Sputnik 1 (/ ˈspʌtnɪk, ˈspʊtnɪk /, Russian: Спутник-1, Satellite 1), often referred to as simply Sputnik, was the first artificial Earth satellite. It was launched into an elliptical low Earth orbit by the Soviet …

Dec 4, 2025 · The historic Sputnik launch on Oct. 4, 1957 marked the beginning of the space age, leading to the establishment of NASA as well as the U.S.–Soviet space race.

Apr 29, 2025 · Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. The launch of Sputnik 1 sparked a new era of space exploration and competition with the U.S. …

Sputnik, any of a series of three artificial Earth satellites, the first of whose launch by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, inaugurated the space age. Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite launched, was a …

Sputnik 1 consisted of a polished sphere with four antennas and a simple transmitter. It carried no propulsion system or guidance mechanism, as its role was symbolic and strategic. It needed to orbit …

Explore Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite that ignited the space age. Learn about its historic mission, design, and impact.

The Soviet Union launched the world's first artificial satellite aboard an R-7 intercontinental ballistic missile on October 4, 1957. Called Sputnik...

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik-1, the world's first artificial satellite. Only about the size of a beach ball (22.8 inches or 58 cm. in diameter) and weighing 183.9 pounds …

Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite to go around the Earth. [2][3] It was made by the Soviet Union. [2] It was launched on 4 October 1957 at Baikonur Cosmodrome. [2]

On October 4, 1957, the USSR launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth. The satellite, an 85-kilogram (187-pound) metal sphere the size of a basketball, was launched on a huge rocket …