The name of the first satellite sent into space is Sputnik 1. Launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, this pioneering satellite marked a significant milestone in space exploration and the beginning of the space age. Weighing approximately 83.6 kilograms (183.9 pounds), Sputnik 1 transmitted radio signals that could be received on Earth, allowing people to track its orbit. Its successful launch sparked the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, leading to numerous advancements in space technology. Sputnik 1 remained in orbit for about three months before re-entering the Earth's atmosphere.