The oldest human-made object still in space is a grapefruit-sized satellite from 1958
Launched in 1958, a small aluminum sphere known as Vanguard 1 remains the oldest human-made object in orbit, proving the long-term viability of solar power in space.
Vanguard 1 was a tiny satellite, weighing only 1.46 kilograms and measuring just six inches across. Despite its small size, it was a pioneer as the first satellite to be powered by solar cells. Its six small panels generated just five milliwatts of power, but that was enough to keep its beacon transmitting for over six years.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz