Sputnik 1, launched on Oct 4, 1957

Genial.Soul · Fun Addict Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 641 Gender:

Fifty mini-satellites are to be sent into space to celebrate the launch of the first ever satellite, Sputnik 1.

The "nanosats", each weighing 1kg, will blast into orbit on board an Ariane rocket in 2007, said Arianespace.

Sputnik 1 launched on Oct 4 1957

Each satellite will represent a nation, and will do small-scale research experiments during two years in orbit.

The Soviet Sputnik program consisted of four satellites, three of which reached Earth orbit.

Sputnik 1 launched on Oct 4 1957

Sputnik 1, launched on Oct.4, 1957, became the first artificial satellite to successfully orbit the Earth. It was a metallic sphere about 2 feet across, weighing 184 lbs (84 kg), with long "whiskers" pointing to one side, and stayed in orbit for 6 months before falling back to Earth. Its rocket booster, weighing 4 tons, also reached orbit and was easily visible from the ground.

The second Sputnik satellite was launched on Nov 3, 1957 and carried a dog, named Laika, into space. Biological data was returned for a week before the animal had to be put to sleep.

Sputnik 1 launched on Oct 4 1957

The last Sputnik installment was intended to be a space laboratory for study of Earth's magnetic field and radiation belt. After its launch on May 15, 1958, it remained in orbit for nearly two years.

Sputnik 1 launched on Oct 4 1957

The Sputnik missions all happened during the midst of the Cold War between the U.S.S.R. and the United States. Americans became worried about the Soviet accomplishments and soon the development of space technology became a national priority.

chandoo · **Posted:** Oct 04, 2007 **Post subject:**

thats interesting Smile