What year did the launch of Sputnik occur, marking an important event in space exploration?

The launch of Sputnik occurred in 1957, marking a pivotal moment in the history of space exploration. Specifically, Sputnik 1 was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. This event is significant as it was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, which initiated the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The successful launch of Sputnik demonstrated advancements in technology and sparked interest and investment in space exploration, subsequently leading to developments in satellite technology and the eventual moon landing. Understanding this critical event helps contextualize the geopolitical landscape of the late 20th century and the challenges of the space race that followed.