Teacup Holder, Russia, 1958
October 4th is an important date in the history of aerospace. Why? Because of the silver ball depicted streaking through space on this Russian teacup holder. That silver ball is Sputnik 1, the first human-made satellite launched into space, an event which opened the way for human exploration of space. This German silver detailed holder was sold at the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium.
Did you know that World Space Week happens in October each year? In 1999, the United National General Assembly declared this annual holiday to be held every year from October 4th through the 10th as “an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition.” The celebration commemorates two events in space history, the launch of Sputnik 1 on October 4th, 1957, and the signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies on October 10, 1967. More than 90 nations participate, with space education and outreach events held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetaria, museums, and astronomy clubs worldwide.
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