LAST -- Remaining Piece of the FIRST Artificial Satellite - Washington, D.C.
Posted by: 
bluesnote
N 38° 53.295 W 077° 01.136
18S E 324894 N 4306313
One of the most monumental moments in human history is on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
Waymark Code: WMJN0V
Location: District of Columbia, United States
Date Posted: 12/07/2013
Views: 20
This is in the Space Hall, on the ground floor. Located near the entrance of the food court. The plaque says, "Sputnik Key ~ This metal arming key is the last remaining piece of the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth. It prevented contact between the batteries and the transmitters until Sputnik was prepared for launch. A pin mounted on the launch vehicle served the same purpose until the satellite separated from the launcher in orbit. Only then did sputnik began to transmit the distinctive "beep, beep, beep" hears round the world."