The Race into Space

As the Cold War continued between the United States and the Soviet Union, so did the race for technology. Information gleaned from scientists during World War II helped pave the way for an era fueled by the advances in science. The United States, led by the commitment of President John F. Kennedy, worked tirelessly to beat out the Soviets in what would be called the Space Race. President Kennedy announced to the country in 1963 that before the decade was over, America would have sent a man safely to the moon and back. At this point, the Soviets seemed to be leading the race into space. In fact, as early as 1961, a Russian cosmonaut had already been sent into orbit around Earth. The United States would eventually send John Glenn into orbit in 1962. NASA—the National Aeronautics and Space Administration—knew they would have to step up their game if they were to beat the Soviets.

The culmination of NASA’s efforts and Kennedy’s dream came to fruition on July 21, 1969, when the Apollo astronauts took their first steps on the moon. Neil Armstrong became the first person to step onto the moon’s surface. A flag from the United States was left on the surface of the moon to commemorate the events. The astronauts also left a plaque that stated that men from Earth came in peace for all mankind.