The first artificial satellite to orbit Earth was Sputnik 1, launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957.

Sputnik 1 wasn't designed to study anything in particular. Its primary purpose was a technological demonstration, proving the Soviet Union's ability to launch objects into space. However, its successful orbit and radio transmissions sent shockwaves around the world, marking the beginning of the Space Age and triggering the "Space Race" between the US and USSR.