The Soviet Union launched the first satellite, Sputnik, on October 4, 1957. This marked a significant milestone in the Space Race and the broader context of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. Sputnik was the first artificial Earth satellite, and its launch surprised the world, particularly the United States, sparking fears of Soviet technological superiority. This event not only intensified the competition in space exploration but also led to an increased emphasis on science and technology education within the U.S. The successful launch of Sputnik is often credited with marking the beginning of a new era in the pursuit of space exploration.