Sputnik 1

Sputnik 1, often called simply Sputnik, was the first artificial Earth satellite. The Soviet Union launched it into low Earth orbit on 4 October 1957. A polished metal sphere with four radio antennas, it transmitted signals that were detected around the world. Its launch contributed to the American Sputnik crisis and the start of the Space Race. Sputnik 1 reentered Earth's atmosphere and burned up on 4 January 1958.

Launched

4 October 1957, by the Soviet Union

Design

Polished metal sphere, 58 cm in diameter, with four external radio antennas

Reentry

4 January 1958