Critical Thinking Questions   Home       If you'd like to print out this page, click the Print button above. Alternatively, you may click the printer icon on your browser's toolbar, or choose File>Print from the menu.     The Sputnik launches seemed to come as a surprise to most Americans in 1957. What did the satellite launches of Sputnik I and II indicate about the Soviets at that point? Sputnik I and II were satellite launches, not military offense launches. Why did this create a tenser atmosphere for the United States? After watching Eisenhower's statement to the American public, how would you describe his policy with regard to the United States satellite program? Why do you think he took this tactic? Although our skies today contain many satellites, and even space stations, imagine what it was like for Americans during this era of heightened tension with the Soviets, coupled with technological trail blazing into "outer space." What would have been a typical reaction of an American citizen in 1957? Although Eisenhower clearly stated that the United States space program was not conducted as a "race with other nations," what do you think the U.S. space program directives were after the Sputnik launches? Why?