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Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite launched into space, by the Soviet Union in 1957. It was a big deal to America because it marked the beginning of the space race between the US and the Soviet Union, leading to heightened competition in space technology and exploration. It also raised concerns about national security and scientific advancement in the US.
Sputnik 1 was about 58 centimeters (23 inches) in diameter and weighed around 83.6 kilograms (184 pounds).
No, Sputnik 1 and Sputnik 2 were not launched from the same place. Sputnik 1 was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, while Sputnik 2 was launched from the same location.
Yes, Sputnik 1 orbited the Earth over 1000 times
Sputnik 1 came first. It was the first artificial Earth satellite launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, marking the beginning of the space age.
Construction of Sputnik 1 began in 1957.