-
Thanks to contributions from scientists working on the Manhattan Project, the US created the first atomic bomb, thus monopolizing atomic threat worldwide
-
Once a Soviet made atomic bomb detonated, the US superiority on nuclear warfare ended and both the USSR and the US were officially in an arms race
-
The first thermo-nuclear (or hydro) bomb successfully tested by the US, allowing a repossession of power, as hydro bombs are significantly more powerful than nuclear bombs.
-
The R-7, the first inter-continental ballistic missile, launched by the Soviet Union, posing a threat to the US as ICBMs were able to strike any target and deliver nuclear weapons in a way that was defenseless against.
-
Sputnik 1 was the first aircraft to successfully orbit around earth.
https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1957-001B -
The second spacecraft to be successfully launched into Earth orbit, named Sputnik 2, is launched by the Soviet Union. Sputnik 2 was also the first spacecraft to launch a living creature into space, containing a dog named Laika in its cabin.
-
The first American satellite to reach orbit, the Explorer 1, is launched and carries equipment that later lead to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belt.
-
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is formed as a replacement for the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA).
-
ABM (Anti-ballistic Missile) systems were implemented into Soviet protection plans as it was able to destroy incoming warheads by intercepting missiles on their ballistic trajectories.
-
Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong become the first men to ever walk on the moon, their cremate Michael Collins remained in orbit around the moon alone.
