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Launch of Sputnik I
Launch of Sputnik IThe launch of Sputnik I spurred the US to launch its
own satellites and begin space exploration in earnest. It
also marked the beginning of the competition between
the US and the USSR to have dominance in space. -
President Kennedy challengesthe nation to reach the moon before the end of the decade.
President Kennedy challenges nation to reach the moon before the end of the decadePresident Kennedy's challenge was important because
it set a lofty goal for the U.S. space program and paved
the way for legislation that would provide funding for
the space program.