Today in History - October 4, 2022

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Published on October 4, 2022 3:00:09 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_RmWzn4KhA

Duration: 0:59

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On this day, a traveler began its journey across the night sky, and the world was forever changed. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first man-made satellite, Sputnik, into an elliptical low earth orbit. Although the Soviets had not necessarily anticipated it, Sputnik’s flight became a worldwide sensation and a major propaganda victory, especially because Sputnik was equipped with a radio transmitter that broadcast a steady beeping sound that amateur radio operators the world over were able to follow closely. While Sputnik itself was a fantastic scientific achievement, it is most notable for beginning the space race in earnest, as the USA suddenly found itself trailing the supposedly backwards Soviets in this vital scientific field, and the American public demanded far greater investment into space exploration.