This is a life-size model of the first Sputnik, an artificial Earth satellite. Sputnik was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, orbited for three weeks before its batteries died, and completed 1,400 revolutions of the earth before disintegrating in the atmosphere on 4 January 1958. It was a 58 cm (23 in) diameter polished metal sphere, with four external radio antennas to broadcast radio pulses. The stainless-steel model suspended from the ceiling of the public lobby is a symbol of the scientific and technical achievements of mankind in the exploration of outer space.

The launch of Sputnik was the beginning of a new era of political, military, technological, and scientific developments. This exploration of the celestial bodies, along with research of near-Earth space, advanced the practical use of space-developed technology for the betterment of our life here on Earth.

This model was presented by USSR First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. V. V. Kuznetsov, and the ceremony was filmed for UN-television. UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld accepted the gifts on behalf of the UN.

In 2017, the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, Mr. Vassily Alekseevich Nebenzia, spoke with Secretary-General António Guterres during the Exhibition dedicated to the 60th Anniversary of Sputnik Launch opening event.