October 4, 1957 The first artificial space satellite of the Earth - general information. Here are their names
On October 4, 1957, the world's first artificial satellite Earth, who opened the space age in human history.
The satellite that became the first artificial celestial body, was launched into orbit by the R-7 launch vehicle from the 5th Scientific Research test site Ministry of Defense of the USSR, which later received the open name Baikonur Cosmodrome.
PS-1 spacecraft(the simplest satellite-1) was a ball with a diameter of 58 centimeters, weighed 83.6 kilograms, and was equipped with four pin antennas 2.4 and 2.9 meters long for transmitting signals from battery-powered transmitters. 295 seconds after launch, PS-1 and the central block of the rocket, weighing 7.5 tons, were launched into an elliptical orbit with an altitude of 947 km at apogee and 288 km at perigee. At 315 seconds after launch, the satellite separated from the second stage of the launch vehicle, and its call signs were immediately heard by the whole world.
“...On October 4, 1957, the first satellite was successfully launched in the USSR. According to preliminary data, the launch vehicle gave the satellite the required orbital speed of about 8,000 meters per second. Currently, the satellite describes elliptical trajectories around the Earth and its flight can be observed in the rays of the rising and setting Sun using simple optical instruments (binoculars, telescopes, etc.).
According to calculations, which are now being refined by direct observations, the satellite will move at altitudes of up to 900 kilometers above the Earth’s surface; the time of one complete revolution of the satellite will be 1 hour 35 minutes, the angle of inclination of the orbit to the equatorial plane is 65°. On October 5, 1957, the satellite will pass over the Moscow area twice - at 1 hour 46 minutes. at night and at 6 o'clock. 42 min. morning Moscow time. Messages about the subsequent movement of the first artificial satellite, launched in the USSR on October 4, will be transmitted regularly by broadcast radio stations.
The satellite has the shape of a ball with a diameter of 58 cm and a weight of 83.6 kg. It has two radio transmitters that continuously emit radio signals with a frequency of 20.005 and 40.002 megahertz (wavelength about 15 and 7.5 meters, respectively). Transmitter powers ensure reliable reception of radio signals by a wide range of radio amateurs. The signals take the form of telegraphic messages lasting about 0.3 seconds. with a pause of the same duration. A signal of one frequency is sent during a pause of a signal of another frequency...”
Scientists M.V. Keldysh, M.K. Tikhonravov, N.S. Lidorenko, V.I. Lapko, B.S. worked on the creation of an artificial Earth satellite, led by the founder of practical cosmonautics S.P. Korolev. Chekunov and many others.
The PS-1 satellite flew for 92 days, until January 4, 1958, completing 1,440 revolutions around the Earth (about 60 million kilometers), and its radio transmitters operated for two weeks after launch.
The launch of an artificial Earth satellite was of enormous importance for understanding the properties of outer space and studying the Earth as our planet solar system. Analysis of the received signals from the satellite gave scientists the opportunity to study the upper layers of the ionosphere, which was not possible before. In addition, information about the operating conditions of the equipment, which was very useful for further launches, was obtained, all calculations were checked, and the density of the upper layers of the atmosphere was determined based on the braking of the satellite.
The launch of the first artificial Earth satellite received a huge worldwide response. The whole world learned about his flight. The entire world press talked about this event.
In September 1967, the International Astronautical Federation proclaimed October 4 as the Day of the Beginning of the Human Space Age.
Press service of Roscosmos
October 4 marks the Day of the Beginning of the Space Age of Mankind, proclaimed by the International Astronautical Federation in September 1967. On this day, October 4, 1957, the world's first artificial Earth satellite was launched in the USSR.
Scientists Mstislav Keldysh, Mikhail Tikhonravov, Nikolai Lidorenko, Vladimir Lapko, Boris Chekunov and many others worked on its creation, led by the founder of practical cosmonautics Sergei Korolev.
While developing long-range ballistic missiles and especially the R-7 intercontinental missile, Sergei Korolev constantly returned to the idea of practical space exploration. On May 27, 1954, he approached the USSR Minister of Defense Industry Dmitry Ustinov with a proposal to develop an artificial Earth satellite (AES). In June 1955, a memo was prepared on the organization of work on space objects, and in August of the same year, data on the parameters of the spacecraft for the flight to the Moon was prepared.
