This article reports the Soviet launch of the first man-made satellite. The “moon” refers to what the Russians named the satellite- Sputnik. The launch was a dramatic event in the history of the Cold War (1947-1991) and came soon after a Soviet test of a long-range nuclear missile capable of hitting the United States. Americans were frightened but also fascinated by Sputnik. They watched its reflection in the night sky and heard its beeping sound on the radio. The belief that the Soviets were ahead of the United States in the Space Race (1955-1975) and missile technology led to a dramatic expansion of scientific research and funding for public education in this country.
Greenfield Recorder-Gazette. “Soviets’ ‘Moon’ Circling Globe at Terrific Speed.” October 5, 1957. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l08-017/. Accessed on October 16, 2024.
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