Sputnik 1: The Dawn of the Space Age

Sputnik 1 was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957.
It was the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth.
The satellite was about the size of a beach ball, weighing 184 pounds.
Sputnik transmitted simple radio beeps that were picked up worldwide.
It orbited Earth every 96 minutes at speeds over 18,000 mph.
The launch shocked the U.S. and intensified the Space Race.
Sputnik’s success led to the creation of NASA in 1958.
The satellite re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and burned up in January 1958.
Sputnik inspired rapid advances in rocketry, satellites, and space exploration.
Its launch is remembered as the event that opened the Space Age.