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When Was the First Artificial Satellite Launched?

SpaceHistory

Quick Answer

Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, was launched by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957.

The Full Story

On 4 October 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, a polished aluminium sphere 58 cm in diameter and weighing 83.6 kg, into low Earth orbit atop a modified R-7 intercontinental ballistic missile. It circled Earth every 96 minutes, transmitting a simple radio "beep-beep" signal detectable by amateur radio operators worldwide. The launch stunned the West and ignited the Space Race between the USA and USSR. The US responded with Explorer 1 in January 1958. Sputnik burned up on re-entry on 4 January 1958 after completing about 1,440 orbits.

Key Facts

1.Sputnik is Russian for "fellow traveller" or "companion."
2.The Sputnik launch directly led the US to create NASA in 1958.
3.Today there are over 10,000 active satellites orbiting Earth.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"Sputnik 1957 — The Beep That Started the Space Age"

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