The Soviet space program, which Khrushchev firmly supported, appeared to confirm his claims when the Soviets launched Sputnik 1 into orbit, a launch many westerners, including United States Vice President Richard Nixon were convinced was a hoax.
Programul spațial sovietic, pe care Hrușciov l-a susținut cu fermitate, părea să-i confirme afirmațiile când URSS a lansat pe orbită satelitul Sputnik 1, lansare pe care mulți occidentali, inclusiv vicepreședintele american Richard Nixon o considerau o farsă.