Galileo’s enhancements to the telescope made it possible for people to explore outer space from afar. Centuries later, the Soviet Union launched into space the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, by making use of rocket engine technology. Sputnik 2 blasted off a month after, carrying a dog, the first Earthling in space. Though the dog didn’t survive the flight, it did serve as inspiration for more ambitious endeavors. After several spaceflights involving animals were completed, _____________. Through this development, humans were able to observe the universe up close.