What year did the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, launch into space?

Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, was launched into space on October 4, 1957. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of space exploration as it was the first time humanity successfully placed a man-made object into orbit around the Earth. The launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union initiated the space age and sparked widespread interest and competition in space technology, particularly during the Cold War era.

The year 1957 is crucial not just for its historical significance but also for the technological advancements it represented. Sputnik 1 was equipped with radio transmitters that emitted signals, which could be received on Earth, allowing scientists to track its trajectory and gather valuable data about the upper atmosphere and the environment of space. This launch had far-reaching implications for science, technology, and international relations, establishing the groundwork for subsequent space missions and the eventual exploration of the universe beyond Earth.