What was the Soviet Union's first major space achievement mentioned before the Moon race focus intensified?
Answer
Launch of Sputnik in 1957
Prior to the focused commitment to beating the United States to the Moon, the Soviet space program established an early lead through several world firsts. The foundational event noted was the successful launch of Sputnik in 1957, marking the creation of the first artificial Earth satellite. This accomplishment, along with sending Laika into orbit and Yuri Gagarin into space, solidified the perception of Soviet pioneering dominance in the early years of rocketry and spaceflight.

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