Which country launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, in 1957?

The first artificial satellite, Sputnik, was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. This historic event marked the beginning of the space age and initiated what became known as the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States. Sputnik's successful launch demonstrated the Soviet Union's advanced technological capabilities at the time, which had significant implications for international politics, particularly during the Cold War. The satellite orbited the Earth, sending signals that could be received by radio operators on the ground, and its launch spurred efforts in space exploration and satellite technology across the globe. The significance of Sputnik lies not only in its achievement for the Soviet Union but also in how it influenced scientific research, education, and public interest in space exploration worldwide.