Sputnik $1$ had a significant impact on public perception and national security concerns in the United States. How did Americans react to the launch?

They dismissed the launch as a Soviet propaganda ploy and focused on other issues.

They were unaware of Sputnik's launch due to media censorship.

They feared the possibility of Soviet missiles reaching the United States and believed the U$.$S$.$ was falling behind in technology.

They celebrated the Soviet achievement and applauded international cooperation in space.