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Expertly crafted custom model of the Sputnik 3, an early Soviet satellite that served as a fully instrumented scientific laboratory designed to study Earth's upper atmosphere and space environment. Manufactured at the Moscow Experimental Factory of Visual Aids, the handmade model is constructed of aluminum, steel, and plastic elements, measures 22˝ in height, 11˝ in width, and the antennae extend to a length of 30.5˝. The model is set upon a black 12˝ x 12˝ x 1.5˝ presentation base with an affixed plate reading: “Automatic Scientific Laboratory Spacecraft, Sputnik-3 Model.” In fine condition.
The Sputnik 3 was developed and built by OKB-1 (now RSC Energia) as the first satellite specifically prepared for scientific work; Sputnik 1 was developed to send an object into outer space, whereas Sputnik 2 was designed in a hurry — to celebrate the anniversary of the October Revolution. Sputnik 3 was also much bigger and had a large number of various instruments, which included a tape recorder for recording telemetry, experimental solar panels, a beacon powered by the solar panels, and sensors for detection of cosmic rays, radiation, sunlight, and more. Sputnik 3 was launched with a modified R-7 rocket on May 15, 1958, and successfully remained on an elongated elliptical orbit until April 6, 1960. A beautiful and large reproduction of one of the first true scientific satellites, a spacecraft that paved the way for more advanced Soviet satellites like Luna (Moon missions) and later interplanetary probes.
