Final answer:
In response to the Soviet Union's successful launch of Sputnik I, the United States established NASA in 1958 and accelerated its own satellite and missile programs, resulting in the launch of Explorer 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
United States' Response to Sputnik I
The launch of Sputnik I by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, was a significant event during the Cold War era, marking the beginning of the space race. The United States saw the launch as a technological and strategic challenge, sparking fear that Soviet technology might have surpassed their own. This fear was particularly acute given the potential military applications of space technology. In response, the U.S. government took several initiatives to regain technological ground.
In 1958, just months after the Sputnik launch, the U.S. Congress passed legislation to establish the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA was tasked with coordinating America’s efforts to explore space. Moreover, launching satellites and developing intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology became a priority to counter the Soviet lead. Despite early failures, such as the Vanguard program mishaps, the U.S. successfully launched its first satellite, Explorer 1, into space on January 31, 1958.
The establishment of NASA and the successful launch of Explorer 1 marked the United States's commitment to not only competing with, but also ultimately aiming to surpass, Soviet achievements in space. The space race symbolized the competition between the two superpowers, emblematic of their broader geopolitical struggle during the Cold War. In addition to sending satellites into orbit, this newfound emphasis on space and missile technology would eventually lead to grander projects, such as the Apollo program, which landed astronauts on the Moon in 1969.