Project "Relic"
Capturing and returning Vanguard 1 (1958-002B / NORAD 00005)—the oldest human-made object in space—back to the United States in December 2033 for its 75th orbital anniversary.
Vanguard 1: Humanity's Oldest Orbital Artifact
Launched on March 17, 1958 from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 18A aboard a three-stage Vanguard TV-4 rocket, Vanguard 1 was the fourth artificial Earth orbital satellite in history—following the Soviet Union's Sputnik 1, Sputnik 2, and the United States' Explorer 1.
While Sputnik 1, Sputnik 2, and Explorer 1 all re-entered and burned up in Earth's atmosphere within months or years, Vanguard 1 was placed into a high elliptical Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) (654 km × 3,969 km at a 34.25° inclination), having traveled over 6.6 billion miles across more than 250,000 revolutions of Earth. As a result, Vanguard 1 and its upper stage remain the oldest human-made objects in space.
Designed and built by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Vanguard 1 was the first spacecraft to use solar power in orbit (six silicon solar cells produced by Bell Laboratories), transmitting telemetry until May 1964 and proving that Earth is slightly pear-shaped (oblate asymmetry).
Target Spacecraft Profile
- Official Designations: COSPAR ID
1958-002B| SATCAT / NORAD ID00005 - Owner / Builder: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)
- Dimensions & Mass: 16.3 cm (6.4 in) diameter aluminum sphere | 1.47 kg (3.24 lb)
- Appendages: Six 30 cm (12 in) spring-deployed aluminum-alloy dipole antennas
- Orbit Regime: Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), 654 km perigee × 3,969 km apogee, 34.25° inclination, ~134.2-minute period
- Operational Status: Radio-silent since May 1964; optically and radar tracked continuously for 67+ years
- Target Recovery Date: December 2033 (75th Orbital Anniversary Year)
The Vanguard 1 Recovery Initiative
SingularOrbit's flagship heritage demonstration, Project Relic, will execute two orbital precursor test flights followed by a multi-phase rendezvous in Medium Earth Orbit to inspect Vanguard 1, assess its overall condition, and enclose it safely inside our Orbital Capture Vehicle (OCV) for atmospheric re-entry and recovery in December 2033.
- 01. Orbital Reconnaissance & Assessment: High-resolution optical and LIDAR fly-around inspections to determine Vanguard 1's structural integrity, spin rate, and surface weathering after seven decades in MEO.
- 02. Non-Contact Precision Capture: Matching the target's attitude and encapsulating the 6.4-inch sphere and its six protruding 12-inch antennas inside a cushioned, pressurized return vault without mechanical grappling stress.
- 03. Controlled Earth Return: De-orbit burn, thermal-protected atmospheric re-entry, and precision parafoil/parachute recovery.
Preserving Humanity's Oldest Space Artifact
In collaboration with space historians, materials scientists, and museum curators, SingularOrbit is committed to ensuring Vanguard 1 completes its historic journey with full transparency and preservation rigor for display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) or NASA Kennedy Space Center.
Vanguard 1
Recovery Briefing.
Key technical, historical, and preservation answers regarding Project Relic and the December 2033 recovery of Vanguard 1.
Vanguard 1 capture, orbital heritage, and Smithsonian / NASA handover.
Why is SingularOrbit recovering Vanguard 1 in December 2033?
Launched by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory on March 17, 1958, Vanguard 1 (1958-002B) is the oldest artificial satellite still in space. December 2033 marks its 75th orbital anniversary year. SingularOrbit will execute two precursor demonstration flights before capturing Vanguard 1 with our Orbital Capture Vehicle (OCV) and returning it safely to the United States.
How will Vanguard 1 be captured without damaging its delicate antennas?
Because Vanguard 1 is uncooperative, unpowered, and features six protruding 12-inch antennas that have been exposed to space for nearly seven decades, our Orbital Capture Vehicle (OCV) uses precision optical/LIDAR relative navigation to match its spin and trajectory before enclosing the satellite inside a cushioned, pressurized return vault without mechanical grappling stress.
Where will Vanguard 1 be displayed after Earth return?
Following non-destructive materials analysis in partnership with the Naval Research Laboratory and aerospace historians, SingularOrbit intends to place Vanguard 1 on public display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Washington, D.C. or NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.