The Space Race The Cold War on Earth and in space. The space race between the United States and the Soviet Union a race ultimately won by the United States, was only one part of the two nations' competition for power and influence. -PBS documentary, Race to the Moon-

1950’s USSR Launches two satellites into space Sputnik 1, 2,3. 2 contained a dog USSR launches space vehicles that orbit the sun; photograph and crash into the Moon Put fear of Soviet domination of space could lead to a surprise atomic attack.

1950’s USA launches multiple rockets with varied results. Many fail to reach their objective Eisenhower signs into creation National Aeronautics and Space Administration

1961 USSR sends Yuri Gargarin orbits the Earth. USSR become the first masters of space. USA puts Alan Shepard into space. Keeping pace with the Russians. Kennedy calls for America to take the lead in the “Space Race” and pledges to go to the moon by the end of the decade. Oh and a monkey finally comes back alive from space.

John Glenn-first American to orbit the Earth. USSR puts first woman into Space Valentina Tereshkova Both countries do Space Walks. USA begins Gemini Program to study sustainability in space

Soviet space dominance begins to fade. They still manage to send probes into lunar orbit and transmit information back to Earth Both countries suffer causualties Gus Grissom, Roger Chaffe, Ed White die in routine training USSR loses Vladimir Komarov because of a parachute failure. USA begins the Apollo program-Apollo 8 orbits the moon in December.

1969 July 20, Apollo 12 “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” –Neil Armstrong

1970 Apollo 13-Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise are able to navigate their damaged space vehicle via the Lunar Module America greatest triumph in the face of tragedy. America begins to dominate space.

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