Final answer:
The influence of the Soviet Union's launch of the first satellite, Sputnik, led to the initiation of the space race with the United States, ultimately resulting in the creation of NASA and significant advances in U.S. space exploration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, marked a significant event that influenced the United States by igniting a space race between the two superpowers. This event showed that the Soviets had taken the lead in space exploration, which led to a sense of urgency and a competitive drive in the United States. As a consequence, the U.S. government prioritized space technology and missile development, leading to the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958. The focus was not only on scientific achievement but also on military applications, as space technology could potentially be used for reconnaissance and nuclear strategy.
In direct response to the launch of Sputnik, the United States accelerated its efforts to perfect its own satellite technology. The initial attempts by the U.S. resulted in failures but were quickly followed by successful projects. With the creation of NASA, the U.S. made rapid advancements, culminating in significant achievements in space exploration, including eventually landing astronauts on the moon with the Apollo program.
The final answer is: A. It sparked a space race between the United States and the Soviet Union.