Soviet space technology refers to the advancements and innovations developed by the Soviet Union in the field of space exploration. This included the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957, which marked the beginning of the space age. The Soviet space program also achieved significant milestones, such as sending the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space in 1961 aboard Vostok 1. The technology encompassed various spacecraft, launch vehicles, and scientific instruments. Notable achievements include the development of the Soyuz spacecraft, which is still in use today, and the Luna program, which successfully landed robotic missions on the Moon. These innovations laid the groundwork for future space exploration efforts worldwide.