Question

The effect of Sputnik 1 could best be described in which of the following ways?

Answer 1

A.starting the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union
B.beginning the development of computer-controlled robotics
C.causing more cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union
D.leading to technological innovation and communication with satellites
E.
developing more global positioning systems in Earth’s orbit

Answer 2

I'd probably go with (D) leading to technological innovation and communication with satellites.

After Sputnik launched, Eisenhower (surprised at the reaction by the American public at being perceived as "behind" the Soviet Union) launched several initiatives to improve education and emphasize science, mathematics, and physics. ARPA (precursor to today's DARPA -- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) was formed and new satellites were among its first innovations proving that communications were possible through the lower atmosphere eventually putting the US on equal footing with the USSR.

The other choices don't make much sense. It's not (A) as the Cold War was already in full swing by the time Sputnik launched. The satellite only added to tensions. Sputnik didn't begin the development of computer controlled robotics -- that was still the stuff of science fiction back in the late 50's so (B) is out. It's also not (C). Both the US and the Soviets were locked in heated competition both politically and scientifically and Sputnik only exacerbated things. An orbital GPS system wasn't even thought of back then until a few years later as a concept, so (E) is also out.