SPUTNIK

The Sputnik Program is a group of robotic operations launched by the USSR. Sputnik 1 is the first human made object to enter the space. Sputnik 1 was launched into the space on October 4, 1957. The launch laid bare the expediency of the usage of artificial sites for the exploration of upper atmosphere. The word “sputnik” is said to have Russian origin with the literal meaning “co-traveler”, “satellite”, or “travelling companion”. Sputnik 1, when launched, featured a diameter measuring 58cm (23″) and a weight of 83.6 kg (183 lb.). It took about 96 minutes to complete each of the 1440 elliptical orbits.