Maybe you refer to the fact that Luna 1, after reaching escape velocity but before flying by the Moon released a stream of sodium, whose colorful (sic!) orange trail allowed tracking of the spacecraft from the ground. But I admit I can't find anything in your question pointing me to this answer (except for the colourful in the hint)-

However, that doesn't change the date: The launch was Jan 2, 1959, and escape velocity was achieved on that day; both the third stage and the probe entered a solar orbit when they missed the Moon.

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