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Space Race Timeline
The Space which took place at the height of the cold war, represented a clash of two powerhouses. The USA and Soviet Union, and a battle of technological and ideological superiority. -
The Beginnings
James C. Hagerty, president Dwight D. Eisenhower's press secretary, announced that the United States intended to launch "small Earth circling satellites" between 1 July 1957 -
The Beginnings
Four days later, at the Sixth Congress of International Astronautical Federation in Copenhagen, scientist Leonid I. Sedov spoke to international reporters at the Soviet embassy, and announced his country's intention to launch a satellite as well, in the "near future" -
Launching of Sputnik 1
The Soviet union launch the first satelite into space called sputnik 1 -
First animal into space
The Soviet union launches Sputnik 2, which carried a small dog named Laika into orbit. Comes as a shattering moment for the USA as the Soviets are demonstarting their technological advancements -
America Respond
Explorer 1, the first American satelite to reach orbit is launched. -
USA launch Vanguard 1
America launch Vanguard 1, it continues to function for 3 years. America are responding to what they feel is a growing communist revolution. Yet the Soviet Union is still ahead in the Space Race. -
The formation of NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is formed. Still is today one of the most significant organisations in helping mankind in breakthroughs in space. -
Luna 1 project
The Soviet Union launches Luna 1 into space, known as the first cosmic ship. Was the first spacecraft to reach the vicinity of the Moon. -
The launching of Luna 2
The Soviets continue with the Luna project and launch Luna 2. It impacts the moon on September 13 and becomes the first man made object to do so. -
First photographs of the moons surface
The Soviet Union launch Luna 3, it orbits the moon and takes a photo of 70% of its surface. -
First Weather satelite Tiros 1 is launch
USA launch the first weather satelite. Was the start of many weather satelites as seen today. -
JFK becomes the 35th President of the United States
JFK elected as President. He was a massive supporter of the Space Program, and he also recongised the threat of a global communist revolution. -
Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space.
The Soviet Union send Yuri Gagarin to become the first man to enter space. One his journey he orbits the earth once and arrives back to earth safely. -
First American into space.
Alan B. Shepard becomes the first American in space. This flight was designed to reach space but not enter orbit. -
JFK addresses congress on the Space Race
President John F. Kennedy addresses Congress and challenges the nation to go to the Moon before the end of the decade. -
USA Space Craft crash
Gus Grissom is launched on a sub-orbital flight. His Liberty-Bell capsule is lost when it fills with water and sinks after splashdown. -
John Glenn
John Glenn orbits the Earth three times. USA a catching up in the Space Race as they are now able to have a man in space for an extended period. -
Walter Schirra
Walter Schirra orbits the Earth six times. USA have an improved Space Program under a Kennedy government. -
JFK is assassinated.
President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas. He was a significant part in America's Space Project and had a clear understanding of the threat had by the "east" Photo is his funeral. -
USA satelite images of moon.
Ranger 7 an American satelite transmits the first close range images of the Moon. -
Soviets perform the first space walk.
Alexei Leonov spends 12 minutes outside of his Voskhod spacecraft performing the first spacewalk. Comes a harsh blow for US as they feel they were gaining head way in Space Race. -
Luna 9
The Russians send Luna 9 to the moon; the first satellite to land on the moon. They are even able to send back photos, but they’re intersepted by the British and are posted in a British newspaper before the Russians are able to receive them. This highlights the Soviets battle with the West. -
Luna project makes further advancements
The Soviets launches Luna 10, the first satelite to orbit the moon. At this stage the Soviets are getting closer to sending a man on the moon. -
Lunar Orbiter 1
The USA send Lunar Orbiter 1 enters orbit around the Moon and takes the first picture of the Earth from that distance. -
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Deaths in the Space Race
During this period, there were many deaths that took place in the space mission. Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee are killed when a fire ignites in their Apollo 1 capsule while performing a test on the launch pad. Cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov is killed when the parachutes of his Soyuz 1 capsule fail to open properly following re-entry.Astronaut Edward Givens is killed in an automobile accident. Astronaut Clifton Williams is killed in a plane crash. 5 Americans were killed and 1 Russian. -
Zond 5 is launched
The Soviets launch Zond 5. It carried a biological payload (including two turtles) around the Moon and returned to Earth six days later. -
The start of Appollo 7 crew.
USA- the crew of Apollo 7 begin a 10 day mission to study the new spacecraft. -
First journey to the moon.
Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders begin the first manned journey from the Earth to the Moon. On Christmas Eve they take turns reading Genesis in a broadcast heard around the world. They did not leave the Space Craft and walk on the surface however. -
Moon landing.
Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin become the first men to walk on the Moon while crewmate Michael Collins orbits around the Moon alone. This signifies America winning the Space Race and highlighting their technological prowess.
