When this satellite was launched into orbit by the u. s.s. r. in 1957 americans were terrified. if a satellite could be put into orbit, then a nuclear bomb could be delivered on the tip of a missile. many americans invested in bomb shelters for what they say as an impending nuclear war. the u. s. government created n. a.s. a and starting thinking about how to better educate american students in science. this little satellite started the space race.