Which country launched the world first artificial satellite Sputnik-1 in 1957?

Appeared in: NORCET 9 Prelims-2025

Explanation

The Soviet Union (USSR) successfully launched Sputnik-1 on October 4, 1957.
Sputnik-1 was the world's first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth.
This achievement demonstrated the USSR's technological superiority at the time and officially began the 'Space Race' with the United States.

Option A: The USA was the USSR's main competitor in the Space Race, but they launched their first satellite after the Soviets.
Option C: The United Kingdom entered the space age later than the USSR and the USA.
Option D: France developed its own space program but launched its first satellite several years after the USSR.

Visual 1: Photograph - An image of the Sputnik-1 satellite, a polished metal sphere with four long antennas, to help visualize this historic object.
Visual 2: Timeline - A graphical timeline of the early years of the Space Race (1957-1969), showing key launches and milestones for both the USSR and the USA.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Space Exploration and the Cold War as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
General knowledge questions are a component of many nursing entrance exams, testing a candidate's overall awareness of world events.
Understanding major historical and technological milestones like the launch of Sputnik-1 provides context for the geopolitical landscape that has shaped modern science and technology.
What if the question asked about the first human in space? The answer would still be the USSR, as their cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin achieved this in 1961, further intensifying the Space Race.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key elements in the question: 'first artificial satellite', 'Sputnik-1', and the year '1957'.
This is a factual recall question from world history, specifically the history of technology and the Cold War.
Access your knowledge about the Space Race, which was a major competition between two superpowers.
Recall that the Soviet Union (USSR) had the initial lead in the Space Race.
Connect 'Sputnik-1' with the USSR's early success.
Evaluate the options: USA was the competitor, while the UK and France entered the space age later. Therefore, USSR is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 9 Prelims-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.