Vanguard Project History

Rockefeller’s statement reflects that, despite great confidence, Washington was aware of the conflict emerging. A development in American science would directly counteract one in Soviet science (and vice versa). The military connotations of these developments were also understood, as military review of the program noted its potential in ballistic use. It was understood that the Vanguard project’s significance lay far beyond the physical satellite it planned to place in orbit. Vanguard, by 1957, was off to a slow start. The first satellite launch facility was only built that year in Cape Canaveral, Florida (Naval Research Laboratory), and TV-2, only the third test vehicle for stage one, was being tested. It was at this time when project
Lyndon B. Johnson, Senate preparedness Subcommittee chairman, immediately began a “full, complete, and exhaustive inquiry into the state of the nation’s satellite and missile efforts (Lyndon B. Johnson quoted in Vanguard – A History).” The Vanguard project had received ultimate priority in military initiatives and, as a result, received a needed boost in men, materials, and money. This drastic increase in effort on the part of everyone involved had culminated in greater testing and development of Vanguard project rockets. Despite multiple failures throughout 1957 and 1958, their efforts culminated in a successful launch on January 31st, 1958. Explorer 1 left the launch pad at cape Canaveral and, at last, the United States had proven their worth in space exploration (Office of the Historian). Despite their eventual success, the political ramifications of “losing” the first milestone of the space race were lasting. The United States had developed newfound conviction in the space race, now aware of their adversaries’ potential; additionally, the creation of NASA had cemented space exploration’s place in the US government and budget. The United States’ delayed reaction, only prioritizing space exploration after the Soviet display of their technology, highlighted the competitive nature of the nation. Had the Soviets not succeeded
Not only was the mission a landmark in science and technology, but American pride. Neil Armstrong’s famous quote, “one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind” has since been engraved into the American vernacular as a symbol of American ingenuity and achievement. The American flag placed on the moon was the nail in the coffin of the Soviet’s effort to make it there first. The moon had been claimed not only by the United States, but also by democracy itself. After Apollo 11, a new kind of superstar emerged: the astronaut. After emerging from their post-reentry quarantine, Collins, Armstrong, and Aldrin were welcomed back with open arms by the American people. President Nixon made use of the men’s status as symbols of national pride to help ease domestic tensions boiling over by sending the astronauts on a national and world tour. Just as the soviets had flaunted their accomplishment after Sputnik, the United States did not miss the opportunity to boast. The astronauts toured the world as symbols of American values: freedom and