After 50 years—satellites in our daily lives

Abstract

The launch of Sputnik on October 4th 1957 was the start of the space age. In the intervening 50 years there have been several “where were you when …?” moments, to which we can all relate provided we are old enough. Most have been associated with disasters such as the shooting of President Kennedy in 1963 or the suicide terrorism of 9/11. These moments remain in our memories long after other events before and after have faded. We remember not only the earth-shattering event itself but our own actions and surroundings at the time. They are carved into our memories.