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Sputnik 1 rocket track
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Sputnik 1 rocket track
Sputnik 1 rocket track. Long exposure photograph of the night sky showing the track of the rocket that carried Sputnik 1, the worlds first artificial satellite. Sputnik 1 was launched on October 4th, 1957 by the former Soviet Union. The name Sputnik is Russian for travel companion or satellite. The body was made from a highly polished aluminium alloy sphere which measured 58 centimetres in diameter and weighed 83.5 kilograms. It also had four long antennas attached. Sputnik 1 transmitted radio signals back to earth for a period of 21 days. The success of Sputnik 1 prompted the US government to enter the Space Race with the launch of Explorer-1 four months later. Photographed on October 16th, 1957
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Media ID 6456487
© DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1957 Artificial Satellite Carrier Earth Orbit First Satellite Geocentric Orbit Night Sky Night Time Orbiting Rocket Russian Satellite Soviet Space Flight Space Race Sputnik Sputnik 1 Star Stars Telecommunications Track Tracking Travelling October 16th
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This print captures the historic moment when the Sputnik 1 rocket pierced through the night sky, leaving behind a mesmerizing track. Launched on October 4th, 1957 by the Soviet Union, Sputnik 1 became humanity's first artificial satellite and marked a significant milestone in space exploration. The name "Sputnik" itself translates to "travel companion" or "satellite" in Russian. The photograph showcases the trail of this groundbreaking rocket as it embarked on its journey into space. The body of Sputnik 1 was an impressive polished aluminium alloy sphere measuring 58 centimetres in diameter and weighing 83.5 kilograms. Adorned with four long antennas, it transmitted radio signals back to Earth for an astounding period of 21 days. The success of Sputnik 1 ignited a fierce competition known as the Space Race between superpowers, particularly prompting the United States to launch Explorer-1 just four months later. This image serves as a powerful reminder of how this single event forever changed our understanding of space and propelled us into an era filled with technological advancements. Photographed on October 16th, 1957, this historical snapshot encapsulates not only scientific achievement but also human curiosity and ambition reaching beyond our planet's boundaries. It symbolizes mankind's relentless pursuit of knowledge and exploration that continues to inspire generations even today.
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