US Navy Type: Government Abbreviation: USN Administration: Founded: 1963 Launchers: None Spacecraft: Vanguard 1-3 | Parker Solar Probe Country: USA 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.