Space probe

Since the 1957 launch of Sputnik scientists have used rockets to launch space probes to explore outer space and the Solar system.^[1]

As of 2026^[update] NASA has launched five probes traveling faster than the Solar system's escape velocity, and their bodies will enter interstellar space in the distant future.

Over the decades since Sputnik probes have grown increasingly sophisticate.

notable space probes
name	launched	destination	notes
Sputnik	1957	low Earth orbit	Was only capable of broadcasting a radio signal, that allowed scientists to confirm it reached orbit.^[1] Its surprise launch triggered massive world-wide interest, and the USA made great efforts to catch up.

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 William J. Jordans (1957-10-05). "Soviet Fires Earth Satellite Into Space; It Is Circling the Globe at 18,000 M.P.H.; Sphere Tracked in 4 Crossings Over U.S." The New York Times. Moscow, USSR. Archived from the original on 2019-10-09. Retrieved 2026-06-10. Their real significance would be in providing scientists with important new information concerning the nature of the sun, cosmic radiation, solar radio interference and static-producing phenomena radiating from the north and south magnetic poles. All this information would be of inestimable value for those who are working on the problem of sending missiles and eventually men into the vast reaches of the solar system.