The correct answer is C) The Soviet launch of Sputnik I.
The US fell behind the Soviet Union in the "Space Race" when the Soviet Union successfully sent the first man made satellite into space (Sputnik 1). At this time, the United States seemed to be years away from making this same accomplishment happen. This worried the federal government, as the Soviet Union and United States were constantly competing for global power and influence during this era (known as the Cold War). This is why the US increased funding for math and science, so that they may catch up to or even surpass the advancements made by the Soviet Union.