oct 4, 1957 - Sputnik Launched

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Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite to be launched into orbit and marked a major victory over the US for the USSR during the space race. Sputnik burned up in the atmosphere in January 1958. The Sputnik launch fostered doubt in the minds of many Americans about their own military. Many thought the US was falling behind the USSR in weapons development and this intensified the arms race between the two countries. The launching of Sputnik also led to increased funding given to STEM education, an emphasis which is still seen today.

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