Explorer-I, officially known as Satellite 1958 Alpha, was the first United States earth satellite and was sent aloft as part of the United States program for the International Geophysical Year 1957-1958. The satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 10:48 P.M. EST on 31 January 1958.

The 40th Anniversary of this event was commemorated by a special on-base ceremony and presentations, including a scale-model launch, at the CCAS AF Space and Missile museum.

The Museum maintains the blockhouse, launch services tower and launch pad from where Explorer 1 made history on that cool Florida night 40 years ago. There are also many other exhibits relating to the early history of America's reach into space.

Full color commemorative patches and T-Shirts, as well as food and drinks were available for purchase. Admission to the Museum is free.

The ceremony commemorated that 1958 launch with events including:

• A "Space Fair" among the more that 55 Rockets and Missiles on display in the outdoor rocket garden. Air Force squadrons, Aerospace companies, and several space-related organizations had exhibits and literature available for visitors.
• A formal program of guest speakers who were involved with the launch began at 11 AM.
• A model rocket launch with a replica of the Explorer 1 Satellite lifted off on schedule at 2 PM.
• The U.S. Post Office hand-canceled thousands of stamped envelopes with a specially designed Explorer 1 postmark.
• There were "Hoola Hoop" and trivia contests, along with the vintage 1958 antique cars on exhibit.
• Local Civilian and Air Force Amateur (Ham) Radio organizations participated in this event, as well.
  
  

  EXPLORER-I

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Al hartman's excellent unofficial Explorer I page!!
  

  
  
  

  (Page under Construction)