After the success of Sputnik 1 in October 1957, Nikita Khrushchev, leader of the Soviet Union, wanted a spacecraft launched on 7 November 1957 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution. Khrushchev specifically wanted to deliver a "space spectacular", a mission that would repeat the triumph of Sputnik1, stunning the world with Soviet prowess.
after the success of sputnik 1 in october 1957 nikita khrushchev leader of the soviet union wanted a spacecraft launched on 7 november 1957 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the october revolution khrushchev specifically wanted to deliver a "space spectacular" a mission that would repeat the triumph of sputnik1 stunning the world with soviet prowess