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The Space Race

By Ashley.2004

  • Soviet launch

    Soviet launch
    It began in 1957 with the Soviet launch of Sputnik, the first satellite in space.

  • NASA creation

    NASA creation
    The United States launches its own satellite.
    This same year NASA was created

  • Luna 2

    The Soviet space program took another step forward with the launch of luna 2, the first space probe to hit the moon. This caused the United States to be “behind”.
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    Apollo Achievement

    During this time span NASA’s budget was increased almost 500% which cause the lunar landing program from 34,000 employees to 375,000. End of the decade they launched the Gemini program.
    1962 John glen became first American to orbit earth
    June 16th 1963 Valentina was the first woman to travel space
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    Man is space

    Alan shepherd became the first man in space. This made Americans embarrassed being behind so John F Kennedy made a bold statement 3 weeks later saying they would have a man land the moon by the end of the decade

  • Gemini program

    Gemini program
    Developed technology needed for the former space mission. With their increase of budget they could afford another mission.

  • Setback

    Setback
    In January Apollo suffered a set back due to three astronauts being killed during a major mistake during the space race. This event revealed serious safety flaws and resulted in significant changes in NASAS safety protocols.
    Virgil Gus Grissom
    Ed white
    Roger Chaffee

  • Apollo 8

    Apollo 8
    On December of 1968 was the launch of Apollo 8 , the first manned space mission to orbit the moon , from NASA massive launch facility in Merritt island.
    This mission proved that the moon was within reach
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    American landing

    By America landing on the moon and the Soviet Union mission failing from 1969 to 1972 America had officially won the space race.
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    Apollo 11 mission

    Neil Armstrong set off on Apollo 11 space mission , the first lunar landing attempt . After landing successfully on July 20 , Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon.

  • Joint program

    Joint program
    Interest in lunar missions dile down while a joint program with the United States and the Soviet Union was created.