Sputnik Spotter

Illustration of a white shield with black text on it with white horizontal lines on either side and black text on a pink background

Sputnik 1 was a satellite launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, which triggered the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Sputnik 1 rocket booster was visible at night while the actual satellite was more difficult to see. Sputnik 1 broadcasted radio signals for three weeks before its batteries died. It continued to orbit Earth for another two months before reentering the atmosphere and burning up. The launching of Sputnik 1 would lead to the United States' launch of Explorer 1, as well as the creation of NASA (formerly NACA).