This learn node notes the fiftieth anniversary of satellites. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched a 23-inch diameter satellite. It was the first object ever launched into Earth orbit by humankind, as a post I wrote for iCommons.org describes in a birthday salute to this object named Sputnik 1.
Although the image above suggests Sputnik satellite in orbit, it is more general. It is from a Connexions tutorial � an open educational resource where you can learn how artificial satellites are the backbone of modern communications system. A lot has happened in the past 50 years as orbiting objects have diversified and become common. The open learning website How Stuff Works’ section on How Satellites Work begins:
Not so long ago, satellites were exotic, top-secret devices. They were used primarily in a military capacity, for activities such as navigation and espionage. Now they are an essential part of our daily lives. We see and recognize their use in weather reports, television transmission by DIRECTV and the DISH Network, and everyday telephone calls. In many other instances, satellites play a background role that escapes our notice.
An interesting place to move out into the online clusters of the adventures and ramifications of the Sputniks is from this Astronomy Picture of the Day salute to Traveling Companion (which is what “sputnik” means). You can even meet Laika, the first dog in space.
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