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Sputnik 1

Spacecraft · Russia

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

Sputnik 1
Sputnik 1
Credit: © Mark Wade

Russian technology satellite. Tikhonravov's 1.4 metric ton ISZ satellite was to have been launched by the new R-7 ICBM as the Soviet Union's first satellite, during the International Geophysical Year.

But it was not ready in time, so Korolev hurriedly developed Sputnik 1 as a replacement. It became the first artificial satellite of the earth. Sputnik 1 had 1 watt of power, producing an 0.4 second duration signal on the 7 and 15 m bands. Four antennae were deployed at 35 degree angles. Power was provided by three silver-zinc batteries. Thermo-regulation was by a ventilator. The 580 mm sphere had a mass of 83 kg and was made of highly polished Aluminum AMG6T alloy 2 mm thick. It was built without drawings due to the quick time schedule. Korolev was everywhere, supervising all aspects of its construction. It functioned for 21 days.

Subtopics

Related

Country
Russia
Launch Vehicles
R-7, Sputnik 8K71PS
Launch Sites
Baikonur, Baikonur LC1
Bibliography
177, 2, 4087, 445, 474, 6, 85, 6932

Photo Gallery

  • Sputnik 1
    Sputnik 1
    Credit: Manufacturer Image

Chronology

2 events

1957 February 15

Launch Vehicle: R-7.
  • Decision to build Sputnik 1 due to delays in Sputnik 3 design. - . Nation: Russia. Spacecraft: Sputnik 1. Council of Soviet Ministers (SM) Decree 171-83ss 'On Measures to Carry Out During the International Geophysical Year.--Launch of simple satellites in mid-1957' was issued..

1957 October 4

19:28 GMT - . Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: Baikonur LC1. LV Family: R-7. Launch Vehicle: Sputnik 8K71PS.
  • Sputnik 1 - . Payload: PS. Mass: 84 kg (185 lb). Nation: Russia. Agency: MVS. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Sputnik 1. Decay Date: 1958-01-03 . USAF Sat Cat: 2 . COSPAR: 1957-Alpha-2. Apogee: 945 km (587 mi). Perigee: 227 km (141 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 96.10 min.

    First artificial satellite; transmitted signals for 21 days. Launching of first ever artificial satellite of the Earth; physical study of the atmosphere; remained in orbit until January 4, 1958. This event began the space race by galvanizing interest and action on the part of the American public to support an active role in space research, technology, and exploration.