Sputnik 1 (Replica)

Launching the first artificial satellites began the space age and started the Soviet-American space race.

Display Status:

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Collection Item Summary:

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union sent Sputnik 1 into orbit. Sputnik contained a radio transmitter that sent back the “beep-beep-beep” heard around the world. The satellite was the first to orbit the Earth and began a "space race" between the U.S.S.R. and the U.S.A.

Collection Item Long Description:

  • Swept Back Look

    Even though Sputnik tumbled while in orbit, its antennae were designed to look swept back, streamlined.

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