October 4, 2007

scientists comment on the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Russian spacecraft Sputnik

Professor Martin Ward, head of astronomy at Durham University, said:

“For an object just twice the diameter of a bowling ball and about the weight of an average person, Sputnik had a dramatic impact on people’s lives.

“At the time of its launch it was seen by many as a threat from a potentially hostile power. However, as the first step towards satellite TV, mobile phones and GPS, the positive aspects cannot be overstated.

“The launch of Sputnik was in many ways the starting gun for the Space Race between the USA and the former USSR.

“The USA was galvanized into action and one year later NASA was set up. In effect this race ended just over a decade later with a reversal of roles, when US astronauts landed on the Moon.

“Now it looks as if a 21st century version of the Space Race may be ignited by the emergence on the scene of China as a major space power and the likelihood that they will launch their third human space mission in the near future.

“It will be interesting to see how the USA responds to this in seeking to maintain a clear lead over the new competition.”