Explorer 1 - January 31, 1958

[ThoughtCriminal]

Launcehed at 10:48 pm EST, it was the first successful artificial satellite launch for the United States.


I'd also like to make a special tribute to my Dad, who worked on the project.

I also turn 50 this year!

[wtmusic]

1. Way cool. What did your dad do?

I just turned fifty last week. Welcome to the club.

:bounce: :toast: :bounce:

[ThoughtCriminal]

2. Without getting too specific

Some of the instrumentation on the Juno 1 launch vehicle.

When I was in the first grade, our teacher gave us an assignment to ask about our parent's work. Dad told me that he designed rockets. I thought that this meant that he was the person who painted the "Designs" on the side of the rockets.

It was a busy year for both of my parents. By my calculations, I was conceived the week that Sputnik 1 was launched.

[wtmusic]

3. Thanks

I have, to this day, a geekish fascination with the "space race" (I also have a collection of slide rules). Somewhat as a result of nostalgia, but also because it was a time when science was king.

[ThoughtCriminal]

4. Still have my slide rule

Even at 50-ish, we're probably among the youngest who actually used them.

[trof]

5. Still got my old E-6B from the air force.

circular slide rule

[wtmusic]

6. Yup

The last one made was a relatively cheap plastic one by Dietzgen in the 70's. When I bought the last box from the manufacturer, the sales rep asked me, "Why the hell do you want them?"

There are some beautiful old ones by Keuffel & Esser made of rosewood, and bamboo ones by Post. To be a successful engineer in the 50's you had to have your slide rule technique down. Back when three decimal places was good enough.

[ThoughtCriminal]

7. I've been wanting to get a classroom sliderule

The huge (4-foot) yellow ones that were used to teach a class how to use them. It would be great to put over the soafa in the living room. Occasionally show up on eBay, but the shipping costs put it over what I was willing to spend.

[wtmusic]

9. I remember those!

I'd love to get my hands on one, although collectors have probably sent the price through the roof.

[ReformedChris]

8. Thanks for referencing such an important event!

The Explorer 1 launch really salvaged the American Space Program after the Vanguard rocket disasters. If the beaurocrats at the time had let von Braun and the Huntsville team off their leash, we could have beaten the Russians to the 1st satellite. That picture with von Braun holding the satellite in triumph is still an icon of the space age.