Exploring outer space Americans began exploring space in the 1960s. Space exploration was significant because it demonstrated America’s great scientific talents and reminded people that we all live in one interconnected world.

After WWII, the U.S. and Soviet Union acquired rockets, facilities, and researchers from Germany. The U.S. obtained the majority of equipment and people, including Wernher von Braun. Both countries began programs to develop large rockets capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The Soviet Union saw the potential of using space to demonstrate technical superiority.

Russia was getting ahead of the U.S. in space exploration. The 1 st satellite launched into space by Russia in Then, Russia sent the first man, Yuri Gargarin into space in April Americans did not like that! The U.S. had always prided itself on its leadership in the area of science and technology. Left: Sputnik launch Right: Sputnik assembly

President Kennedy announced a goal to put an American on the moon before The space race was on! In 1961, 3 weeks after Yuri Gargarin’s space flight, Alan Shepard became the first American to be launched into space. “I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth.” President John F. Kennedy May 25, 1961

John Glenn was the first American to make an earth orbit on February 20, 1962 (orbited 3 times). This mission lasted about 5 hours 35 years later in 1998, he went back to space at the age of 77 and stayed for nine days

His ride was followed by many other manned missions – all leading up to Apollo 11. On that mission, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon! The US had won the ultimate prize in the space race. Apollo 11 (Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins) was launched on July 16, Watch footage: pollo_11___JFK__Neil_Armstrong___the_1st_Moon_landing

On July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin departed in the lunar module and landed on the moon in the “Sea of Tranquility.” Collins remained in the command module. After a stay of 21.6 hours on the lunar surface, Armstrong and Aldrin returned to the CSM. The three returned to earth on July 24 with a splashdown in the Pacific.

Apollo 11 Command Module Apollo 11 Lunar Module

Space exploration has added many benefits to our lives. Satellites brought great advances in areas like communication (TV & computer), navigation, and weather forecasting. Space research has led to hundreds of useful products including smoke detectors, invisible braces, cordless tools, and the joysticks kids like to use to play video games.

Put the following events in order ___ a. John Glenn orbits the Earth ___ b. Alan Shepard becomes 1 st American in space ___ c. Russia launches the 1 st satellite ___ d. Apollo 11 is launched ___ e. Russia sends 1 st man to space  Answer the EQ: