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Sputnik Launches the Space Age In Russian, the word "sputnik" translates to "traveling companion." Despite the friendly name and cute look of this 83-kilogram (184-pound) metal ball with its set of four leg-like antennae, the launch of Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957 shocked the world and set in motion events that resulted in the creation of NASA and the race to the Moon. The first artificial satellite, encased in a 56-centimeter (22-inch) sphere, stayed in orbit for 23 days, transmitting a continuous beeping signal to an astounded Earthbound audience. NASA