Replica of the Sputnik-1 satellite
Object No. 97/2/1
Satellite, replica, Sputnik-1, metal, Exhibition Centre, USSR/Russian Academy of Sciences, [1957-1984]
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Summary
Physical Description
Full-scale replica of Sputnik 1, the world's first satellite. Spherical polished metal ball body with 4 whip-type radio antennae extending backward from main body in a slightly splayed pattern.
DIMENSIONS
Height
5000 mm
Depth
5000 mm
Weight
22 kg
PRODUCTION
Notes
The original satellite was designed by engineers working at the Korolyev Design Bureau, which was under the ultimate control of the Soviet Academy of Sciences. The Korolyev Bureau was under the control of Sergei Korolyev, a leading figure in the Soviet space program, who was a driving force behind the proposal for a Soviet satellite. In the Soviet system, the term 'Design Bureau' denoted an academic/technical institute under the leadership of a senior scientist or engineer. There were several 'Design Bureaux' associated with the Soviet space program, each associated with different space projects, but responsible for both rocket and spacecraft development. They could be considered analogous to the various NASA field centres. The replica was manufactured in the workshops of the Exhibition Centre of the then-Soviet Academy of Sciences. The original spacecraft was manufactured in the workshops of the Korolyev Design Bureau. No information has ever been provided by the USSR/Russian Academy of Sciences as to the actual construction date of any of the replicas lent to the museum. The proposed date is a best estimate, based on the evidence of prior display, before the material was lent to the museum. The original satellite was constructed in 1957.
HISTORY
Notes
The replica was made by the Soviet Academy of Sciences for use in exhibitions about the Soviet space program, mounted outside the USSR. It is not known what previous exhibitions this replica may have been used in. The original Sputnik-1 was developed by the USSR, as a scientific satellite to be launched during the International Geophysical year (1957-58) and became the first human-made artefact to orbit the Earth. Launched on 4 October, 1957, it remained in orbit until 4 January 1958. Its radio transmitters provided data on the Earth's ionosphere and on the structure and temperature of the upper atmosphere. Originally owned by the USSR Academy of Sciences. lent to the museum in 1987 as part of L2046. This entire collection was purchased by the museum in 1996.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1997
Acquisition Date
20 January 1997
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