1. What were the expected results of each country's space exploration efforts?

If anyone does not know what the space race was, it was a race between the US and Soviet Union from the end of WW2 to the mid 70's. It was a race for space supremacy.It was a grudge match between two powerhouses as the two nations focused on attaining firsts in space exploration,. It was necessary for national security and it was symbolic for technological and ideological superiority. It was NASA Vs. the Soviet Space Program. Of course the US and Soviet Union expected a lot from their space developments, especially from the great deal of pressure that was put upon them. It was a matter of, if they are doing it we are too, but we are going to do it first. During this tense time these countries were rushing and when people rush they make mistakes...AKA Soyuz 1, Apollo 1, etc(Don't be the first it doesn't end well). But in order to gain the upper hand on the opponents each program must take risks and reap the rewards that are gained. National pride was on the line.


During the early beginnings of the space race each program's goal would be to master the rocket. Both the US and Soviet Union acquired German scientists after WW2 to help build these rockets.It was the American Redstone Rocket against the Soviet R-series. Eventually they had the expertise to advance the technology to launch various objects into space. Soon after the advancement of rockets it was realised that nuclear weapons could be carried on a rocket and that they were impossible for existing defence systems to stop once launched. Once this was realised many countries such as Britain, Japan, Canada and Australia were also trying to fight for space superiority The most notable advancement of these countries was the Avro Arrow, but it was severely outdated. Once each country had the capability to launch different kind of rockets they moved their sights onto the domination of space.

Soviet R-7 Rocket

NASA's Redstone Rocket

The most important part of the space race was the satellite and was a major expectation that must be fulfilled no matter what. The Americans had the Explorer and the Soviets had the famous Sputnik. Well its sad to say for you Americans that in fact the Russians launch the first successful satellite into orbit. The Sputnik 1 was launched on 4 October 1957 and started the Sputnik crisis in the US. It was said this event started the space race, but it was evident that these two countries were competing before this happened. As each country started launching satellites left, right and centre they started to specialise the satellites into different classifications such as a observation, communication, navigation, weather, research and military capable satellites.

Who would've thought this ball with three legs would start a huge crisis (Sputnik 1)

It wasn't until the Americans and Russians ruled space with their satellites and rockets that it was a matter of time until they would send a human to the moon. This was for all the bragging rights. This event will show which space program was better, which country was better, which system was better Democracy or Communism. Just like the other missions, landing a man on the moon was expected and was to be done as soon as possible. Again it was the Apollo Program against well nothing because the Russians denied competing.(But we all know they secretly pursued the moon) Well this was a walk in the park for the Americans as the first moon landing was on July 20, 1969. With the all to famous Apollo 11 crew: Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin. Well many thought that this mission would be the last but low and behold it wasn't as the Russians saw something more important, a space station. Two years later the Russians created the Salyut programme which would lead to the world's first space station. It was able to be manned for a long duration of time. It was only in commission for 15 years as the International Space Station took in effect.

Michael Collins (Middle), Neil Armstrong (Left), Buzz Aldrin (Right)

Next Week's Segment: Has mankind progressed or profited in any way as a result of the moon exploration?