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Russia, U.S. Race to Test Rockets
During the 1950s, the United States tested several varieties of rockets and missiles. All of these tests ended in failure. The launch of Sputnik was part of a series of Soviet technological successes. At 184 pounds, the Soviet satellite was much heavier than anything the United States was developing at the time. Soon afterward, the Soviet Union launched two more satellites. One carried a dog into space.These concerns grew when the Soviet Union tested a long-distance missile that same year. -
The Start of The Space Race
Americans who happened to be gazing at the stars on Friday, October 4, 1957, may have noticed an object crossing the evening sky. An important event had occurred in the Soviet Union. The Soviets had launched an artificial satellite into orbit around Earth. The satellite was named Sputnik. 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
This spacecraft was launched by the Soviet Union. Sputnik 2 was the second spacecraft launched into Earth orbit, on November 3, 1957. It was the first spacecraft to carry a living animal, a dog named Laika, who died a few hours after the launch -
Americans Feared Cold War Attacks
Many prepared for a Soviet attack with bomb shelters and “duck and cover” drills in school. Congress created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958. The successful Sputnik launch shocked the U.S. Americans had hoped that the U.S would accomplish this scientific achievement first. The Soviets’ success fed fears that the U.S. military had generally fallen behind in developing new technology. As a result, the launch of Sputnik served to intensify the Cold War. -
Sputnik Pushes Weapons Programs
At last, on January 31, 1958, the United States succeeded in launching its first satellite, the Explorer. The Explorer was smaller than Sputnik. When John F. Kennedy became president in 1961, the United Space fell behind. The Soviets had already put a dog in space. Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human being to orbit the Earth. Many thought of President Kennedy’s challenge when Neil Armstrong became the first human being to set foot on the moon. -
Neil Armstrong
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.”