On March 17, 1958, history was made when Vanguard 1, the world's first solar-powered satellite—launched into orbit. This tiny trailblazer, described as "The Grapefruit Satellite" proved that solar energy could sustain space missions, paving the way for modern satellites and deep-space exploration. Today, solar power fuels not just satellites but industries, homes, and entire cities. Vanguard 1's legacy lives on in every solar panel turning sunlight into energy.