It was the first artificial satellite orbiting the Earth, and was launched in 1957 by the USSR. This triggered the "Space Race" between the USA and USSR - already political enemies - to be the first to put a man on the Moon, but the first practical satellites were for communications. The rivalry was sharpened by fears of war between the two superpowers.
sputnik
USSR
Launching of Sputnik
The Russians started the Space Race by launching Sputnik the first satellite, which then provoked fear in the Americans to begin development of their own satellites.
Sputnik I, was the first earth-orbiting artificial satellite. It was launched into low Earth orbit by the Soviet Union October 4, 1957. One month after the launching of Sputnik I, on November 3, 1957, Sputnik II, a satellite weighing 1,120 pounds and containing the dog "Laika" was sent into orbit.
Soviet launching of Sputnik
Launching of Sputnik
by launching Explorer 1 with a Jupiter C rocket
Construction of Sputnik 1 began in 1957.
the launching of Sputnik first inspired him to study science.
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it caused congress to increase spending on teaching science and mathematics