SPUTNIK-1 AWARD MEDAL.

SPUTNIK-1 AWARD MEDAL.
SOVIET ACADEMY OF SCIENCE MEDAL AWARDED ONLY TO THOSE INVOLVED IN SPUTNIK-1 SUCCESS.
Circular bronze medal, 2 1/2 inch diameter, 1/8 inch thick, in Russian, on obverse: ["IN HONOR OF THE LAUNCH IN THE USSR OF THE WORLD'S FIRST SPUTNIK / 4 OCTOBER 1957"], the reverse depicting Sputnik-1 soaring above the Earth, the Soviet Union in view.

The Soviets stunned the world with the 23-inch diameter polished metal sphere that they blasted into Earth orbit on October 4th, 1957. This first successful satellite broadcast a pulse signal that any amateur radio enthusiast could tune in as it traveled overhead. The above medal has been recorded as being given 4 years after that success. Only approximately 50 examples were produced, and those only for direct participants.