Impact of the Space Race on America

1. Impact of the Space Race on America Amy Busch

2. What was the Space Race? • 1957-1969 • The Soviet Union launched the 1st man-made satellite, Sputnik, in 1957 and sparked the Space Race with America • Over the next 12 years, the United States and Soviet Union went back and forth with “first-evers” in space • 1st satellite, 1st satellite to carry a living dog, first man in space, etc.

3. Cont. • At first, it was obvious that the Soviets were winning • After the 1st successful American satellite launch, both countries were well aware of the battle of wits that the Space Race signified

4. How it Began & Ended • On October 4th, 1957 the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, which was the first major technological advancement made in space • This launch instilled fear in the American people [[See next slide…]] • The United States landed the first man on the moon on July 20th, 1969 and ended the Space Race • Many scientists agree that the lunar landing ended the Space Race, but some argue that it continued until the Apollo Soyuz Test Project in 1975

5. Fear During the Cold War • Before the launching of Sputnik, America had claimed the title as the most technologically advanced country in the world • Sputnik shattered that idea • People feared what technology the Soviets would develop after proving their superiority in space • This led to huge support of the United States space program by the American citizens

6. Rocket Technology Both the government and the American people were worried by the Sputnik launch because of the rocket technology If they could launch a satellite into orbit, or land a human on a specific point on the Moon, what’s stopping them from launching an atomic bomb with the same precision?

7. Rocket Technology Today

8. Spy Capabilities • Satellites seemed like the perfect spies during the Cold War • No one country could claim ownership of space beyond Earth’s atmosphere • Satellites are almost impossible to shoot down • They orbit around the planet, almost unnoticed by people below • Pilots did not need to endanger themselves in order to operate them

9. “Spy” Satellites Today

10. Satellites During the Space Race • Explorer 1 was the first successful satellite launched by the United States, after the failed attempt with Vanguard • Unlike Sputnik, which could only orbit and emit a “beep beep” radio signal, Explorer 1 was actually useful • It could gather information about the planet and send the information back to a receiver on the ground.

11. How It Affected America • The successful launch of Explorer 1 instilled pride in America, and reassured the citizens that Eisenhower did not dismiss the Soviet’s progress in space as non-threatening • Launching Explorer 1 into orbit made it very clear to both the United States and the Soviet Union that the Space Race had begun • It laid the foundation for future satellites to collect more information about Earth’s atmospheric conditions

12. Vanguard Explorer 1

13. TIROS 1 • 1st meteorological satellite ever launched • Before TIROS 1, meteorologists had very limited viewings of Earth’s atmosphere… Especially over the Oceans and regions sparsely populated • The satellite was capable of capturing videos and sending the information to earth • Meteorologists could now see how cloud formations influenced the weather, and could better predict atmospheric surprises such as hurricanes

14. Effects • Weather is less of a hindrance now that it can be more accurately predicted • Less fatalities resulting from hurricanes

15. Telestar Satellite • Could receive messages from earth, amplify them, and send them to another location • High-quality data could now be transmitted in real time across the Ocean • Previously had to be done via a large underwater cable • First transmitted image was of an American flag blowing in the wind • From Maine to Britain & France

16. Effects on Education • Jim Simons (earned a math doctorate during the Space Race through the Pentagon) claims that Congress “went bananas” after the launching of Sputnik…. They were afraid of the Soviets putting atomic bombs on the Moon. • Gov’t started investing in the recruitment of scientists and mathematicians in the hopes of a stronger education for potential future NASA employees • Led to higher pay for science and math professors

17. Cont. • The focus on math and science that existed back then still exists today • PSSAS • SATS • Scholarships • Competitions All of these things are the government’s way of encouraging a strong focus on math and science… Which eventually leads to technological advancements within the country

18. Modern Space Race • China and India are currently in a Space Race of sorts.. They’re making advancements in space mainly for the purpose of bettering the lives of their citizens, instead of competitive reasons • Some American scientists are pushing for a re-vamped focus on mathematics and science to make sure we remain the leaders in space technology • Because of tough economic times, Congress is unwilling to comply.. So privately owned organizations have tried to take matters into their own hands • Some believe that it will take another event like Sputnik to scare the government into taking action

19. Knowledge of Earth and Space • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was a direct result of the Space Race with the Soviet Union • Over the years, NASA has grown in leaps and bounds both in knowledge of our universe and with the invention of many common objects enjoyed by Americans today • Probes sent to Sun & all planets in solar system • Inventions such as ear thermometers and cordless power tools

20. In Conclusion… • From the influences in the cold War, to the creation of satellites, to the change in American education, the Space Race was an extremely influential time in American history. • The impact it has had on American life was major during the time it took place, but its effects can still be seen today with everything from weather forecasting and satellite TV to a strong focus on math and science in public education.