Vanguard 1
Vanguard 1 is an early American satellite launched in 1958, notable for being the oldest human-made object still in orbit.
Also known as: Vanguard I
How big is it?
16.5 cm across
Satellite body diameter · specified
A little perspective
About the same scale as Geoduck.
Geoduck: A geoduck is a large burrowing marine clam with a comparatively small shell and a very long siphon.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Vanguard 1
Vanguard 1 is a 16.5 cm diameter aluminium sphere with a launch mass of 1.474 kg. Its six antenna rods extend beyond the calibrated spherical body diameter.
The marked satellite body diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Geoduck
A defined Pacific geoduck with a 17 cm shell and 1.2 kg live mass. The long siphon can extend far beyond the shell and is shown for identity, but shell length is the calibrated span.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — Geoduck
The marked defined shell length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 16.5 cm
For comparison, this page uses satellite body diameter. The record labels this value specified, so the stated convention rather than an inferred average controls the comparison.
Vanguard 1 is a 16.5 cm diameter aluminium sphere with a launch mass of 1.474 kg. Its six antenna rods extend beyond the calibrated spherical body diameter.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Vanguard 1 dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16.5 cm | Not recorded | specified | |
| 1.474 kg | Not recorded | specified |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · Everyday thingsBroccoli head16 cmA broccoli head is the compact, edible crown of the broccoli plant, consisting of clustered green flower buds.
Around the same scale · PeopleHuman brain15 cmThe human brain is the organ that processes sensory information and coordinates thought, memory, movement and many body functions.
Nearest higher value · Living thingsGeoduck17 cmA geoduck is a large burrowing marine clam with a comparatively small shell and a very long siphon.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA NSSDC — Vanguard 1Satellite body diameter, mass, antenna configuration and mission context.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
SpaceSputnik 158 cmSputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite launched into Earth orbit by the Soviet Union in 1957.
SpaceExplorer 12.03 mExplorer 1 was the first satellite launched by the United States, carrying scientific instruments to study Earth's radiation environment.Living thingsGeoduck17 cmA geoduck is a large burrowing marine clam with a comparatively small shell and a very long siphon.Everyday thingsBroccoli head16 cmA broccoli head is the compact, edible crown of the broccoli plant, consisting of clustered green flower buds.PeopleHuman brain15 cmThe human brain is the organ that processes sensory information and coordinates thought, memory, movement and many body functions.
SportDisc golf driver21.1 cmA disc golf driver is a specialised flying disc designed for long-distance throws in the sport of disc golf.
Everyday thingsCauliflower head18 cmA cauliflower head is the dense, edible white curd of the cauliflower plant, formed by undeveloped flower buds.
Living thingsFeather star15 cmA feather star is a marine crinoid with multiple feathery arms used for filter feeding and movement on the sea floor.