Dec. 6, 1957: Vanguard TV3 explodes

<p>On Dec. 6, 1957, the Naval Research Laboratory attempted to launch Vanguard Test Vehicle 3, an answer to Sputnik and part of the American effort to put a satellite in orbit during the International Geophysical Year (July 1957-December 1958). Vanguard TV3 was diminutive, weighing only 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) and only 6 inches (15.24 centimeters)<a class="more-link" href="https://www.astronomy.com/today-in-the-history-of-astronomy/dec-6-1957-vanguard-tv3-explodes/">Continue reading <span class="screen-reader-text">"Dec. 6, 1957: Vanguard TV3 explodes"</span></a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.astronomy.com/today-in-the-history-of-astronomy/dec-6-1957-vanguard-tv3-explodes/">Dec. 6, 1957: Vanguard TV3 explodes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.astronomy.com">Astronomy Magazine</a>.</p>