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It was the first (US designed) rocket that reached the edge of space.
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The first pictures of the Earth were taken from an altitude of 105 km.
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First time dogs were sent to space.
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First animal (dog named Laika) sent to the orbit.
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First artificial satellite.
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First intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed.
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First photograph of Earth taken from the orbit (by NASA)