Space History Photo: Vanguard Satellite SLV-2 Being Examined at Cape Canaveral

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The Solar X-ray radiation satellite which was launched on June 26, 1958, known as the Vanguard satellite SLV-2, is being checked out at Cape Canaveral. (Image credit: NASA.)

In this historical photo from the U.S. space agency, Vanguard satellite SLV-2 is being checked out at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Solar X-ray radiation satellite was launched June 26, 1958. The second stage of the launch vehicle ended prematurely due to low chamber pressure and terminated the mission. The launch was part of the U.S. International Geophysical Year program under the direction of the Office of Naval Research.

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the U.S. government agency in charge of the civilian space program as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. Founded in 1958, NASA is a civilian space agency aimed at exploring the universe with space telescopes,  satellites, robotic spacecraft, astronauts and more. The space agency has 10 major centers based across the U.S. and launches robotic and crewed missions from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral Florida. It's astronaut corps is based at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. To follow NASA's latest mission, follow the space agency on Twitter or any other social channel, of visit: nasa.gov.