A LOOK AT THE IMPACT OF THE SPUTNIK MISSION ON ITS 65TH ANNIVERSARY
In the grand scheme of things, humanity’s exploration of space is still in its infancy, but we're lightyears ahead of where we were 100 years ago. While today humans have new ambitions, such as going to Mars or redirecting the path of asteroids, it all started in the fall of 1957 when the Soviet Union launched a satellite by the name of Sputnik. On that day, history would change for humanity not only in space exploration but in nearly every facet of life. Suggested read:Meet Annie Easley, the Woman Behind the Centaur Rocket
What Was Sputnik?
Sputnik was the first satellite to reach space when the Soviets successfully launched the spacecraft on October 4, 1957. Achieving a low Earth orbit, the satellite could survive not only reaching space but also its entire 22-day mission. Sputnik 1’s legacy continues to be seen today as the mission that would inspire numerous advancements in aerospace and engineering. In the same way that Sputnik’s effect on Vanguard, the U.S. program to launch a satellite, was affected, success from the Soviets helped everyone move forward in the Space Race.
Who Won the Space Race?
The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) would win the Space Race when it launched Sputnik 1 into orbit, beating America. But the real winners have been mankind, as this possibility opened the door to a number of new realizations. It’s virtually impossible not to see the impact of reaching space in nearly all aspects of life in modern America. Satellites, specifically, have changed the way we communicate and navigate thanks to their application for devices, television, GPS, and much more. Combined with newer technologies, going to space impacted the world in a much larger way than many realized at the time. It’s impressive to travel in the heavens, a feat that is ever expanding. In much the same way, the expansion of technology from a militaristic and civilian standpoint revolutionized the world.
The New Age Space Race
Depending on how you assess technology and ambitions today, the race to Mars is the current big Space Race of our lifetime. But just as before, things are much larger than going to the Martian planet. Even within the last decade, a tremendous shift has occurred within the private sector. Going to space was once a pipe dream turned into a near impossibility for governments, and today, there are multiple entrepreneurs treating it as a side project. The United States has ramped up its efforts in space on multiple fronts. This includes the creation of its newest military branch, the U.S. Space Force (USSF). Missions to create a bigger footprint for both America and the international community continue to be present through projects such as NASA’s Artemis program, the retirement of the International Space Station in 2031, and a growing number of satellites up above. Private sector projects such as Starlink from Elon Musk to provide Internet globally, space tourism, the use of reusable spacecraft, and, of course, getting to Mars are all on the table. The ripple effect of these projects is positioning mankind to expand its footprint, for better or worse, into other planets that call our solar system home. This arguably necessary evolution makes semi-regular news headlines, as we're all able to do more. But none of it would be possible without Sputnik all those decades ago.
The 65th Sputnik Anniversary
Sputnik and the dawn of the Space Race have reached their 65th anniversary. The mission transformed what was possible in rocketry, aerospace, and more. While America would have loved to be first, the accomplishment is bigger than any nationality and helped the U.S. and others take things to the next level. From the intelligence gathered by our military to finding our way around a new city to inspiring the next generation of explorers, Sputnik was an unlikely hero that sparked a revolution around the world. Read next:Why Space Force Jobs Are Critical for a Secure Future