The Space Race
United States vs. Soviet Union
Two superpowers battle it out to explore space.
Important events include the launching of the first artificial satellite, the first man in space, and the first man on the moon.
This rivalry introduces new fears to the Cold War.
Could either country launch missiles or other weapons from space satellites? Could they spy on each other from space? Could a military base be built on the moon?
Sputnik 1 Launched
This satellite, launched by the Soviets, is the first man-made object to orbit earth.
Sputnik 2 Lanched
This satellite, again launched by the Soviets, carried a dog into space.
First Man in Space
Yuri Gagarin, a Russian man, is the first in space.
First Satellite to Another Planet
The American satellite Mariner 2 flies past Venus to orbit the sun.
First Moon Landing
The Soviets' Luna 9 is the first spacecraft to land on the surface of the moon.
First Man on the Moon
American astronaut Neil Armstrong is the first man on the moon.