Sputnik 1 model
Date
1957
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Dimensions
height (sculpture): 360mm
width (sculpture): 435mm
depth (sculpture): 220mm
width (sculpture): 435mm
depth (sculpture): 220mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Model of the first human-made space vehicle, and the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1. The satellite's main body and antennas are supported by a perspex mount; the latter is attached to a raised base, designed to look like the earth's surface.
Object history
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1 into an elliptical low Earth Orbit in October 1957. It orbitted for three weeks, during which time it transmitted a simple radio signal to earth. In doing so it commenced the Space Age and, eventually, the race to the Moon.