Part 4/9:
On October 4, 1957, they successfully launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth. Instead of unifying mankind, this milestone amplified fears in the West, leading President Eisenhower to reassure the American populace against the perceived technological threat. Instead of basking in victory, the Soviets found themselves entrenched in an escalating competition—an obsession to stay ahead at any cost.