The Space Race
A Major Competition during the Cold War
Background
Major Events related to the Cold War during the Space Race
August 2, 1955 - Competition begins when the USSR responds to the US announcement of intent to launch an artificial satellite.
November 1, 1955 - The Vietnam War begins.
October 4, 1957 - Sputnik 1 is launched by the Soviets, becoming Earth's first everartificial satellite.
January 31, 1958 - The launching of the American satellite, Explorer 1, occurs.
October 1, 1958 - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is formed.
November 8, 1960 - John F. Kennedy is elected the 35th President of the United States.
April 12, 1961 - Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin orbits the Earth once, becoming the first man in space.
April 17, 1961 - The Bay of Pigs Invasion occurs.
May 5, 1961 - Alan B. Shepherd becomes the first American in space.
May 25, 1961 - President John F. Kennedy addresses Congress and challenges the nation to go to the moon before the end of the decade.
February 20, 1962 - John Glenn orbits the Earth three times.
November 22, 1963 - Kennady is assassinated in Dallas, TX.
July 20, 1969 - Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first men to ever walk on the lunar surface.