Before Sputnik

  • The Americans believed the Soviets' technology had been stolen from the West.

  • The Russians announced their intent of sending a satellite into orbit, but the US disregarded this idea.

  • The Americans thought Soviet technology was simply not advanced enough for anything complicated.


Reasons for Launch

  • A Russian satellite in space before an American would show Communism's superiority in technology.

  • Satellites in space could offer spying advantages for use in the Cold War.

  • Sputnik was the forerunner of military weapons that could attack from space (i.e. bombs)


Launch Facts

  • Sputnik was launched on Oct. 4, 1957 from Baikonur cosmodome in Kazakhstan, Russia.

  • Sputnik traveled at a speed of 18,000 mph.

  • Sputnik let out beeps every few seconds because it was equipped with transmitters.


The Launch of Sputnik

Immediate Results

  • The Americans were surprised at the launch of Sputnik.

  • Many Americans were mystified at and fearful of the prospect of a satellite in orbit.

  • Some Americans began to doubt the American educational system, while others openly attacked it.


Long-term Results

  • America put a greater emphasis on science and engineering in education.

  • The Americans tried extra hard to develop space technology.

  • The Americans and Russians began competing for better space technology.

  • The "Space Race" started.



The Russians Planning for Sputnik A Model of Sputnik A Picture of Sputnik

Click here to hear Sputnik's beeping noise as it passed over the Earth

 

  

Analysis

At the time of Sputnik, both sides were deeply involved in the Cold War. They both must have realized that many new opportunities were available with the mastery of space; the possibilities were endless.

Prior to Sputnik, however, little thought was given to the topic. But with the launching of Sputnik by the USSR, the US received a rude jolt. Thinking it were behind, the US desperately tried to catch up. The USSR tried to maintain its position. With this, the "Space Race" began.