soviet space program

07.23.08

Fifty Years Later, Looking Back at the Dawn of the Space Race

On October 4, 1957, this insectoid aluminum ball became the first man-made object to enter Earth orbit, thus igniting a quest for space exploration that hasn't let up since

By John Mahoney Posted 10.04.2007 at 2:00 am 0 Comments

When Sputnik 1 was launched 50 years ago today, no one truly anticipated the resounding impact it would have on science, technology and the balance of political power around the world. Not least the Soviets, who were hesitant to divert precious resources from their fledgling ballistic-missile program for what many in the government regarded as one man's fanciful hobby.

[ Read Full Story ]

POPSCI'S 21^ST ANNUAL BEST OF WHAT'S NEW

Every year, PopSci honors the top 100 innovations in categories such as consumer products, medical tech and engineering.

Learn more and submit your product or technology today at popsci.com/enter.

Welcome to PopSci Field
Today’s cutting-edge features might just make tomorrow’s stadiums worth the outrageous price of admission
Juicing 3.0
Stem cells, Parkinson's pills, and viruses that improve your DNA: The next generation of performance enhancers won't show up on a urine test
Invasives: Worst Offenders
These aquatic stowaways destroy ecosystems and cost the government millions each year

+ More Photo Galleries

PPX: The PopSci Predictions Exchange

RSS Link

New IPO

NY Traffic Lessened

Will vehicle traffic in Manhattan be reduced by 10 percent or more?

Hot Stocks

iTunes Takes the Lead, Part Deux

Will iTunes become the number one movie retailer by Mar 1, 2009?
Pennies Phased Out

Will the U.S. Government phase out the penny by 2009 in order to conserve metal resources?

Ready to bet on the future? Start here!

Popular on Popsci

Most Emailed

soviet space program

Fifty Years Later, Looking Back at the Dawn of the Space Race

Search

Search Links

Popular Science

soviet space program