The first satellite launched by the Soviet Union was Sputnik 1. Launched on October 4, 1957, it marked the beginning of the space age and the Soviet-American space race. Sputnik 1 was about the size of a beach ball, weighing approximately 58 pounds (26 kilograms), and emitted radio pulses that could be received on Earth. Its successful launch was a significant milestone in both science and technology, demonstrating the capabilities of rocket technology and satellite communications. This event had profound implications for science, international relations, and public interest in space exploration, ultimately leading to advancements in satellite technology and space science.