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America drops first atomic bomb
Thanks to contributions from scientists working on the Manhattan Project, the US created the first atomic bomb, thus monopolizing atomic threat worldwide -
USSR explode their first atomic bomb
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 -
US hydrogen bomb tested
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. -
USSR launches first ICBM
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. -
USSR launches sputnik 1
Sputnik 1 was the first aircraft to successfully orbit around earth.
https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1957-001B -
Sputnik 2 is launched
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 US launches Explorer 1
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. -
NASA is formed
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is formed as a replacement for the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA). -
USSR develops ABM system for defense
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. -
First Men walk on the Moon
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.
