[amsat-bb] 45th Anniversary of Sputnik 1

["Keith O'Brien" <n4zq@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>From Space.com


Forty-five years ago today, the former Soviet Union lofted the world's first 
artificial satellite of Earth: Sputnik 1.

The basketball-sized spacecraft weighed some 184 pounds (84-kilograms) and 
whipped about the globe every 98 minutes. And with every orbit, Sputnik 1 
thumbed its nose at America's technological prowess, political esteem in the 
community of nations, as well as U.S. military strength. This Soviet 
satellite was the true starting gun for the "space race", a launch that also 
led directly to the creation of National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration (NASA).....


AS a 10 year lad, I remember those days. I remember standing in the middle 
of street along side my mother and father at night hoping to catch a glimpse 
of it going over head. I also recall the duck and cover under the classroom 
desk.. "Who ever controlled space could control the world" was the saying at 
the time. Boy, how time flies. The more things change, the more they remain 
the same. Seems kids today are ducking and covering but for other reasons.. 
Read more about Sputnik 1 at www.space.com

73 Keith N4ZQ







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