What technological advancement in 1959 significantly contributed to the computer age?

The invention of the silicon chip in 1959 marked a significant technological advancement that greatly contributed to the evolution of computers and the overall computer age. Silicon chips, or integrated circuits, allowed for the miniaturization of electronic components, making computers more compact, efficient, and cost-effective. This development enabled the production of smaller, faster, and more powerful computers, ultimately leading to the proliferation of computing technology.

While other options, such as the development of the transistor, played a crucial role in the earlier stages of electronic technology, it was the silicon chip that revolutionized the design and functionality of computers. The introduction of computer programs and the launch of satellites, although important in their own right, did not directly contribute to the foundational aspects of computing technology like the silicon chip did. Thus, the silicon chip is recognized as a pivotal advancement that opened the door to the modern computer age.