The resolution on work on satellites was adopted on January 30, 1956. Initially it was assumed that it would be more complex and difficult.
However, the work was delayed, and it was decided to develop the simplest device possible so as not to lose primacy to the United States involved in a similar project.
In January 1957, Korolev sent a memo to the USSR Council of Ministers. In it, he said that in April-June 1957, two missiles in the satellite version could be prepared “and launched immediately after the first successful launches of an intercontinental missile.” The first Soviet intercontinental ballistic missile was successfully launched on August 21, 1957.
The satellite, which became the first artificial celestial body, was launched into orbit on October 4, 1957 by an R-7 launch vehicle from the 5th Research Test Site of the USSR Ministry of Defense, which later received the open name Baikonur Cosmodrome.
The launched spacecraft PS-1 (the simplest satellite-1) was a ball with a diameter of 58 centimeters, weighed 83.6 kilograms, and was equipped with four pin antennas 2.4 and 2.9 meters long for transmitting signals from battery-powered transmitters. 295 seconds after launch, PS-1 and the central block of the rocket, weighing 7.5 tons, were launched into an elliptical orbit with an altitude of 947 kilometers at apogee and 288 kilometers at perigee. At 315 seconds after launch, the artificial Earth satellite separated from the second stage of the launch vehicle, and its call signs were immediately heard by the whole world.
The material was prepared based on information from open sources
On October 4, 1957, the space age of mankind began. From the 5th Research Site of the USSR Ministry of Defense, which later received the name BAIKONUR Cosmodrome, the first artificial Earth satellite was launched by the R-7 launch vehicle.
The creation of the first spacecraft began at OKB-1 in November 1956. The satellite was developed as a very simple device, which is why it was named the PS-1 spacecraft (the simplest satellite). It was a ball with a diameter of 58 centimeters and a weight of 83.6 kilograms. PS-1 was equipped with four whip antennas to transmit signals from battery-powered transmitters.
A whole group of scientists and designers, led by the founder of practical cosmonautics, Sergei Korolev, worked on the creation of an artificial Earth satellite.
Exhibit of the Baikonur Cosmodrome History Museum
On October 4, 1957, at 22:28:34 Moscow time, the Sputnik (R-7) launch vehicle was successfully launched. 295 seconds after launch, the first satellite was launched into an elliptical orbit with an altitude of 947 km at apogee and 288 km at perigee. At 315 seconds after launch, the satellite separated, and it cast its vote. “Beep! Beep! – that’s exactly what his call sign sounded like. PS-1 became the first artificial object. The satellite flew for 92 days, made 1440 revolutions around the Earth (flying about 60 million km), and its battery-powered radio transmitters operated for two weeks after launch.
Newspaper "Pravda" dated October 5th and 6th, 1957 
In September 1967, the International Astronautical Federation proclaimed October 4 as the Day of the Beginning of the Human Space Age. Also, the date of the launch of the first artificial Earth satellite is considered the day of the Space Forces. It was the launch and control parts of spacecraft that carried out the launch and control of the flight of the first artificial Earth satellite. Subsequently, the first manned flight into space and many domestic and international space programs were carried out with the direct participation of military units launch and control of spacecraft. In connection with the increasing role of space in matters of national security, an independent branch of the military was created by Decree of the President of Russia in 2001 - the Space Forces. Today the Space Forces are part of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
The first artificial earth satellite, which was successfully launched on October 4, 1957, marked the beginning of a new era - the era of the conquest of outer space.
This colossal technical breakthrough is the merit of a team of Soviet scientists and designers led by the recognized founder of astronautics S.P. Korolev.
General information about Sputnik 1
"Sputnik - 1" was originally called "PS - 1". This name stands for “The simplest satellite - 1”. It is a spherical object made of high-strength magnesium alloy.
The diameter of the sphere is 58 cm. It consists of two parts connected by bolts. Four VHF and HF antennas are mounted on its surface. The presence of antennas allows you to track its location during the flight.
The upper part of the satellite has a hemispherical screen. It plays the role of a thermal insulation coating. Inside the satellite there are batteries, a radio transmitter and all the necessary instruments and sensors.
History of creation
Attempts to create an artificial satellite were made long before PS-1 flew. Leading German designer Wernher von Braun worked on the creation of an unmanned orbital object.
