It also established the practice of naming space projects after Roman gods , e.g. , Mercury and Apollo .
It was the first demonstration that terrestrial radio signals could penetrate the ionosphere , opening the possibility of radio communications beyond the earth for space probes and human explorers .
demonstration also established the practice of naming space projects after Roman gods , e.g. , Mercury and Apollo .
It was the first demonstration that terrestrial radio signals could penetrate the ionosphere , opening the possibility of radio communications beyond the earth for space probes and human explorers .