On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik-1, humanity's first artificial satellite. The 58-cm aluminum sphere, powered by a two-stage R-7 rocket, entered Earth's orbit and transmitted its iconic "beep-beep" signal.
Weighing 83.6 kg, it orbited every 96 minutes, completing 1,440 orbits over 92 days before burning up in the atmosphere. This landmark achievement marked the dawn of the space age, revolutionizing science, communication, and navigation worldwide.
