Earth Pre-Federation Database - Sputnik 1

	Diameter	58 cm (23 in)
	Weight	83.6 kg (184 lb)
	Width	308 meters
	Launch Vehicle	A 1 Sputnik
	Milestone	First Artificial Satellite
	Spacecraft	Sputnik 1
	Date of Milestone	October 4, 1957
	Mission Operated by	USSR
	Spacecraft Location	Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum, Milestones of Flight Gallery
	From ????

	History:
	On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union successfully placed the world's first artificial satellite into orbit around Earth. Sputnik 1 had two radio transmitters and broadcast the "beep-beep-beep" that symbolically ushered in the space age. The launch of Sputnik and the apparent Soviet lead in rocket technology disturbed many in the West. Intense debate about America's standing led to several important political decisions to bolster science and technology, among them establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1958 and passage of the National Defense Education Act. On loan from the Science in Russia Exhibition of National Achievement. ENT "Carbon Creek"