U.S. Civilian Space Policy Priorities: Reflections 50 Years After Sputnik, February 2, 2009

摘要

The space age began on October 4, 1957, when the Soviet Union (USSR) launched Sputnik, the worlds first artificial satellite. Some U.S. policymakers, concerned about the USSRs ability to launch a satellite, thought Sputnik might be an indication that the United States was trailing behind the USSR in science and technology. The Cold War also led some U.S. policymakers to perceive the Sputnik launch as a possible precursor to nuclear attack. In response to this Sputnik moment, the U.S. government undertook several policy actions, including the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), enhancement of research funding, and reformation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education policy.