History glossary
Sputnik
the first artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in October 1957.
- Category
- Technology
- Region
- Soviet Union
- Date range
- 1957
What it means
Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957. Its radio signal and orbital success shocked the world, boosted Soviet prestige, and intensified the Cold War space race.
