Sputnik 40 and 41
Sputnik 40 (Object 24958/97058C) was a 1/3 scale model amateur radio AMSAT satellite launched from the MIR space station on 3 November 1997 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Sputnik 1. Its appearance resembled Sputnik I. Its batteries expired on 29 December 1997 and the VHF transmitter fell silent.
Sputnik 41 was launched a year later, on 10 November 1998. It also carried an amateur radio transmitter.
The Soviet Sputnik program consisted of four satellites, three of which reached Earth orbit.
Sputnik 1, launched on Oct.4, 1957, became the first artificial satellite to successfully orbit the Earth. It was a metallic sphere about 2 feet across, weighing 184 lbs (84 kg), with long "whiskers" pointing to one side, and stayed in orbit for 6 months before falling back to Earth. Its rocket booster, weighing 4 tons, also reached orbit and was easily visible from the ground.
The second Sputnik satellite was launched on Nov 3, 1957 and carried a dog, named Laika, into space. Biological data was returned for a week before the animal had to be put to sleep.
The last Sputnik installment was intended to be a space laboratory for study of Earth's magnetic field and radiation belt. After its launch on May 15, 1958, it remained in orbit for nearly two years.
The Sputnik missions all happened during the midst of the Cold War between the U.S.S.R. and the United States. Americans became worried about the Soviet accomplishments and soon the development of space technology became a national priority.
Vasnak Indanamagod says
No. All 3 Sputniks fell behind my uncle's barn. Part of one was used to fix the horn on his truck. I still have it today.
dchiuch says
There are many Sputniks, and i'm pretty sure none of them are still in orbit.
http://www.freewebs.com/dchiuch/
friendlydude says
it fell into the ocean long time back
jennifersuem says
Sputnik 40 and 41
Sputnik 40 (Object 24958/97058C) was a 1/3 scale model amateur radio AMSAT satellite launched from the MIR space station on 3 November 1997 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Sputnik 1. Its appearance resembled Sputnik I. Its batteries expired on 29 December 1997 and the VHF transmitter fell silent.
Sputnik 41 was launched a year later, on 10 November 1998. It also carried an amateur radio transmitter.
The Soviet Sputnik program consisted of four satellites, three of which reached Earth orbit.
Sputnik 1, launched on Oct.4, 1957, became the first artificial satellite to successfully orbit the Earth. It was a metallic sphere about 2 feet across, weighing 184 lbs (84 kg), with long "whiskers" pointing to one side, and stayed in orbit for 6 months before falling back to Earth. Its rocket booster, weighing 4 tons, also reached orbit and was easily visible from the ground.
The second Sputnik satellite was launched on Nov 3, 1957 and carried a dog, named Laika, into space. Biological data was returned for a week before the animal had to be put to sleep.
The last Sputnik installment was intended to be a space laboratory for study of Earth's magnetic field and radiation belt. After its launch on May 15, 1958, it remained in orbit for nearly two years.
The Sputnik missions all happened during the midst of the Cold War between the U.S.S.R. and the United States. Americans became worried about the Soviet accomplishments and soon the development of space technology became a national priority.
jeannie 123 says
I don't think so…
cordefr says
No, there were several Sputniks, but as they were all in low orbit, they burned up in the atmosphere after a few months/years.
Low orbits, orbits below 500 km are not stable. The satellites have to be corrected for atmospheric drag regularly.
gladiator says
no it has been brought back to earth in december