Sputnick

Sputnik was the first artificial satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. Its successful launch marked the beginning of the space age, demonstrating that humans could send objects into orbit around Earth. Sputnik was about the size of a beach ball, with four long antennas, and it transmitted radio signals that could be received on the ground. Its launch sparked global scientific and technological competition during the Cold War era, known as the Space Race. Sputnik's achievement laid the foundation for future space exploration, including communications, satellite technology, and human space travel.