Question

The creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958 was a direct result of A) the Cuban Missile Crisis. B) the successful launch and orbit of Sputnik I by the USSR in 1957. C) the need for high-altitude aircraft capable of spying on the Soviet Union and Cuba. D) competition with communist China over the development of long-range nuclear missiles.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is B, The creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958 was a direct result of the succesful launch and orbit of Sputnik I by the USSR in 1957.

Explanation:

On October 4, 1957, the USSR sent the world's first man-made satellite into orbit, Sputnik 1. Members of Congress became very worried about the potential threat to American security and technological leadership, and urged President Dwight D. Eisenhower to do something. After several months of debate, it was agreed that a new federal agency in charge of all non-military activity in the space was needed.

NASA began operations on October 1, 1958, with four laboratories and 8,000 employees from the nation's 46-year-old aeronautical research body, the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA).

Answer 2

B. the successful launch and orbit of Sputnik I by the USSR in 1957.