Sputnik 1
Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite launched into Earth orbit by the Soviet Union in 1957.
Also known as: Sputnik, PS-1 satellite
How big is it?
58 cm · pressurised sphere diameter
Pressurised sphere diameter · specified
Typical recorded range: 57 cm to 59 cm.
A little perspective
Sputnik 1 vs Alligator snapping turtle: length comparison
The straight carapace length of an alligator snapping turtle is about 1.03 times the pressurised sphere diameter of Sputnik 1.
Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite launched into Earth orbit by the Soviet Union in 1957.
The alligator snapping turtle is a freshwater turtle from the southeastern United States, distinguished by its spiked shell and powerful jaws.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Sputnik 1
Pressurised sphere diameter: 58 cm; specified; range 57 cm–59 cm.
Sputnik 1 used a polished pressurised sphere about 58 cm across and weighed about 83.6 kg. Its four long radio antennas are excluded from body diameter.
NASA History — Sputnik and the dawn of the Space Age
The marked pressurised sphere diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Alligator snapping turtle
Defined straight carapace length: 60 cm; defined specimen; range 40 cm–80 cm.
A defined adult alligator snapping turtle with a 60 cm straight carapace and 35 kg mass. Head and tail extend beyond the calibrated shell span; very large individuals can be heavier.
US Fish and Wildlife Service — Alligator snapping turtle
The marked defined straight carapace length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 58 cm
We compare the pressurised sphere diameter of Sputnik 1. This value follows a stated specification; check its scope in the notes. The recorded range is 57 cm to 59 cm.
Sputnik 1 used a polished pressurised sphere about 58 cm across and weighed about 83.6 kg. Its four long radio antennas are excluded from body diameter.
The marked horizontal span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 cm | 57 cm to 59 cm | specified | |
| 83.6 kg | 83 kg to 84 kg | specified |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valuePeople and human anatomyNewborn baby50 cmLengthA newborn baby is a human infant in the earliest period immediately after birth.
Around the same scaleLiving thingsAlligator snapping turtle60 cmDefined straight carapace lengthThe alligator snapping turtle is a freshwater turtle from the southeastern United States, distinguished by its spiked shell and powerful jaws.
Nearest higher valueEveryday objects60 cm floor tile60 cmLengthA large tile is a square flooring piece, often ceramic or stone, used for covering expansive areas.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA History — Sputnik and the dawn of the Space AgeSputnik 1 sphere diameter, mass and four-antenna configuration.
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