As an employee of the American Strategic Weapons Service, he presented his experimental model of a spacecraft to the military. But none of his attempts were successful.
In the USSR, teams of enthusiastic engineers worked selflessly on this idea. They were not assembled in design laboratories or in spacious hangars and workshops. Ideas space flights originated in metalwork shops and basements.
1946 was the year of the creation of the USSR rocket industry, the head of which was appointed the brilliant Soviet designer S.P. Korolev. Despite the fact that the country has not yet recovered from the terrible consequences of the Second World War, Soviet scientists and engineers managed to create a powerful technical base.
A few years later, the first successful launch of the R-1 ballistic missile was carried out. Subsequently, its analogue “R-2” was launched, which was distinguished by its large range and flight speed.
Model of the first space satellite
After successful tests of the new intercontinental rocket "R-3", Soviet scientists managed to convince the government of the feasibility of creating the first space satellite.
In 1955, this project received the approval of the highest authorities, which was the beginning of hard work to create the world's first orbital facility.
It is difficult to say with complete certainty who invented and created artificial satellites. This is largely due to the entire team of designers and engineers headed by S.P. Korolev and M.K. Tikhonravov.
Two years later, the satellite was ready. His weight was about 84 kg. The shape of the satellite was not chosen by chance. It is the sphere that represents the ideal shape, with maximum volume with minimum surface.
In addition, this object was supposed to become a symbol of the space age and represent an example of an ideal spacecraft, primarily in terms of its appearance.
Launch of the first artificial Earth satellite
Every day space became more and more accessible. On October 4, 1957, in the Kazakh steppe, one of the greatest events in the history of mankind took place - an intercontinental rocket with a spherical object on board was launched at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
The R-7 launch vehicle soared upward with a piercing roar. A few minutes later, the spacecraft was launched into orbit, the altitude of which was about 950 km.
After some time, the first man-made object set off on its legendary free flight. The long-awaited signals began to be received on the ground.
The satellite flew over the earth for 92 days, making 1400 revolutions. After this, the companion was destined to die. Losing speed, it began to approach the surface of the earth and simply burned out, overcoming the resistance of the atmosphere.
After the first orbit around the Earth, the main announcer of the country of the Soviets, Yu. B. Levitan, announced the successful launch of the first satellite.
Thanks to special settings for the power of the radio transmitter, the signal from the satellite could be easily received by both specialists and ordinary radio amateurs. Millions of people around the world clung to their radio speakers to hear the “voice from space.”
For each revolution around the Earth, the satellite spent an average of 95–96 minutes. It is noteworthy that the satellite as such was not visible to the naked eye, although after its launch a moving dot could be observed in the sky.
In fact, this flying star is nothing more than the last stage of the launch vehicle, which continued to move in orbit for some time until it burned up in the atmosphere.
It is worth noting: despite the fact that all the instruments and control devices of the device were created, as they say, from scratch, not a single one of them failed during the flight.
When creating electronic power supplies, we used Newest technologies those years that had no analogues in any country for many years.
Scientific results of the Sputnik-1 flight
It is difficult to overestimate the significance of this legendary event. In addition to strengthening his faith in space flights and increased the prestige of the country, he made an invaluable contribution to the development and strengthening of the scientific potential of that time.
Analysis of the PS-1 flight made it possible to begin the study of the ionosphere, the properties of which had not been fully studied. In particular, scientists were interested in the issue of the propagation of radio waves in its environment. In addition, measurements of atmospheric density parameters and its effect on the orbital object were carried out.
Analysis of the collected data has become a good help in the design and creation of new components and mechanisms of future spacecraft.
Some of the most interesting facts:
The era of space exploration remembers many significant events, each of which was achieved at the cost of incredible efforts and losses. One way or another, the thorny path to the stars was laid precisely then - on October 4, 1957.
It was this date that served as the starting point for the development domestic cosmonautics as an independent industry and determined its future fate.
At the beginning of the 20th century, aviation captured the minds of people. In 1908, the founder of theoretical cosmonautics published an article in the journal “Bulletin of Aeronautics”, “Exploration of world spaces using jet instruments.” This and his other works anticipated the advent of liquid-fuel rockets, artificial Earth satellites and orbital stations.
