How big was the Explorer 1?

Answer 1

After several earlier failed attempts, Explorer 1 was launched on January 31,

1958, and became the first US satellite that actually succeeded in achieving

Earth orbit.

Explorer 1 revolved around Earth in a looping orbit that took it as close as 354 km

(220 mi.) to Earth and as far as 2,515 km (1,563 mi.). It made one orbit every

114.8 minutes, or a total of 12.54 orbits per day.

Explorer 1 made its final transmission on May 23, 1958. It entered Earth's

atmosphere and burned up on March 31, 1970, after more than 58,000 orbits.

The satellite weighed 14 kg (30.8 lb).

The satellite itself was the third stage of the launch vehicle. A cylinder shape,

looking exactly like a small rocket, it was 94.6 centimeters (37.25 inches) long

and 16.5 centimeters (6.5 inches) in diameter. Its total length, complete with

attached rocket motor, was 2.05 meters (80.75 inches)

Answer 2

Explorer 1 was a 30.8-pound satellite that measured about 6 feet long and 6.25 inches in diameter.