What happened 66 years ago today?

Sixty-six years ago today, on October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite. This event marked the beginning of the space age and the U.S.-Soviet space race, significantly impacting science, technology, and geopolitics. Sputnik's successful launch also spurred advancements in satellite technology and led to increased interest in space exploration worldwide.