The oldest satellite orbiting Earth, Vanguard 1, is celebrating its 67th year in space. Launched by the US Navy on March 17, 1958, the microsatellite was designed to generate power using solar cells and has been continuously tracking our planet ever since. Scientists are now proposing a plan to bring it home after seven decades.
The satellite, weighing only three pounds, is about the size of a basketball and features an aluminum sphere with a 91-centimeter antenna span. Its silence in 1964 marked the end of its primary mission, but its location and orbit have been tracked by optical space surveillance sensors ever since.
A team led by aerospace engineer Matt Bille has proposed “how-to” options for an up-close look and possible retrieval of Vanguard 1. The study highlights the satellite’s value as a time capsule of the Space Age and could provide crucial insights into materials engineering, radiation effects, and more.
If recovered, Vanguard 1 would be taken to a lower orbit or the International Space Station to be repackaged for return to Earth. Experts believe that bringing it home would offer an unparalleled learning opportunity for the US space community, with potential applications in space station design and astronaut archaeology.
The mission’s feasibility has raised questions about who could fund such a costly endeavor. Private organizations, like Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, have already demonstrated their willingness to invest in historic artifacts. With its unique history and scientific value, Vanguard 1’s recovery is an intriguing prospect that may yet become a reality.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/vanguard-1-oldest-satellite-orbiting-130000710.html