Vanguard 3 played a significant role in the Space Race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Launched on September 18, 1959, from the Eastern Test Range of the Atlantic Missile Range at Cape Canaveral, it entered a geocentric orbit. The mission aimed to measure the Earth's magnetic field, solar X-ray radiation and its impact on the Earth's atmosphere, the near-Earth micrometeoroid environment, as well as the drag effects and density of the upper atmosphere. The spacecraft was equipped with a proton magnetometer, X-ray ionization chambers, radio transmitters, and various micrometeoroid detectors. The data collected provided a detailed survey of the Earth's magnetic field in the region, defined the lower boundary of the Van Allen radiation belt, and recorded micrometeoroid impacts. Vanguard 3 is expected to remain in orbit for about 300 years.
 |
| Vanguard 3 launch cover with Goldcraft cachet |
(Reference from
Vanguard 3)
