Sputnik and the Space Race
...an to fear that if the Soviets could launch satellites into space, then they could possibly carry missiles from Europe to the United States. The US quickly began improving their space program, as the Soviet Union continued to launch more satelittes which carried a dog and soon people. On January 31, 1958, the United States successfully launched Explorer I. Explorer I eventually discovered the magnetic radiation belts which lie around the earth. NASA, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was also created as a result of Sputnik. Space travel has come a long way since Sputnik was put into orbit over fourty years ago. The United States no longer wanted to feel behind their Communtist rival in any aspect of science. They decided that a moon travel was a worth target to outdo the Soviets. Americans began work on "the Apollos." The first attempts of manned flights were unsuccessful. Not until Apollo 11, did Americans successfully land on the moon. This event took place on July 20, 1969. The creation of an artifical satellite had both it's negative and positive effects on human life. Sputnik began the "space race" between the Soviet Union and the United States. The goal of this was to become more technologically advanced by showing the capabillity of the rivaling nation's rockets. The launch of Sputnik caused citizens in both countries to believe that a rocket that could send a man to the moon could also carry nuclear warheads to opposing countries. NASA was another positive effect of the creation of Sputnik. NASA has contributed greatly to space exploration and has continued to be the United States' leader in space research and human space exploration. A negative effect of the discovery is the lives lost in order for the US to remain the leading power in all aspects of life. Several manned missions to the moon and into space have cost peoples' lives. A good example of this tragedy is Apollo 3. This flight never did make it off the launchpad. Faulty wiring and the 100 percent oxygen atmosphere inside the capsule caused an explosion which cost the lives of three astronauts. This advance has affected my life in several ways. Now, I know more about the world around me. This advance has brought about many new technological advancements which one day may lead to living a life on the moon or...