>[!abstract] >A Sputnik moment refers to a technological or scientific advancement by one country that forces other nations to reassess their own capabilities and push for increased investment in education, research, and development to catch up. The term originated from the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1 in 1957, which shocked the United States and led to a surge in funding for science and education in the US. >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): — >- **West** (similar): — >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): —