The History of the Internet

USSR launched Sputnik, the first artificial Earth satellite. In response, President Dwight Eisenhower created the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) within the Department of Defense to establish a US lead in science and technology applicable to the military.


Sputnik 1, launched on Oct. 4, 1957, became the first artificial satellite to successfully orbit the Earth. It was a metallic sphere about 2 feet across, weighing 184 lbs (84 kg), with long "whiskers" pointing to one side, and stayed in orbit for 6 months before falling back to Earth. Its rocket booster, weighing 4 tons, also reached orbit and was easily visible from the ground.