Tremendous full-scale polished metal replica of the Sputnik 1 satellite, measuring approximately 24″ in diameter, with four removable whip-type radio antennae, each able to telescope to approximate lengths of 7´ to accommodate for display purposes. In fine condition, with scattered scuffs, marks, and small dings and surface impressions. This Sputnik 1 model was made by the Soviet Academy of Sciences for use in a Soviet space museum exhibition. As a detailed model of the first artificial earth satellite, this life-sized example exists as a true must-have for serious space aficionados.
The first man-made artifact to orbit the Earth, the original Sputnik-1 was developed by the USSR as a scientific satellite to be launched during the International Geophysical year of 1957-58. Launched on October 4, 1957, Sputnik remained in orbit until January 4, 1958. Its radio transmitters provided data on the Earth's ionosphere and on the structure and temperature of the upper atmosphere. More significantly, its creation ignited the historic Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union.
