The first man-made satellite sent into space was named Sputnik 1. Launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, it marked a significant milestone in human space exploration. Sputnik was a spherical satellite that transmitted radio signals back to Earth, capturing global attention and triggering the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Its launch not only showcased the technological advancements of the time but also paved the way for future space missions, eventually leading to human space travel and an ongoing exploration of outer space.