The Space Race

EQ:How did space exploration

make an impact on America?

Exploring outer space

• Americans began exploring space in the 1960s.

• Space exploration was significant because it demonstrated America’s great scientific talents and reminded people that we all live in one interconnected world.

• After WWII, the U.S. and Soviet Union acquired rockets, facilities, and researchers from Germany.

• The U.S. obtained the majority of equipment and people, including Wernher von Braun.

• Both countries began programs to develop large rockets capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

• The Soviet Union saw the potential of using space to demonstrate technical superiority.

• Russia was getting ahead of the U.S. in space exploration.

• The 1st satellite launched into space by Russia in 1957. Then, Russia sent the first man, Yuri Gargarin into space in April 1961.

• Americans did not like that! The U.S. had always prided itself on its leadership in the area of science and technology.

Left: Sputnik launch

Right: Sputnik assembly

• President Kennedy announced a goal to put an American on the moon before 1970. The space race was on!

• In 1961, 3 weeks after Yuri Gargarin’s space flight, Alan Shepard became the first American to be launched into space.

“I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”

President John F. KennedyMay 25, 1961

• John Glenn was the first American to make an earth orbit on February 20, 1962 (orbited 3 times). This mission lasted about 5 hours

• 35 years later in 1998, he went back to space at the age of 77 and stayed for nine days

• His ride was followed by many other manned missions – all leading up to Apollo 11.

• On that mission, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon! The US had won the ultimate prize in the space race.

Apollo 11 (Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael

Collins) was launched on July 16, 1969.

Watch footage:http://www1.teachertube.com/members/viewVideo.php?video_id=7407&title=Apollo_11___JFK__Neil_Armstrong___the_1st_Moon_landing

• On July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin departed in the lunar module and landed on the moon in the “Sea of Tranquility.” Collins remained in the command module.

• After a stay of 21.6 hours on the lunar surface, Armstrong and Aldrin returned to the CSM.

• The three returned to earth on July 24 with a splashdown in the Pacific.

Apollo 11 Command Module

Apollo 11 Lunar Module

Historic Apollo 11 Photo

• Space exploration has added many benefits to our lives.

• Satellites brought great advances in areas like communication (TV & computer), navigation, and weather forecasting.

• Space research has led to hundreds of useful products including smoke detectors, invisible braces, cordless tools, and the joysticks kids like to use to play video games.

Put the following events in order

___ a. John Glenn orbits the Earth___ b. Alan Shepard becomes 1st

American in space___ c. Russia launches the 1st satellite ___ d. Apollo 11 is launched___ e. Russia sends 1st man to space

Answer the EQ: How did space exploration

make an impact on America?