Portugal's Reaction to Sputnik Launch

Paper number

IAC-07-E4.1.06

Author

Ms. Vera Gomes, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Portugal

Year

2007

Abstract

On the 4th October 1957 the world witnessed an event that would change our perception of everything around us. The Sputnik was launched. The political impact, the advancement of science and the endless possibilities that were now available provoked surprise, fear and illusion.
The most famous “bip” ever reached all corner of the globe in various ways. The press in reporting the launch of the Sputnik speculated about the intention of the launch, what it meant for the world and the possibilities of going into space. 
Portugal was no exception. The day after the launch, the main newspapers in the country gave notice that the Russians reached space. In the weeks that followed, Portuguese newspapers followed closely the scientific, technological and political developments arising from such an event.
The paper that I propose to present will focus on the reaction of the Portuguese press about the launch of the Sputnik. It will analyse the debate that occurred in the weeks that followed, demonstrating the importance given to this event and also the interpretation made of the launch of the Sputnik from a scientific, technological and political point of view, by doing a tour of the newspapers of the time.
 

Abstract document

IAC-07-E4.1.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-E4.1.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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