The Soviet Union launched Sputnik on October 4, 1957, marking the beginning of the Space Race between the United States and the USSR. This event was historic, as Sputnik became the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, demonstrating the USSR's advanced capabilities in science and technology. The launch intensified competition between the two superpowers, leading to significant investments in space exploration and education in the U.S. It also fueled public and government interest in STEM fields, ultimately resulting in the Apollo program and the moon landing in 1969, solidifying the technological rivalry of the Cold War.