2022 1 oz $1 Niue Milky Way Series Sputnik I Satellite Proof Silver Coin

The third silver coin in the Milky Way series celebrates a pivotal moment in history: the launch of Sputnik 1, propelling humanity into the space age. Born from the crucible of World War II, rocket technology, once instruments of destruction, evolved into vessels of exploration. The Cold War rivalry between the USSR and the USA ignited the "space race," culminating in the Soviet Union's triumph on October 4, 1957, as Sergei Korolyov launched Sputnik 1 into orbit. This spherical satellite, carried by an R-7 rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome, marked humanity's first step into the cosmos. Sputnik captivated the world, transcending borders as people marveled at human ingenuity. Enthusiasts worldwide monitored its signals, aiding Soviet scientists in gathering data. With Sputnik, the quest to conquer space began, a journey that continues to inspire and captivate humanity.