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)
Teacher, High School at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Architectural Design Drafting CADD Robotics
8 年Missed the post about your birthday. Wow, Happy orbiting around the sun again.
Director of Asset Management for the US Department of Labor Architect/Engineering Support Contract
8 年Happy Birthday Dr. Lika!
HVAC
8 年Well-wishes!