First Successful U.S. Rocket Launch into Space

Illustration showing characteristics of the Jupiter C launch vehicle and the Explorer I satellite

This illustration shows the main characteristics of the Jupiter C launch vehicle and its payload, the Explorer I satellite. The Jupiter C, America's first successful space vehicle, launched the free world's first scientific satellite, Explorer 1, into orbit on January 31, 1958.  The Explorer I satellite is attached to a single solid-propellant rocket motor, which served as the launch vehicle's fourth stage. 

Categories: Propulsion