Sputnik: 50th annivesary

Newsweek: The Real Sputnik Story

Excerpt:

Far from being a bitter blow, Sputnik furthered one of Eisenhower's cherished military goals. Called "open skies," the policy would allow any nation to undertake aerial reconnaissance of any other. "The administration welcomed Sputnik," says McDougall. "The Soviets could hardly deny the right to launch satellites over the territory of other countries if they did it first."

Wikipedia: Sputnik 1

Comment: I am dating myself, but I was in the 3rd grade. I remember the event clearly!