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Sputnik
The Soviets had launched an artificial satellite into orbit around Earth. The satellite was named Sputnik, Russian for “traveling companion.” It sent the beeping radio signals as it orbited the globe.Rather than celebrating this historic scientific feat, Americans reacted with fear It was widely believed that if the Soviets could launch a satellite into space, they probably could launch nuclear missiles capable of reaching U.S. shores. -
Sputnik 2
Launched by the Soviet Union
Sputnik 2 was the second spacecraft launched into Earth orbit, on November 3, 1957. First spacecraft to carry a living animal, a dog named Laika, who died a few hours after the launch -
U.S launches
At last, on January 31, 1958, the United States succeeded in launching its first satellite, the Explorer. The Explorer was smaller than Sputnik. -
New president
When John F. Kennedy became president in 1961, the United Space fell further behind. The Soviets had already placed a dog in space. -
1st man
Now in Kennedy’s first year on April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human being to orbit the Earth. -
1st man on moon
In 1969, Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. His famous quote is, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
