First complex scientific satellite to reach orbit. May 15, 1958 at 07:00 UTC · Launch Successful Sputnik 8A91 — Soviet Space Program, to Low Earth Orbit 1/5, Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan The world's 11th orbital launch attempt, and 8th of 1958. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs. Image via The Space Devs.