The cost of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, is estimated to be around $20 million at the time it was developed and launched.
This figure, while seeming modest by today’s standards, represented a significant investment during the Cold War era, reflecting both the urgency and ambition of the Soviet space program. The costs included not only the satellite itself but also the extensive research and development efforts that preceded the launch.
Sputnik was a simple orbiter, weighing about 183 pounds (83.6 kg), and consisted of a metal sphere with four long antennae. Its main purpose was to be a demonstration of technological capability, marking a pivotal moment in space exploration history. The launch of Sputnik shocked the world and sparked the space race, prompting substantial increases in space funding and competition in many countries, particularly the United States.
In summary, while the direct costs associated with the Sputnik program might be relatively low compared to contemporary space missions, the historic impact and legacy of Sputnik were invaluable and reshaped geopolitical dynamics in the latter half of the 20th century.