The Soviet Union inaugurated the “Space Age” with its launch
of Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite. The spacecraft,
named Sputnik after the Russian word for “satellite,” was
launched at 10:29 p.m. Moscow time from the Tyuratam launch
base in the Kazakh Republic.

Sputnik had a diameter of 22 inches and weighed 184 pounds
and circled Earth once every hour and 36 minutes. Traveling 
its elliptical orbit had an  at 18,000 miles an hour. It transmitted
radio signals back to Earth strong enough to be picked up by
amateur radio operators. Those in the United States with access
to such equipment tuned in and listened in awe as the beeping
Soviet spacecraft passed over America several times a day.

In January 1958, Sputnik’s orbit deteriorated, as expected, and
the spacecraft burned up in the atmosphere.

MIKE GRACIA

Howard Hughes in the Spruce Goose pilots seat.

Morris Mac Davis (January 21, 1942 – September 29, 2020)

Country musician Mac Davis, known for writing enduring Elvis
Presley hits like “A Little Less Conversation“ and “In the Ghetto”
has died at age 78.

His longtime manager Jim Morey said in a statement on Facebook
that Davis died on Tuesday in Nashville, Tenn., after heart surgery
and was surrounded by family and friends.

TIM MAGUIRE

James Byron Dean (February 8, 1931 – September 30, 1955)

Orvon Grover “Gene” Autry
(September 29, 1907 – October 2, 1998)

Actor and singer Gene Autry was known as The Singing
Cowboy for his appearances in ninety-three movies and
ninety-one TV productions. His roles as honest American
hero’s earned him a reputation as one of country music’s
most prominent figures.

He did work on his father’s ranch and worked as a railroad
telegrapher. He performed as a singer and a guitarist at
local dances. He owned the Anaheim Angels baseball team
for over thirty years.