19h 28min, oct 4, 1957 y - Sputnik

Description:

This was the first artificial satellite to be launched into space. This project was overseen by Sergei Korolev, the chief Soviet Rocket Scientist. The original satellite they had intended to launch first was not ready in time, so they decided to send a more basic one up as to get ahead of America. This event kick-started the space race and also proved to the American people that the Soviets were not weak nor helpless.

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