The Space Race

The Space Race
Source A: Leonard David. (October 2002). Sputnik 1: The Satellite That Started It All.
Sputnik came as a surprise to most Americans - but it should not have, observes John Logsdon,
Director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. “Our
movies and television programs in the fifties were full of the idea of going into space. What came as
a surprise was that it was the Soviet Union that launched the first satellite. It is hard to recall the
atmosphere of the time. Fallout shelters, rabid anti-Communism, a sense of imminent danger from
without and within,” Logsdon said. With the launch of the Soviet satellite, Logsdon said, the reaction
was more fear than surprise, because it showed clearly that the United States was no longer safe
behind its ocean barriers. “The claim that who controlled space would control the Earth seemed
plausible, and the Soviet Union had taken the first step towards that control,” he said.
1. In Source A, the impact of Sputnik on the USA is described as one of surprise and
fear. The launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union shattered the belief that the United
States was secure behind its ocean barriers. The fear stemmed from the realization
that the Soviet Union had achieved a significant technological milestone that could
potentially threaten U.S. security. The impact was intensified by the prevailing
atmosphere of the time, characterized by widespread anti-Communism and a sense
of imminent danger from both external and internal threats. The claim that control
of space would equate to control over Earth further heightened the fear and sense
of vulnerability.
Source B: David West Reynolds, Apollo, the Epic Journey to the Moon, 2002.
Under the intense media scrutiny of an America waiting desperately for something to salve the
national pride, the Vanguard rocket was prepared for launch at Cape Canaveral. On December 6,
1957, the slender, delicate instrument was fired, began to rise, and then sank back down on itself,
crushing its engines and erupting into a huge fireball. The pathetic collapse was carried live on
television, right in front of the world. This was what we were capable of, while the Russians rode the
heavens.
2. Source B portrays the USA's attempt to launch a satellite in 1957 as a failure and a
source of embarrassment. The Vanguard rocket, intended to carry the satellite,
suffered a catastrophic failure shortly after liftoff, collapsing back to the ground and
exploding in a fireball. This event was broadcast live on television, magnifying the
humiliation of the failure in front of the world, especially in contrast to the
successful launches by the Soviet Union.
Source B: President John F. Kennedy, speaking, May 25, 1961.
“…Finally, if we are to win the battle that is now going on around the world between freedom and
tyranny, the dramatic achievements in space which occurred in recent weeks should have made
clear to us all, as did the Sputnik in 1957, the impact of this adventure on the minds of men
everywhere, who are attempting to make a determination of which road they should take. Since
early in my term, our efforts in space have been under review. With the advice of the Vice President,
who is Chairman of the National Space Council, we have examined where we are strong and where
we are not, where we may succeed and where we may not. Now it is time to take longer strides—
time for a great new American enterprise—time for this nation to take a clearly leading role in space
achievement, which in many ways may hold the key to our future on Earth. First, I believe that 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. No single space project in this period will be more
impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be
so difficult or expensive to accomplish…”
3. In President Kennedy's speech, the reference to "freedom and tyranny" suggests the
ideological struggle of the Cold War era between the democratic principles
championed by the United States and the authoritarianism associated with
Communist regimes, particularly the Soviet Union. Kennedy implies that the recent
achievements in space, similar to the impact of Sputnik in 1957, serve as a
demonstration of the competing ideologies and their influence on people
worldwide.
What did President Kennedy say he wanted the USA to do? Why do you think he wanted the
USA to do this?
4. President Kennedy expressed his desire for the USA to commit to the ambitious goal
of landing a man on the moon and safely returning him to Earth before the end of
the decade. He believed that this endeavor would not only be an impressive feat for
mankind but also crucial for the long-term exploration of space. Kennedy likely
wanted the USA to take on this challenge to demonstrate American technological
prowess, assert leadership in space exploration, and showcase the superiority of the
democratic system over its Communist rival. Additionally, the space race was also
seen as a means to inspire national pride, bolster morale, and rally public support
during a time of intense global competition.

The Space Race

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Space Race

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Space Race

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Space Race

Source B: President John F. Kennedy, speaking, May 25, 1961.

You might also like