Skip to main content

Which country launched the world's first man-made satellite, Sputnik, into Earth's orbit on October 4, 1957?

Sputnik, the world's first man-made satellite, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. This came as a surprise to the United States, who had announced in 1955 that they intended to launch a satellite during the International Geophysical Year (IGY). The period of July 1, 1957, to December 31, 1958 had been designated as the IGY in 1952, due to the predicted increase in solar activity during that time. While the United States solicited input...

Sputnik, the world's first man-made satellite, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. This came as a surprise to the United States, who had announced in 1955 that they intended to launch a satellite during the International Geophysical Year (IGY). The period of July 1, 1957, to December 31, 1958 had been designated as the IGY in 1952, due to the predicted increase in solar activity during that time. While the United States solicited input from other countries in order to produce the technology required to launch a satellite, the Soviet Union kept their research secret. When they launched Sputnik--a much larger satellite than the one planned by the United States--and then a month later Sputnik II (larger still, and carrying a dog), the US and its allies were uneasy. A successful launch of that size could also mean a military advantage for the USSR. In January 1958 the US successfully launched Explorer I, and the space race was on.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is the meaning of "juggling fiends" in Macbeth?

Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a... Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a sense of guilt, and that man tells him: Despair thy charm. And let the angel whom thou still hast serve...
Post a Comment
Read more

Discuss movements that were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and list one success for each group.

African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change... African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change for their agendas. Two examples of moveme...
Post a Comment
Read more

In Martel's Life of Pi, how does writing a diary help Pi Patel build on his leadership skills?

At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can... At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can do this by writing down events, problems and solutions, and reflections to look back on when confronted with repeated problems. It can ...
Post a Comment
Read more