What was the first artificial satellite that launched?

The first artificial satellite launched into space was Sputnik 1, which was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. Weighing about 58 kilograms (128 pounds), Sputnik 1 marked the beginning of the space age and the start of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Its successful launch sent shockwaves around the world and demonstrated the capabilities of rocket technology. Sputnik 1 orbited the Earth for nearly three months before re-entering the atmosphere on January 4, 1958.