What event is associated with the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957?

The launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957 is directly associated with the creation of NASA, marking a significant moment in the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Sputnik was the world's first artificial satellite and its successful launch represented a major technological and ideological victory for the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

In response to the perceived threat and the need to compete in space exploration, the U.S. government established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958. NASA was created to coordinate the nation's civilian space program and to facilitate the United States' efforts in space exploration and scientific research. This event spurred educational reforms in science and technology in the U.S. and highlighted the urgency to advance in areas such as aerospace engineering and satellite technology, further reinforcing its close connection to the launch of Sputnik.

The other options do not directly correlate with the launch of Sputnik: the establishment of the United Nations occurred in 1945, the Cold War would not formally end until the early 1990s, and the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty wasn't signed until 1963. Thus, the creation of NASA is the most relevant event linked to Sputnik's launch.