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The successful launch of the Soviet sputnik had a galvanizing effect on the people and the science program of America. It was quite a shock to discover that the Soviets had surpassed America in their space technology, which could have serious military implications, in terms of intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as other possible implications. We now know, for example, that reconnaissance satellites are also of great military importance, and so are GPS satellites. The US government immediately began an accelerated program of research and development of new space technology, which in due course resulted in the US moon landing in 1969, and many other great technological accomplishments. The USSR was never able to regain the lead it originally had.

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Q: What effect did the Russian sputnik have on the American people and on the American science program?
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Related questions

Is Sputnik 1 a Russian spacecraft?

Sputnik 1 was a Russian satellite.


Was sputnik manned?

No, the Russian's Sputnik was unmanned.


What is the meaning of the name of the Russian spacecraft 'Sputnik'?

Sputnik means "fellow traveler" in Russian.


What was size of sputnik 1 satellite?

Not sure what you're asking... technically Sputnik was a part of the Russian space program (like Apollo was part of the U.S. space program). Sputnik in Russian literally means "co-traveler" or "satellite".The program started in 1957 with Sputnik 1 (about 23 inches in diameter, weighing in at about 183 lbs). Sputnik 2was a 13' by 6.6' cone shaped capsule, large enough to carry the first living animal in space (a dog named Laika). Sputnik 3was a slightly smaller cone (11.7' x 5.6').


What is the definition of sputnik and answer?

Sputnik was an early Russian space satellite.


How long did it take for NASA to build sputnik 1?

NASA did not build Sputnik. Sputnik was a Russian satellite, not an American one.The Soviets have not released any information about how long it took to design and build the satellite.


What are the names of Russian space crafts?

the Sputnik was the first Russian spacecraft


Why did they name sputnik?

The Russian word sputnik literally means "traveling companion" or "satellite".


Why was the Russian spacecraft called sputnik?

because "sputnik" means "fellow traveler of earth"


First Russian spacecraft in space?

Sputnik


What kind of space craft was Sputnik 1?

Russian's Sputnik, was the first artificial Earth satellite.


Why was there not a sputnik 4?

Because the Sputnik program ended with Sputnik 3. Albeit there was a Sputnik 40 and 41 but these were to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Sputnik 1.