The Space Race

1
The Space Race
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 nations 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 projectwill 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 1960s, 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
• Thats one small step for a man, one giant leap
  for mankind.
• Apollo program ends in late 1972.

12
(No Transcript)
13
(No Transcript)
14
(No Transcript)
15
Where to next?