Americans thought their time had finally come on December 6. But what was supposed to be a day to remember quickly turned into a disaster to forget. The US satellite Vanguard rose just four feet off the ground before its engine failed and it burst into flames. Finally, on January 31, 1958, the Americans had the reason to celebrate. The US satellite Explorer 1 blasted into space. During its voyage, it made one of the most significant scientific finds to date—the discovery of magnetic radiation belts around the Earth.

　 As the consequence of Sputnik, American Congress passed the National Defense Education Act of 1958.The act was aimed at improving education in science, mathematics, and foreign languages. Congress also passed the National Aeronautics and Space Act on July 29, 1958. The federal legislation (立法) created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, most commonly known as NASA.Today, the United States and Russia are no longer in competition. In fact, NASA astronauts and Russian cosmonauts are working together and making important scientific discoveries aboard the International Space Station.

1．How can we conclude the first period of the space race between the US and Russia?

A．A Russian victory. 　　　　 　B．A close game.

C．An American honor. 　　　　 　D．A hard win for both.

2．The Russians successfully launched the first satellite________ earlier than the Americans.

A．nearly half a year　 　　　 　B．a(chǎn)bout two months

C．less than 100 days　 　　　 　D．more than 100 days

3．In 1958 American Congress passed two acts for fear that ________.

A．the US wouldn't get any help from the Soviet Union

B．the Soviet Union would cancel the offer in the competition

C．the Soviet Union would do better than the US in the space race

D．the US would be in want of research forces

4．The underlined word “ignited” here can be replaced by “________”．

A．prepared　　　 B．caused　　　 C．a(chǎn)pproved　　 D．compared