Question

the creation of the national aeronautics and space administration (nasa) in 1958 was a direct result of
a the cuban missile crisis.

b the successful launch and orbit of sputnik i by the ussr in 1957.

c the need for high - altitude aircraft capable of spying on the soviet union and cuba.

d competition with communist china over the development of long - range nuclear missiles.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred in 1962, after NASA's creation in 1958, so it's not the cause.
• Option B: The USSR's launch of Sputnik I in 1957 spurred the U.S. to advance space exploration, leading to NASA's formation in 1958. This matches the timeline and context of the Space Race.
• Option C: High - altitude spy aircraft (like U - 2) are related to intelligence, not the direct impetus for NASA (focused on space).
• Option D: In the 1950s, the U.S. space/rocket competition was mainly with the USSR, not China, and China's nuclear missile development timeline doesn't align with NASA's 1958 creation.

Answer:

B. the successful launch and orbit of Sputnik I by the USSR in 1957.