The Dawn of the Space Age: The Launch of the First Artificial Earth Satellite Took Place 68 Years Ago

The first artificial satellite in human history was launched into orbit 68 years ago by the R-7 rocket from the Tyuratam test range (now the Baikonur Cosmodrome), marking October 4, 1957, as the starting point of the Space Age.

What Did the First AES Look Like?

A sealed aluminum sphere with a diameter of 58 cm, equipped with four antennas, had the most necessary minimal set of equipment inside: a radio station, a block of silver-zinc batteries, a fan for the temperature control system, temperature and pressure sensors, and an on-board cable network. The total weight of the capsule with equipment was 83.6 kg.

How Did It Happen?

On October 4, 1957, at 22:28 Moscow time, the R-7 rocket was launched, and after 295 seconds, the first AES and the second stage of the rocket were placed into an elliptical orbit, and on the 315th second after the launch, the AES separated from the rocket stage. Transmitters started working, and the whole world heard the famous signals of the first man-made object in human history that flew in near-Earth orbit.

Radio signals from the satellite were received at distances of up to 10-12 thousand km. The first artificial Earth satellite existed for 92 days, completing 1440 orbits around the Earth. On January 4, 1958, as a result of natural braking, it entered the dense layers of the atmosphere and ceased to exist.

Results of the Historical Event

Analysis of the received radio signals from the satellite allowed scientists to study the upper layers of the ionosphere, which was not possible before. Important information was obtained about the operating conditions of the satellite equipment, all calculations were verified, and the density of the upper atmosphere was determined by the satellite's deceleration as it descended from orbit.

The launch of the first Earth satellite and its flight received an overwhelming global response. Thousands of radio amateurs around the world, along with special stations, followed the satellite. Thus began the era of space achievements and the race for world leadership in space.