rocket's payload, delivering a stunning achievement in just under three months.