In Eisenhower's Sputnik Moment, Yanek Mieczkowski examines the early history of America's space program, reassessing Eisenhower's leadership. He details how Eisenhower approved breakthrough satellites, supported a new civilian space agency, signed a landmark science education law, and fostered improved relations with scientists. These feats made Eisenhower's post-Sputnik years not the flop that critics alleged but a time of remarkable progress, even as he endured the setbacks of recession, medical illness, and a humiliating first U.S. attempt to launch a satellite.

1. Sputnik -- What was the Sputnik "panic"? -- "The most fateful decision of his presidency" -- Eisenhower's reaction to Sputnik -- Eisenhower's principles -- 2. Setbacks -- Cheerleader-in-chief -- "Gloom, gloom, gloom" -- Space highs, economic lows -- Eisenhower's rival -- "Radical moves" -- Order from chaos -- Defeat and a SCORE -- Priorities and prestige -- 3. Space -- Satellites, Saturn, spacemen -- Voyages, mirages, images -- Space, prestige, and the 1960 race -- Eisenhower versus Kennedy -- Conclusion.