The first satellite that the U.S. will try to place in an orbit around the earth has apparently been downgraded by about three-quarters. Last week Washington officials of Project Vanguard admitted, with some cross-contradiction, that the first try will be made with a sphere 6.4 in. in diameter weighing about 4.5 lbs. The original plans called for a 20-in. sphere weighing 21.5 lbs. and packed with instruments and radio transmitters. The reduced satellite will carry practically nothing beyond minimum radio equipment to allow it to be tracked through space.
Reliable sources report that the Department of Defense is afraid that the Russians...
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