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Sputnik 1 (00002)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: Prosteyshiy Sputnik 1 (PS-1)
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 4, 1957
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Site 1/5
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00002
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
1/3/1958
Basic Satellite Info
Name
Sputnik 1
Alternative Name
Prosteyshiy Sputnik 1 (PS-1)
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
First artificial Earth satellite; launched on October 4, 1957; transmitted radio signals until October 26, 1957; reentered Earth's atmosphere on January 4, 1958.
Summary
Sputnik 1 was a spherical satellite launched on October 4, 1957, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome by the OKB-1 manufacturer as part of the Sputnik program. The satellite measured 0.58 meters in length and diameter and weighed 83.6 kilograms at launch. It operated for 22 days, transmitting radio signals on frequencies 20.005 MHz and 40.002 MHz until its onboard batteries depleted.
The primary objectives of Sputnik 1 were to demonstrate the feasibility of artificial satellites, study the density of the upper atmosphere, and test radio signal propagation through the ionosphere. The satellite's structure consisted of a highly polished silver aluminum-magnesium-titanium alloy with a 1 mm thick heat shield and four external whip antennas.
Sputnik 1 reentered Earth's atmosphere on January 4, 1958, after successfully fulfilling its mission objectives. Its launch marked the beginning of the space age, paving the way for subsequent satellite launches, including Sputnik 2 and Sputnik 3, which carried Laika, the first living creature into orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.58
Diameter
0.58
Span
2.9
Dry Mass
83.6
Launch Mass
83.6
Shape
Spherical with four external whip antennas.
Radar Cross Section
0.018
Visual Magnitude
6
Color
Highly polished silver
Material Composition
Aluminum-magnesium-titanium alloy (AMG6T) with a 1 mm thick heat shield.
Technical Details
Payload
PS-1
Purpose
Scientific research and technology demonstration.
Mission
Demonstrate the feasibility of artificial satellites, study the density of the upper atmosphere, and test radio signal propagation through the ionosphere.
Manufacturer
OKB-1 of NII-88
Life Expectancy
Operated for 22 days, transmitting radio signals until the onboard batteries were depleted on October 26, 1957. The satellite remained in orbit until it reentered Earth's atmosphere on January 4, 1958.
Bus
PS
Configuration
Metal sphere
Motor
N/A
Equipment
Two radio transmitters operating on frequencies 20.005 MHz and 40.002 MHz, four external whip antennas, internal temperature and pressure sensors.
Power System
1 Watt; Powered by three silver-zinc batteries with an expected lifetime of two weeks; the batteries operated for 22 days.
ADCS
N/A
Transmitter Frequency
20.005 MHz, 40.002 MHz
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