On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, into orbit. This historic event marked the beginning of the space age and significantly impacted global communications and scientific research. Sputnik 1’s launch demonstrated the feasibility of space-based communication, inspiring advancements in satellite technology. For amateur radio operators, Sputnik’s beeping radio signals, transmitted on 20.005 MHz and 40.002 MHz, were a source of fascination and excitement. The successful deployment of Sputnik 1 underscored the potential for satellites in enhancing global communication, leading to the development of future amateur radio satellites and expanding the horizons of the amateur radio community.
