The first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched on October 4, 1957, by the Soviet Union. This historic event marked the beginning of the space age and initiated the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Sputnik 1 was roughly the size of a beach ball, and its successful launch had significant implications for technology and international relations. It transmitted radio signals that could be detected on Earth, providing valuable data about the atmosphere and paving the way for future space exploration. Sputnik’s legacy continues to influence space programs worldwide.