Launching the Digital Age: Canadian Satellites

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Topic spans: 1957 - 2000

Launching the Digital Age: Canadian Satellites

Amid feelings of apprehension and anticipation, Canadians looked skyward as scientists launched satellites into the solar system in the 1960s. The primitive satellite program has since evolved into a highly sophisticated network. Canadian scientists have actively taken the lead in this ever-growing industry, transforming our lives with improved telephone, radio, television, tele-medicine and Internet access.

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The space race and Sputnik

Broadcast Date: Oct. 4, 1957

To the ear, it sounds like just a random series of high-pitched beeps but to scientists and politicians everywhere, it bears much greater importance. It's the sound of the Soviet satellite Sputnik, the first orbital spacecraft, transmitting signals to earth. For months, Soviet and American scientists have been vying to be the first to break the gravitational barrier with a successful launch into outer space. Now, the race to launch even more sophisticated spacecraft begins.

The space race and Sputnik

• Sputnik 1, the world's first orbital spacecraft, circled the world for three months.
• Sputnik also confirmed rumours that the Soviet Union had intercontinental ballistic missiles, which could be launched in the same way as the spacecraft.
• Sputnik 2, launched Nov. 3, 1957, carried a part-Samoyed terrier named Laika. The first known living organism in space, Laika is believed to have survived a day or two, but the spacecraft was in orbit 162 days.

The space race and Sputnik

Medium: Radio

Program: CBC Radio News

Broadcast Date: Oct. 4, 1957

Guest(s):

Reporter: James Minifie, Lamont Tilden

Duration: 6:16

Last updated:
Aug. 27, 2004

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