Explanation:

- Option 1: USSR

- The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, on October 4, 1957.

- This historic event marked the beginning of the space age and the Space Race between the USSR and the USA.

- Sputnik 1 was a spherical satellite that orbited Earth and transmitted radio signals for 21 days.

- Option 2: France

- France did not launch the first artificial satellite.

- France's first satellite, Astérix, was launched in 1965.

- Option 3: USA

- The USA was not the first to launch an artificial satellite.

- However, the USA launched its first satellite, Explorer 1, on January 31, 1958.

- Option 4: Germany

- Germany did not launch the first artificial satellite.

- Germany has a history of rocket science, but it was not involved in the initial satellite launches.

Your answer is Option 1, and it is correct.

The correct answer is: Option 1 - USSR.