Timeline event · 4 October 1957 · Dawn of the Space Age
Launch of Sputnik 1
The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, opening the space age and stunning the world with its steady radio beep from orbit.
Highlights
- ›The first human-made object to orbit the Earth
Missions, people & worlds
Knowledge connections
- Part ofDawn of the Space Age
- Associated withSputnik 1
- Associated withRoscosmos
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.