Space · agency
US Navy
GOVERNMENT
UNITED STATES
FOUNDED 1963
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About
The Navy was competed with the Army to put the first American satellite into orbit. Their first two Vanguard missions failed, with the second being a highly publicized failure, as it exploded on the launchpad. They went on to put 3 satellites into orbit but did not beat the Army to be the first. Their work in space continues today largely on military satellites.
Built by USN
Vehicles
| Rank | Vehicle | Launches | Payload to LEO | First flight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Project Pilot | 6 launches | 1 kg | 1958 |
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Source The Space Devs — Launch Library 2
Last checked 29 Sept 2026