# Sputnik

> small Soviet carrier rocket

**Wikidata**: [Q1393751](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1393751)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sputnik_(rocket))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sputnik

## Summary
Sputnik is a small Soviet carrier rocket that was part of the R-7 rocket family, used to launch early Soviet artificial satellites including Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite.

## Key Facts
- It is a small Soviet carrier rocket
- Part of the R-7 rocket family
- Has two main versions: 8К71-ПС (first flight 1957-10-04) and 8А91 (first flight 1958-04-27)
- Height: approximately 30-31 meters
- Diameter: 2.99 meters
- Powered by RD-107 engine
- Uses liquid oxygen and kerosene as fuel
- Manufacturer: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- Maximum thrust: 970 (unit unspecified)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Sputnik?
A: Sputnik is a small Soviet carrier rocket that was part of the R-7 rocket family, used to launch early Soviet artificial satellites.

### Q: What were the two main versions of the Sputnik rocket?
A: The two main versions were 8К71-ПС (first flight October 4, 1957) and 8А91 (first flight April 27, 1958).

### Q: What was the Sputnik rocket used for?
A: It was used to launch Soviet artificial satellites including Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite.

## Why It Matters
The Sputnik rocket holds significant historical importance as the first carrier vehicle capable of launching artificial satellites into orbit. Its development and successful launches marked the beginning of the space age and demonstrated the Soviet Union's capability to achieve orbital spaceflight. The rocket's success paved the way for subsequent space programs and established the R-7 rocket family as a foundational technology for Soviet space exploration. Its impact extended beyond technology, influencing global politics and scientific advancement during the Cold War era.

## Notable For
- First carrier rocket to successfully launch artificial satellites into Earth orbit
- Part of the R-7 rocket family
- Used to launch Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite
- Powered by the RD-107 engine
- Featured liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The Sputnik rocket had a diameter of 2.99 meters and varied in height between approximately 30 and 31 meters depending on the specific version. It was powered by the RD-107 engine, which provided a maximum thrust of 970 units (the unit is unspecified but likely in appropriate thrust measurements). The rocket utilized liquid oxygen and kerosene as its propellants.

### Development and Versions
The Sputnik rocket was developed by the Soviet Union as part of the R-7 rocket family. It had two primary versions: the 8К71-ПС and the 8А91. The 8К71-ПС version made its first flight on October 4, 1957, while the 8А91 version followed with its first flight on April 27, 1958. Both versions were manufactured by the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

### Launch Capabilities
The Sputnik rocket was designed to carry artificial satellites into orbit. It successfully launched several notable satellites including Sputnik 1 (the first artificial Earth satellite), Sputnik 2 (which carried the dog Laika), and Sputnik 3 (a research satellite). The rocket's design was based on the R-7 intercontinental ballistic missile, which provided the foundation for its orbital capabilities.

### Historical Context
The Sputnik rocket emerged during the early Cold War period when the Soviet Union and United States were competing in space exploration. Its successful launches represented a significant technological achievement and marked the beginning of the space race. The rocket's development and deployment demonstrated the Soviet Union's capability to achieve orbital spaceflight and established the R-7 rocket family as a cornerstone of Soviet space program.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Sputnik (rocket)",
  "description": "A small Soviet carrier rocket that was part of the R-7 rocket family, used to launch early Soviet artificial satellites including Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite.",
  "sameAs": ["https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sputnik_(rocket)", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15241312"]
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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013