October 4, 1957.  50 years ago today.  Russia (excuse me, the Soviet Union) launched Sputnik and, with it, humanity’s first successful step into space.  From Wikipedia: “The surprise launch of Sputnik 1, coupled with the spectacular failure of the United States’ first two Project Vanguard launch attempts, shocked the United States, which responded with a number … Continue reading 50 years ago today…