The Space Race

Russia Testing Rockets

1950

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.

Launching the The Sputnik

Oct 9, 1957

The world's first artificial Earth satellite launched by the Russians.
This event drew the U.S. full throttle into the space race.
Launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957

Russia Launching The Sputnik #2

Nov 3, 1957

Launched by the Soviet Union
Sputnik 2 was the second spacecraft launched into Earth orbit, on November 3, 1957

Sputnik Pushes Weapons Program

Jan 31, 1958

At last, on January 31, 1958, the United States succeeded in launching its first satellite, the Explorer. The Explorer was smaller than Sputnik.

When did John F. Kennedy

1961

John F. Kennedy became Pres. in 1961 but he was assassinated on November 22, 1963, he was the youngest Pres. to die

First human orbit the Earth

Apr 12, 1962

Kennedy’s first year on April 12, 1962, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human being to orbit the Earth.

First man to walk on the Moon

1969

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.”