| the period in modern history characterized by space exploration, usually considered as beginning October 4, 1957, when the Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, into orbit around the earth. |
[speys-eyj] 
| 1. | pertaining to or characteristic of the Space Age. |
| 2. | using the latest or most advanced technology or design. |
| 3. | modern; up-to-date; forward-looking. |
| space age also Space Age n. The period after 1957, the year in which a spacecraft was first placed in orbit around Earth, marking the beginning of space exploration. space'-age' (spās'āj') adj. |