Sputnik 1 - First Artificial Satellite

Sputnik 1

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Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite in space. It stunned the world and as a result the space age began. It was the first victory for the Space Race by the Soviet Union.

Sputnik Picture

Sputnik means satellite in Russian. It was shaped like a sphere and had four radiating radio antennae.

It was launched on October 4th, 1957. The world did not expect the Soviet Union to beat the technologically advanced USA with this Space First.

It functioned for 21 days. Its on-board radio transmitter sent out a beep beep signal that was heard all around the world. It was launched by the R-7 Rocket aka Vostok Rocket at Baikonour, Soviet Union. Today the modern derivative is called Soyuz Rocket.

Specifications:

	Diameter	58cm
	Spacecraft Weight	84kg
	Launch Location	Present day Kazakstan
	Launch Vehicle	R-7 Rocket

As a result of this launch, the US air force suggested Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles could be used to launch a satellite. The first american satellite was Explorer 1 and it was launched on January 31, 1958. This also led to creation of NASA (National aeronautics and Space Administration) in July 1958.

On January 4th, 1958, Sputnik 1 re-enetered the Earth's atmosphere because it orbit deayed due to gravity.