Sputnik 1 and Me!

Yes, we share a common birthday…S 1 was launched as a 23 in diameter polished metal sphere into a low earth orbit while I was a somewhat oblong shaped 19 in blob primarily made of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus ….launched in Kolkata, India, but determined to leave low earth orbit!

Sputnik 1 was launched during the International Geophysical Year, while I helped start the International Heliophysical Year! 

Sputnik 1 triggered the Space Race (a part of the Cold War), while I am trying to create Heliophysics science without borders and barriers (in our solar system) establishing diplomatic ties amongst nations where none existed!

Sputnik 1 ran out of power and succumbed to earth’s gravity. I cannot fall off of earth…nevertheless my batteries are slowing down after revolving soooo many times around my favorite star and waiting my turn to decouple from earth’s gravity!

Today I salute Sputnik 1 because I am determined to believe that there is/was a cosmic coincidence/conspiracy (our common b'day) that launched me into my career devoted to space.

And thanks to all my friends for your warm birthday wishes.

Madhulika (Lika)