October 4, 1957
USSR launches first artificial satellite
On October 4, 1957, the USSR puts into orbit the first artificial satellite in history, Sputnik 1 (from a Russian word meaning "travel companion").
The craft, with a diameter of 60 cm and a weight of 83.6 kilos, is put into orbit by a rocket at an altitude of 900 km. It completes one revolution of the Earth in 96 minutes. Its "beep-beep" will quickly become familiar to all men.
On November 3, the Soviets do it again with Sputnik 2. This time, the craft brings into space a dog named Laika (she dies during the trip, but the fact will not be revealed until 40 years later!).
