The first human-made object to orbit the Earth was Sputnik 1, launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. This satellite marked the beginning of the space age and the U.S.-Soviet space race. Sputnik 1 was a spherical satellite that transmitted radio pulses back to Earth, allowing scientists to study its orbit. Its successful launch demonstrated the feasibility of sending artificial objects into space, leading to advancements in space exploration and technology. Sputnik's iconic beep became a symbol of technological achievement and spurred significant interest in science and engineering worldwide.