Sputnik 1: The Satellite That Started the Space Age
Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, marking the beginning of the Space Age. Launched by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957, it was a 58 cm diameter polished metal sphere with four external radio antennas to broadcast radio pulses.
| Active satellites | 15,732 |
| Catalogued objects | 31,390 |
| Starlink active | 9,835 |
What is Sputnik 1?
Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, marking the beginning of the Space Age. Launched by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957, it was a 58 cm diameter polished metal sphere with four external radio antennas to broadcast radio pulses. These signals were detectable on Earth, making Sputnik 1 a global phenomenon that captured the public's imagination and demonstrated the feasibility of satellite communication.
Mission and Purpose
The primary mission of Sputnik 1 was to test the feasibility of launching an artificial satellite into orbit and to study the upper atmosphere. It carried no scientific instruments beyond its radio transmitter, which emitted a simple 'beep-beep' signal. This signal helped scientists study the ionosphere by analysing the changes in radio signal propagation as the satellite orbited the Earth.
Orbital Characteristics
Sputnik 1 was launched into a low Earth orbit with an apogee (farthest point from Earth) of 939 km and a perigee (nearest point to Earth) of 215 km. It had an orbital inclination of 65.1 degrees and completed an orbit approximately every 96.2 minutes. The satellite's NORAD ID is 00001, making it the first entry in the catalogue of space objects.
Significance and Legacy
Sputnik 1's successful launch was a pivotal moment in history, sparking the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. It led to the rapid development of space technology and exploration, influencing political, military, and scientific spheres globally. The satellite's impact can still be seen today, as it laid the groundwork for the thousands of satellites currently orbiting Earth, tracked in Orbital Radar's live catalogue.
Current Status
Sputnik 1 re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on 4 January 1958, after completing approximately 1,440 orbits. Although it no longer exists, its legacy endures in the form of modern satellite technology and international space exploration efforts. The satellite's historical significance is preserved in various museums and educational resources, including Orbital Radar's Satellite Library.
📎 Cite this article · data available
Orbital Radar Newsroom. (2026). Sputnik 1: The Satellite That Started the Space Age. Orbital Radar. https://orbitalradar.com/blog/sputnik-1-satellite"Sputnik 1: The Satellite That Started the Space Age." Orbital Radar, 19 September 2026, https://orbitalradar.com/blog/sputnik-1-satellite.@misc{orbitalradar_sputnik_1_satellite,
title = {Sputnik 1: The Satellite That Started the Space Age},
author = {{Orbital Radar}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://orbitalradar.com/blog/sputnik-1-satellite}}
}
