Why was the launch of sputnik a significant event? (5 points)

it led to increased competition in athletics.

it fostered cooperation between the u. s. and u. s.s. r.

it showed how nuclear missiles would travel in space.

it prompted a space race between the u. s. and u. s.s. r.

Since Sputnik was an artificial satellite (the world's first), it had no direct effect on athletics. It definitely did not foster cooperation between the US and USSR, but actually led to a competitive space race to prove each country's superiority over the other. There was no need to send nuclear missiles into space, so C. is just wrong. The correct answer is D. it prompted a space race between the U.S. and U.S.S.R.

D) It prompted a space race between the U.S. and U.S.S.R.Explanation:Sputnik was a satellite launched by the Russians. Many Americans believed that it was used to spy on the United States. The space race had begun and Russia sent the first man into space. America did the same, but wanted to beat Russia. The Apollo missions took effect and led to the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong!