Today is the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik, the worlds first artificial satellite. A lot of people today miss the significance of this event. Like the atom bomb before it, the successful launch and orbit of Sputnik changed the world forever. At the time the Soviets used their success to propel their geopolitical agenda, however it also sprung America into action.
For all the fear the space race created, it also resulted in a lot of scientific advancements. A lot of great minds came together and gave the world many of today’s technologies.
Today we can thank the space program for improved plastics, cordless power tools and appliances, portable coolers/warmers, athletic shoes, solar energy, fire resistant materials, fireman’s air tanks, studless winter tires and a whole bunch of other stuff, including this cool Google logo:
