Sputnik 1

About

Sputnik 1, launched on October 4, 1957, by the Soviet Union, was the first artificial Earth satellite. It marked the beginning of the space age and triggered the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States. Sputnik 1 was a small, polished metal sphere, about 58 cm in diameter, weighing approximately 83.6 kg. It carried two radio transmitters that emitted a distinctive beep signal, which was detectable worldwide on frequencies of 20.005 and 40.002 MHz. The satellite orbited Earth for about three months, completing 1,440 orbits before burning up in the atmosphere on January 4, 1958. Its launch during the International Geophysical Year provided valuable scientific data on the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. Sputnik 1's success surprised the United States, leading to increased Cold War tensions and prompting the creation of NASA. The satellite's impact was significant, symbolizing technological advancement and initiating a new era of space exploration.