The Soviet Union launched the first man-made satellite, or Sputnik, on October 4, 1957. On Friday, Russia honored Sputnik’s designer Sergei Korolyov. Here’s a link to CCN’s report on Korolyov and the special ceremonies held in Moscow. More information can be found at Wikipedia about Korolyov’s life and accomplishments.

Link: Russia honors Sputnik designer
Link: Wikipedia – Sergey Korolyov

Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space. Here’s a postcard that commemorates this Soviet hero.

Originally posted by Radio Rover

According to Sci-Tech Today, Russia will soon be making new space shuttles that could play an important roll in future International Space Station missions.

“Russian space shuttles will ferry American astronauts to the ISS after the U.S. Shuttle program is decommissioned by NASA in 2010. Russia plans to begin construction of its own shuttle, the Kliper (often called the Clipper in English), in 2012.”

Link: For Russia, a Good Year in Space
Relevant Book: Energiya-Buran: The Soviet Space Shuttle

Did you know that the Soviets made a space shuttle? It was called Buran and only made one unmanned flight back in 1988. The project was eventually abandoned in 1993 due to lack of funding.

Today’s link is to Krzys Kotwicki’s site all about the Buran project. On his site, you can find out about the history of the Buran project, see tons of photos and even some videos.

Link: http://k26.com/buran/Info/energia_-_buran.html
Relevant Book: Energiya-Buran: The Soviet Space Shuttle