space race
The Space Race One appealing thing of the Cold War of the 1960’s was that the conflict took a giant leap from earth to space the USSR and the United States invented space crafts and space suits that led them into a race to dominate and gain control of outer space. This was known as the “Space Race.” The United States and the USSR went back and forth with new discoveries and accomplishments in outer space. ... The space race began on October 4, 1957 when the Soviet Union shocked the world by sending the first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, into orbit around the Earth. ... Soviets had put animals into space before Americans could even launch a satellite. ... Sputnik I and Sputnik II helped hurry up American space efforts. From this was the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Americas first space program. Also, the National Science Foundation (NSF) was set up to encourage the nations brightest science students by providing them with funds and scholarships in order to expand the knowledge of space exploration among the nation. ... On April 12 , 1961 they sent astronaut Major Uri Gagarin into space in Vostok I, and they brought him down safely. He was the first human to enter the weightless atmosphere of space. ... Vostok II set new standards staying in space for more than a day. ... Americans finally found their own astronaut hero in Marine Lieutenant John Glenn, when he became the first American in outer space. He entered space while on board the Friendship VII. ... Kennedy’s proposal that the United States and USSR cooperate in outer space exploration and research.