Vanguard SLV-1

Vanguard SLV-1
The launch of Vanguard SLV-1, which failed at second-stage burnout.
NamesVanguard Space Launch Vehicle-1
Mission typeInternational Geophysical Year
OperatorNaval Research Laboratory
Mission durationFailed to orbit
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftVanguard 2B
Spacecraft typeVanguard
ManufacturerNaval Research Laboratory
Launch mass9.75 kg (21.5 lb)
Dimensions50.8 cm (20.0 in) of diameter
Start of mission
Launch date28 May 1958, 03:46:20 GMT
RocketVanguard SLV-1
Launch siteCape Canaveral, LC-18A
ContractorGlenn L. Martin Company
End of mission
Decay dateFailed to orbit
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit (planned)
RegimeMedium Earth orbit
Perigee altitude655 km
Apogee altitude3970 km
Inclination34.20°
Period134.0 minutes

Vanguard SLV-1, also called Vanguard Satellite Launch Vehicle-1 was hoped to be the second successful flight of the American Vanguard rocket following the successful launch of the Vanguard 1 satellite on rocket Vanguard TV-4 in March 1958.