The Space Race
History: KS3, topic 20.1.14
The Space Race
Alongside the nuclear arms race between the USA and USSR, the two countries also competed on how far they could explore space and who could do it first.
Sputnik
- In 1957, the USSR launched the first ever satellite into space.
- This was called 'Sputnik'.
- The launch of Sputnik led to increased tensions because the same rocket that could reach space could also carry an atomic bomb or thousands of missiles.
- This was a threat to America.
ICB missiles
- Building on this new technology, the USSR made the world’s first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
- The US did not have any until one year later.
- They therefore felt threatened and tensions were high.
Humans in space
- In 1961, the USSR sent the first man into space.
- This was Yuri Gagarin (pictured).
- The US also managed this in 1961, but the USSR did it first.
Apollo
- The space race ended with the Apollo programme.
- President Kennedy promised that the USA would put the first man on the moon.
- In 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, the crew of Apollo 11, walked on the moon.
Importance of the space race
- The space race was a way of beating the ideology of the other nation without a nuclear war.
- It was a way of fighting to be the best without physically going to war.
- The two countries couldn't do this because of mutually assured destruction: (nuclear war would wipe out both countries and millions of people.)
Test yourself on The Space Race
Which country launched the first satellite into space?
Which of the following about the space race are correct?
Drag into the correct order