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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 …

Nov 24, 2025 · Sputnik, a series of three Soviet artificial satellites. Sputnik 1 (launched October 4, 1957) was the first artificial satellite and the beginning of the ‘space race’ between the U.S. and 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.

On 3 November 1957, barely four weeks after the first launch, the Soviets sent Sputnik 2 into orbit. This time, the satellite carried a living passenger: Laika was a female dog selected from a group of …

Nov 24, 2009 · The Soviet Union inaugurates the “Space Age” with its launch of Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite.

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