NSF - NASASpaceflight.com(@NASASpaceflight):On this day in 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched the first-ever human-made object to orbit the Earth. Sputnik 1 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and remained operational for 21 days, sending an easy-to-track radio signal. The spacecraft burned up on January 4, 1958, when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere.

NSF - NASASpaceflight.com

@NASASpaceflight

Official Account of NSF. News, videos, and community for spaceflight enthusiasts since 2005. NSF is not affiliated with NASA, initials used with permission.

Joined February 2009

342 Following 747.4K Followers

NSF - NASASpaceflight.com@NASASpaceflight

2026.10.04 18:13

On this day in 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched the first-ever human-made object to orbit the Earth. Sputnik 1 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and remained operational for 21 days, sending an easy-to-track radio signal. The spacecraft burned up on January 4, 1958, when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere.