The first artificial satellite was

Options

A. Sputnik 1
B. Explorer 1
C. Aryabhatta
D. Luna 3

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the first artificial satellite, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Question
The question asks for the name of the first artificial satellite. An artificial satellite is a man-made object that is intentionally placed into orbit around the Earth.

**Hint:** Remember that "artificial" refers to something created by humans, and "satellite" refers to an object in orbit.

### Step 2: Identify the Options
The options given are:
1. Sputnik 1
2. Explorer 1
3. Aryabhatta
4. Lunar 3

**Hint:** Look for historical context or significance in each option to determine which one is the earliest.

### Step 3: Recall Historical Facts
From historical knowledge, we know that Sputnik 1 was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. This event marked the beginning of the space age and was significant in the context of the Cold War.

**Hint:** Consider the launch dates and the countries involved in the space race during the late 1950s.

### Step 4: Analyze Other Options
- **Explorer 1** was launched by the United States on January 31, 1958, after Sputnik 1.
- **Aryabhatta** was launched by India on April 19, 1975, much later than Sputnik 1.
- **Lunar 3** was a Soviet spacecraft that took the first photographs of the far side of the Moon, launched in 1959.

**Hint:** Compare the launch years of each satellite to determine which one came first.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the information gathered, the first artificial satellite is **Sputnik 1**.

**Final Answer:** The first artificial satellite was Sputnik 1.

---