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Sputnik 3
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<p>Sputnik 3 was a <a href="/facts/Soviet_Union/m7wWsPto">Soviet</a> satellite launched on 15 May 1958 from <a href="/facts/Baikonur_Cosmodrome/sk16LwcH">Baikonur Cosmodrome</a> by a <a href="/facts/Sapwood_SS-6_8K71PS/g7Qm3GbS">modified R-7/SS-6 ICBM</a>. The scientific satellite carried a large array of instruments for <a href="/facts/Geophysics/ywVQ1sAQ">geophysical</a> research of the upper atmosphere and <a href="/facts/Near_space/JBPKmMuk">near space</a>. </p> <p>Sputnik 3 was the only Soviet satellite launched in 1958. Like its American counterpart, <a href="/facts/Vanguard_1/HxeNYxP0">Vanguard 1</a>, Sputnik 3 reached orbit during the <a href="/facts/International_Geophysical_Year/m2HSX6Y6">International Geophysical Year</a>. </p>