Explorer 1 - Umbilical cord segment from America's first satellite launch

Item: Explorer 1 - Umbilical cord segment from America's first satellite launch
Size: Size: 11.3 x 14.5 cm (presentation. 3 x 2.5 cm (fragment)

Description: The segment of umbilical cord was removed from the pictured umbilical cord.

The above rod and spring was used to eject the boom, plug and umbilical cable from the Jupiter C booster on 31 January 1958, during the first successful launch of an American satellite, Explorer 1. This is the last thing on earth to have touched the Jupiter C booster that launched Explorer 1.

This umbilical cord was used to provide emergency cut-off in the event the booster rose slightly but had insufficient thrust to take off.

Explorer 1 was designed and built by JPL under the direction of Dr. William Pickering.
The instrumentation contained within the satellite was designed by Dr. James Van Allen of the University of Iowa and comprised a Geiger counter that measured charged particles. THis led to the discovery of the radiation belt around the earth later named the Van Allen radiation belt.

It is believed that the original piece of umbilical cord is the only remaining piece of Explorer 1 umbilical cord in existence. A hugely significant historical artifact that marks the start of the Space Race.

From the Collection of Terrence McDonnell, and obtained through Been in Space.