The Sputnik programme was a Soviet Union spacecraft programme.[1] Sputnik 1, the first satellite in the programme, was launched on October 4, 1957.[1] This was the first man-made satellite ever to enter orbit.[1]
The United States was very surprised when the Soviet Union sent Sputnik 1 into space. It did not want to fall behind. So, it began spending more money on science and education.[2] This was when the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States began.
Etymology
The word Sputnik comes from the Russian: Спутник, lit. 'fellow traveler', 'sput.nik or 'sput.nık, not 'spʌt.nık.[1][3]
References
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