The creation of the satellite was preceded by many years of hard work by research institutes and design bureaus.
Before the Great Patriotic War In the laboratories of the USSR, solid propellant rockets and aircraft boosters, and the first domestic liquid engines were developed. In 1933, the first rocket in the USSR with a liquid rocket engine, GIRD-09, was launched. Ballistic and cruise missiles for various purposes, solid fuel and liquid engines were also developed and tested.
Scientists and inventors who spent years creating jet-powered rockets saw space exploration as the ultimate goal of their work.
The designer, an associate, said back in the 1930s: “All work in the field of rocket technology, without exception, ultimately leads to space flight.”
After the end of the war, Soviet inventors led by Korolev gained access to captured German technology, in particular the V-2, a rocket with a flight range of up to 320 km, which became the first object to make a suborbital space flight.
On its basis, a number of Soviet missiles were subsequently created and put into service under the leadership of Korolev. In 1954, development of the R-7 rocket began, the flight range of which was up to 9,500 km. "Seven" became the world's first intercontinental ballistic missile, successfully tested and delivered the warhead to intercontinental range.
“The history of the creation of the First Sputnik is the history of a rocket. Rocketry Soviet Union and the USA had German beginning»,
— noted design scientist Boris Chertok.
September 25, 1955 at the anniversary session of the Moscow Higher Technical School. Bauman, dedicated to his 125th anniversary, Korolev, speaking with a report, said: “Our tasks are to ensure that Soviet missiles fly higher and earlier than this will be done anywhere else. Our tasks are to soviet man flew on a rocket... The first artificial satellite of the Earth was Soviet, created by Soviet people.”
Only the ball!
Korolev proposed the “Seven” as a candidate for launching an artificial Earth satellite into space. This initiative found support in the USSR. In April 1956, at the suggestion of Korolev, she convened the All-Union Conference on the Study of the Upper Atmosphere. There, Korolev read a report on “Investigation of the upper layers of the atmosphere using long-range missiles.”
“The modern development of technology is such that we can expect in the near future the creation of an artificial Earth satellite, perhaps a satellite simply at relatively low altitudes, and then a permanent satellite,
- he said. — The real task is to develop a rocket flight to the Moon and back from the Moon. This problem is most easily solved when launching from a satellite, but it can also be solved when launching from Earth.”
Initially, the Government decree prescribed the creation of a satellite, the tasks of which included measuring the ion composition of space, corpuscular radiation from the Sun, magnetic fields, cosmic rays, the thermal regime of the satellite, its braking in the upper layers of the atmosphere, the duration of its existence in orbit, the accuracy of determining coordinates and orbital parameters. The mass of the satellite was supposed to be 1000-1400 kg, and research equipment should add another 200-300 kg to this. The satellite was planned to be launched into orbit in 1957-1958.
The Korolev Design Bureau has developed several versions of the laboratory satellite weighing up to 1300 kg. However, it soon became obvious that, due to the difficulties of manufacturing reliable scientific equipment, it would not be possible to complete the creation of the satellite in time. Then Korolev suggested launching a simple satellite into space instead of a complex laboratory - otherwise the USSR risked losing the launch championship. The proposal was approved.
There were debates about what shape the first Earth satellite should have. “The ball and only the ball!” - Korolev insisted.
By September 1957, the satellite had already passed final tests on a vibration stand and in a thermal chamber.
The satellite, modestly named PS-1 (“The Simplest Satellite-1”), ultimately took the form of a ball with a diameter of 58 cm and a weight of 83.6 kg. This form made it possible to make full use of its internal space. The sealed case was made of aluminum alloys; radio equipment and silver-zinc batteries, designed for 2-3 weeks, were placed inside. Before launch, the satellite was filled with nitrogen gas.
Two radio transmitters with a power of 1 W were installed on the satellite, emitting signals at wavelengths of 15 and 7.5 m. On the outer surface there were four rod antennas 2.4-2.9 m long. The signal duration was 0.3 seconds, reception was possible at a distance of up to 10 thousand km.
Meanwhile, at the Tyura-Tam test site, the future Baikonur cosmodrome, test launches of the Seven were carried out.
