Sputnik: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The name 'Sputnik' means 'satellite' or 'companion' in Russian, symbolizing its role as Earth's first artificial companion in space.
• Launched on October 4, 1957, it marked the beginning of the space age and was a significant milestone in the Cold War space race.
• It was a 58 cm (23 inches) diameter metallic sphere equipped with four long antennas and emitted radio pulses, which could be received by radio operators on Earth.

Science

• The launch prompted the establishment of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in the United States, signifying a major investment in space exploration.
• Data collected from Sputnik helped scientists understand the effects of the atmosphere on radio waves, which improved communications technology even today.
• Its launch demonstrated the feasibility of space travel and initiated advancements in satellite technology, including GPS and modern telecommunications.

Cultural Impact

• Sputnik became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring music, literature, and art, as people were captivated by the idea of human-made objects in space.
• In the U.S., there was a growing interest in science and technology in schools, with many students encouraged to pursue careers in engineering and space science.
• The term 'Sputnik moment' has been used to describe when a sudden realization leads to significant change, highlighting the satellite's influence beyond just space exploration.

Technology

• Technologically, the launch showcased the advancements in rocketry and satellite design, laying the groundwork for future space missions.
• Sputnik's radio signals were the first human-made transmissions in orbit, indicating that Earth could communicate with artificial objects in space.
• It paved the way for the development of more advanced satellites, including weather satellites and communication satellites that are pivotal for modern civilization.

Ranking #38,470, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 38467 eviscerating
• 38468 dryad
• 38469 burqa
• 38470 sputnik
• 38471 succinctness
• 38472 corporeally
• 38473 winched
• ...