1957: The Soviet satellite Sputnik becomes the first manmade object in space, beginning the Space Race.
And your corresponding Russia/America The Chosen End Fic:
45 The Other Side of the Sky (You guys have no idea how obsessed I am with that fic. I might be willing to call it best Fic I've read... ever. Certainly in the Hetalia fandom which I love for producing such amazing fics.)