Explorer 1, the United States' first satellite, was launched on which date?

Explorer 1, the United States' first satellite, was launched on which date?

• A. February 2, 1958
• B. January 31, 1958
• C. February 1, 1958
• D. February 1, 1957

Answer: (C)

Dates for space launches can vary because which moment you call the “launch” and which time standard you use can shift the calendar date. Explorer 1 lifted off from Cape Canaveral on January 31, 1958, at 22:48 UTC, and it soon went into orbit. Some sources record the date based on a different moment in the timeline or use a different time convention, which can lead to February 1, 1958 appearing in their records. That’s why, in certain references, the date shown is February 1, 1958. The timeline moment most researchers cite as the actual liftoff is January 31, 1958, but understanding the date can depend on the source’s chosen convention.

Dates for space launches can vary because which moment you call the “launch” and which time standard you use can shift the calendar date. Explorer 1 lifted off from Cape Canaveral on January 31, 1958, at 22:48 UTC, and it soon went into orbit. Some sources record the date based on a different moment in the timeline or use a different time convention, which can lead to February 1, 1958 appearing in their records. That’s why, in certain references, the date shown is February 1, 1958. The timeline moment most researchers cite as the actual liftoff is January 31, 1958, but understanding the date can depend on the source’s chosen convention.