In September, a rocket intended to launch a satellite arrived at the test site. It was seven tons lighter than the standard ones - the designers replaced the head section with a satellite adapter, abandoned the radio control system equipment, and simplified the automatic engine shutdown.
On October 2, Korolev signed an order for flight tests of the PS-1 and sent a notification of readiness to Moscow, but received no response instructions. Then he independently decided to place the rocket with the satellite at the launch position.
Winners are not judged
On October 4, 1957 at 22:28 Moscow time, humanity entered a new space age. From the test site, the launch vehicle rushed into the night sky, reaching escape velocity for the first time and launching the first artificial Earth satellite into orbit.
The satellite signal was received by radio amateurs around the world.
Even on the first orbit, the message was heard: “As a result of a lot of hard work by research institutes and design bureaus, the world’s first artificial Earth satellite was created.”
“After the first delight, when the test site received the “BIP-BIP-BIP” signals, which immediately became known to all mankind, and finally processed the telemetry, it turned out that the rocket launched “on the brink,” Chertok recalled. - The engine of the side block “G” entered the mode late, that is, less than a second before the control time. If he had been delayed a little more, the circuit would have automatically “reset” the installation and the start would have been cancelled. Moreover, at the 16th second of the flight, the tank emptying control system failed. This led to increased kerosene consumption and the engine of the central unit was turned off a second earlier than the calculated value. There were other problems too. If it had been a little longer, the first escape velocity might not have been achieved. But the winners are judged! Great things have happened!”
The satellite's orbital period around the Earth was about 96 minutes. He remained in Earth orbit until January 4, 1958, completing 1,440 orbits.
In addition to checking the decisions made for the launch and studying the operating conditions of the equipment, the launch objectives also included ionospheric studies of the passage of radio waves emitted by the satellite's transmitters and an experimental determination of the density of the upper layers of the atmosphere by braking the satellite. The collected data was of high scientific value; in particular, the results of measuring the density of the high layers of the atmosphere made it possible to create a theory of satellite braking.
“The world was literally stunned! Sputnik changed the political balance of power. The US Secretary of Defense said: “Victory in the war with the USSR is no longer achievable.” Replacing thermonuclear hydrogen bomb a small satellite, we won a huge political and social victory,” said Chertok.
At the recent International Astronautics Congress in Adelaide, Professor Robert Thomas, Adviser to the State Government South Australia on questions environment, told a Gazeta.Ru correspondent about his childhood impressions of the flight of the first satellite.
“In 1957 I was 7 years old. We lived in the suburbs of Adelaide and that night my friends and I were lying on our backs in my front yard. We knew about its flight because by that time newspapers had already written about it.
I was amazed by what I saw, the satellite was fantastic for us, it was an incredible event for us, especially at that age.
I was still too young to be interested in science then, but Sputnik opened my eyes to space, the stars and the universe. I started observing objects that were moving in the sky.
My father was an engineer, and we were both passionate about satellites, and from him I inherited a passion for studying the world around us. The second impression for me was the flight in 1961, when I was 12 years old, and I also remember this event. We said: “Wow! This is incredible, a Russian man in space. Then we witnessed the Apollo missions and the landing of man on the moon. And now I believe that cooperation in space is one of the the best ways establishing relations between countries."
By the way, the launch of the satellite coincided with the opening of the International Congress on Astronautics, which was held in 1957 in Barcelona. It was there that Academician Leonid announced the launch of the satellite into orbit. Since the names of the leaders of the Soviet space program were classified, it was Sedov who became the “father of Sputnik” in the eyes of the world community.
On November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2 was launched, carrying the first rocket into space. Living being, dog Laika.
Alas, Laika died due to an error in calculating the satellite's area and the lack of a thermal control system - the temperature in the cabin rose to 40°C, and the dog died from overheating.
In parallel with the USSR, the United States was also developing the satellite. Avangard TV3 was launched on December 6, 1957, but within two seconds the rocket lost thrust due to the explosion of its fuel tanks. The satellite was damaged and could not be used further. In the press, he was mockingly nicknamed “flopnik”, “kaputnik” and “oopsnik” - by analogy with the word “satellite”, which after the launch of PS-1 quickly entered the languages of the world.
Today there are more than three thousand satellites in Earth’s orbit, most of which, however, no longer work. More than 2/3 of them belong to Russia and the USA.