Answer: B - The launching of the Soviet satellite Sputnik on October 4, 1957 began the race to space between the Soviet Union and the United States. In addition to spurring reforms in the inclusion of science and mathematics in public schools, it also led to the enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Act. This act set the groundwork for the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which regulates the United States’ civilian space program. The purpose of the civilian space program is to support aeronautic and aerospace research. Citizens of the United States embraced the Space Race, as it was commonly referred to, and cried out for acceleration of our nation’s educational programs in science and mathematics.
