ABSTRACT
On 4th October 1957 the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite, into Earth orbit and sparked a missile race with the United States.
Sputnik crossed the United States four times and raised the possibility of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) strike against American cities. The United States was isolated from the Soviet Union by two oceans and protected by a superior navy and air force, but there was no defence against an attack from space.
