1. The Space Race
Global Studies 10
Riddlebarger

2. Sputnik
The race to space is a result of Cold War between U.S. and Soviet Union.
The Soviets lag behind in the number of weapons in their nuclear arsenal but prove to have considerable technical skill.
Oct. 4, 1957: Soviets launch 1st artificial satellite (Sputnik)
Less than a month later, they launch Sputnik II carrying 1st living creature into earth orbit (a dog)

3. Sputnik

4. U.S. Reaction Sputnik causes great concern in U.S.
Have the Soviets surpassed us?
Will Sputnik translate into better weaponry for them?
U.S. responds in January 1958 by launching its own satellite.
July 1958: Congress establishes NASA- National Aeronautics & Space Administration
NASA takes charge of nation’s space exploration programs.

5. Men in Space April 11, 1961: Soviets put 1st human into space
Nearly a year later, U.S. responds when Alan Shepard matches the Soviet accomplishment.
Ohioan John Glenn becomes 1st to orbit the Earth.

6. Communism vs. Democracy
Nikita Khrushchev (Soviet Premier) says Soviet lead in space shows superiority of communism.
Pres. Kennedy asks his advisors where we can catch them.
May 1961: Kennedy makes a bold proposal to Congress to restore U.S. prestige.

7. “This nation should commit itself to
achieving the goal, before the decade
is out, of landing a man on the moon
and returning him safely to the earth.
No single space project…will be more
impressive to mankind, or more important
for the long-range exploration of space…
But in a very real sense, it will not be one
man going to the moon it will be an entire
nation.
May 25, 1961

8. The goal

9. Apollo Program
Throughout the 1960’s, U.S. public follows NASA programs as new launches every few months bring the U.S. one step closer to goal.
These steps will be filled with both triumph and tragedy.
1967: 3 astronauts killed in a launch pad fire.

10. Apollo 11
July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 lifts off from Cape Kennedy in Florida.
Aboard are Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin & Michael Collins
July 20, they (Armstrong & Aldrin) land on the moon.

11. Moon landing Millions view the landing on TV.
Armstrong is the first man to set foot on the moon:
“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Apollo program ends in late 1972.
Aldrin

15. Where to next?