Space Race
The Cold War
First! Some Background!
The Soviet Union and America were reluctant Allies during World War II. They went back to hating each other once the war was over. Americans disagreed with Communism and dictatorship, and tried desperately to keep it contained in Europe. During the 1950s, the tension between the two countries boiled over and resulted in the start of the Cold War.
Polar Opposites
Soviet Union and America were locked in a political battle.
Empty Threats
The two countries were constantly threatening each other with nuclear war, but both knew that if they actually launched an atom bomb it could destroy the world.
Iron Curtain
The Soviet Union was extending it's influence across Europe, and America was trying desperately to stop them.
The Space Race Begins
Why did the Soviet Union and America fight for space domination?
In 1957, the Soviet Union launched a satellite called Sputnik. The United states fears that if the Soviet Union can launch a satellite, they will be able to launch a missile at the U.S. This motivates America to start NASA, a government funded space program. Below is a timeline of the major events in the space race:
October 4, 1957: The Soviet Union launches Sputnik.
November 3, 1957: The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 2, a vessel that carries a small dog named Laika into orbit.
January 31, 1958: America launches it's first satellite to reach orbit, Explorer 1.
October 4 1959: The Soviet Union-launched Luna 3 is able to get pictures of 70% of the moon's surface.
May 5, 1961: Alan B. Shepard becomes the first American in space.
July 20, 1969: Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the moon.
Sputnik 1
The first satellite launched to space!
Photos from Luna 3
Processed images taken by Luna 3, a device launched by the Soviets that photographed much of the moon's surface.
Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong
The first men to walk on the moon. Neil Armstrong is quoted as saying, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."