Sputnik crisis

Definition

The Sputnik crisis refers to the period during the Cold War when the Soviet Union successfully launched the world's first artificial satellite, called Sputnik, into space in 1957. This event heightened fears in the United States about Soviet technological advancements and sparked a competition between the two superpowers to dominate space exploration.

Related terms

Space Race: The intense competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve milestones in space exploration.

NASA: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a U.S. government agency responsible for civilian space exploration and research.

Arms Race: A competitive buildup of military weapons and technology between nations.