Soviet scientists were researchers and innovators who worked in the Soviet Union from its formation in 1922 until its dissolution in 1991. They made significant contributions to various fields, including space exploration, nuclear physics, and medicine. Notable figures include Sergei Korolev, the chief designer of the Soviet space program, and Andrei Sakharov, a prominent physicist and human rights activist. The Soviet government heavily invested in science and technology, leading to achievements like the launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, in 1957. This focus on scientific advancement aimed to demonstrate the superiority of the Soviet system during the Cold War.