The space age begins with the Soviet Union's Oct. 4 launch of the first artificial Earth satellite. It's a sphere about 22 inches in diameter and weighs 184 pounds. The Soviets call it "Sputnik" and say artificial satellites "will pave the way for space travel." Later Sputnik craft carry dogs and other animals aloft. Their safe return proves man can escape Earth, at least briefly; maybe even go to the moon!

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