Question

Why did the United States suffer a loss of confidence following the launch of Sputnik I? The United States knew that they would not be able to build a satellite like Sputnik I. The United States assumed that they would be first into space, before the Soviets. It was a better satellite than the ones the United States had launched. The space race had ended, and the United States had lost to the USSR.

Answer 1

The United States assumed that they would be first into space, before the Soviets

When the Soviet Union successfully launched the Sputnik 1 the U.S was shocked

On the U.S first attempt to launch their satellite the rocket exploded, embarrassing the nation

Answer 2

Answer on edge is

The United States assumed that they would be first into space, before the Soviets.