The event that initiated the beginning of the Space Race was the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. This event marked the first time a human-made object entered Earth's orbit, capturing global attention and instigating a fierce competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. The U.S. perceived Sputnik's success as a direct challenge to its technological and military superiority, prompting significant investments in science and technology education, leading to the formation of NASA in 1958. The Space Race would culminate in lunar exploration and various technological advancements.