Sputnik 1 was the first satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union in 1957. The launch was a major accomplishment by the Soviet Union and set their space program ahead of the United States. The success of Sputnik triggered a crisis in America and began the Space Race.
The flying start of the Soviet Union generated fear among Western nations. The United States quickly needed to jumpstart their space program to compete against the Soviets. As a result, the federal government invested heavily into NASA and education regarding science and technology.