Launch of First Artificial Satellite Sputnik 1

On 04/10/1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, marking the beginning of the space age. The satellite was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard an R-7 intercontinental ballistic missile. Weighing approximately 83.6 kilograms, Sputnik 1 was a simple spherical spacecraft equipped with four external radio antennas designed to transmit signals back to Earth. Once in orbit, Sputnik 1 circled the planet approximately every 96 minutes, emitting a continuous radio “beep” signal that could be detected by ground stations and amateur radio operators worldwide. The satellite’s orbit had an elliptical path, ranging roughly between 215 kilometers and 939 kilometers above Earth. Its transmissions provided scientists with valuable data on atmospheric density and the propagation of radio signals through the upper atmosphere. Sputnik 1 remained operational for about three weeks, with its radio transmitters ceasing on 26/10/1957 after the onboard batteries were depleted. The satellite itself stayed in orbit until it reentered Earth’s atmosphere and burned up on 04/01/1958. The launch prompted increased global focus on space research and led to the rapid development of space programs, including the establishment of NASA in 1958.