The first man-made satellite launched into orbit was Sputnik 1, created by the Soviet Union and launched on October 4, 1957. This monumental achievement marked the beginning of the space age and the space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Weighing approximately 584 pounds, Sputnik 1 transmitted radio signals that could be received on Earth, capturing the world's attention and demonstrating Soviet technological prowess. The launch resulted in heightened tensions and competition between the superpowers, prompting the U.S. to accelerate its own space exploration efforts, ultimately leading to the establishment of NASA. The implications of Sputnik extended into science, technology, and education worldwide.