The significant event that marked the beginning of the Space Age was the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, and its successful launch shocked the world, particularly the United States, sparking a space race between the two superpowers. The satellite's beeping signal demonstrated that humans could send technology into space, leading to advances in science, technology, and military capabilities. This event fundamentally changed global dynamics, inspiring investments in science and education and ultimately leading to significant achievements, such as humans landing on the Moon in 1969.