2013/05/01 by Nicholas Barnett · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · Physics and Astronomy · #Aesthetics #Ancient history #Art #Empire #Gender studies #Genealogy #Historical Studies and Socio-cultural Analysis #History #History and Developments in Astronomy #Identity (music) #Law #Literature #Media studies #Narrative #National identity #Philosophy #Political science #Prestige #Race (biology) #Sociology #Space (punctuation) #Space exploration and regulation #Surprise
paper · doi:10.1080/13688804.2013.791419
openalex publication_date 2013/05/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
This article traces the development of the British press narrative from the launching of Sputnik in October 1957 to the Soviets' second satellite, containing a dog, in early November. It argues that there was an initial outpouring of surprise, combined with celebration of humankind's achievement. There was also a sense of loss of national prestige, due to Britain's lack of an equivalent space programme and the decline of her empire. The launch of the dog prompted widespread condemnation, mixed with frivolous popular coverage. The article provides an insight into how this moment impacted on British society and understanding of national identity in the 1950s with imperial superiority, religion and perceived decline being recurring themes.