What was the name of the first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957?

• A. Soyuz 1
• B. Explorer 1
• C. Vostok 1
• D. Sputnik 1

Answer: (D)

Understanding early space history and the first Soviet satellite. Sputnik 1, launched in 1957, was the name of the first artificial satellite sent into orbit by the Soviet Union. It was a small metal sphere with four antennas that transmitted radio signals as it circled Earth roughly every 96 minutes. This achievement proved that a man-made object could reach and remain in orbit, launching the space age and the ensuing space race. The other options refer to different missions: Soyuz 1 was a later, 1967 crewed flight; Explorer 1 was the United States’ first satellite, launched in 1958; Vostok 1 carried the first human into space in 1961, not a satellite. So Sputnik 1 is the correct name for the first Soviet satellite in 1957.