Pros And Cons Of Sputnik

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The United States felt threatened by the USSR’s unexpected technological advancement. Not only was Sputnik I 180.4 lbs heavier than Vanguard, but it was proven to be more successful when the Vanguard launch failed on December 6, 1957 while being broadcast worldwide. Although America’s first attempt at competing with the Soviet Union’s technology was an utter failure, the US government didn’t let this deter them from their goal to equalize the country with the Soviets and eventually surpass them. Right after Sputnik I was launched, the US Defense Department decided on funding for a new satellite project while Vanguard was still being worked on. This satellite was named the Explorer I and was successfully launched on January 31, 1958, officially

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