Sputnik programme facts for kids
A model of Sputnik 1
The Sputnik programme was a Soviet Union spacecraft programme. Sputnik 1, the first satellite in the programme, was launched on October 4, 1957. This was the first man-made satellite ever to enter orbit.
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. 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' or not.
See also
In Spanish: Programa Sputnik para niños
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