_____ as a goat

(gotta love babel fish)

earth's first ambassador was launched into orbit this date, 49 years ago. the first true volley of the US v. Russia Space Race, this shiny little orb (but quick, pointy in parts!) set both nations into unprecedented oneupmanship and deep pocket spending sprees. despite it's grenade-like "power button", it's legacy is a positive one, and culminated in a most humanitarian gesture, prompting the inclusion of the ultimate gold record (ignoring RIAA thresholds) into earth's first interstellar satellites, Voyagers 1 and 2.

for more semi-related clicky, please see Sigue Sigue Sputnik, definition 2, and of course, V'ger.