Vanguard

Vanguard. 1957.

After the Soviet Union’s successful launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, in October, 1957, Americans citizens, press and political leaders clamored for the U.S. to become competitive in the space race, immediately.  Just two months after Sputnik, on December 6th, the U.S. Navy staged a second test of its Vanguard rocket, along with a satellite payload.  Unable to develop sufficient thrust, the rocket toppled over on the launch pad and blew up.  This Vanguard satellite was reassembled from surviving parts.