For millennia, humans have been looking up to the skies, wondering what is out there in the universe, and thinking about the glory of the moon and stars. During the Cold War between America and the Soviet Union, huge advancements in outer space technology were made, including the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. In 1958, the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, put America ahead in the space race against the Soviet Union, and set a worldwide standard for space exploration.
The Cold War consisted of many smaller competitions for dominance between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. The space race, however, was perhaps one of the most prominent rivalries of the 21st century.The two nations both began competing for leadership …show more content…
Consisting of 12 total flights, 10 of which were manned ("Gemini Goals."), Gemini was developed to prepare for the future missions of Apollo. The first U.S. space walk was done from the Gemini 4 mission to equip astronauts for walking on the moon ("What Was the Gemini Program?"). Additionally, NASA astronauts practiced docking 2 spacecrafts together, which was essential for the potential success of achieving a lunar landing. Both the Mercury and Gemini programs proved to NASA that a manned lunar mission was in fact possible. Finally, in 1969, the time had come for Apollo 11 to make its journey to the moon. “On July 21, 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface to become the first person in history to set foot on another world” (Robin McKie). Millions were watching the broadcast from the moon as he took his first steps. The world, for a single moment, was united. Not just the United States, but all of mankind had achieved a once impossible goal. Most importantly however, the U.S. had won the space race against the Soviets, overall. The whole world saw no greater accomplishment than sending 2 men to walk on the moon. This feat was a triumph in the Cold War, and NASA had “ firmly established its (the U.S.’s) dominance in science and technology” …show more content…
Lunar missions have inspired mankind to go even further in space. NASA’s latest efforts and missions, cooperating with private companies, have been to eventually get humans on Mars. Scientists are hoping to find a way to make the red planet habitable. Telescopes and rovers have discovered water not only on the moon, but on Mars, and the moons of Jupiter as well (“The Vision for Space Exploration). Humans on Earth can find ways to gain and use outer space resources in order to support future generations. Furthermore, the technology we use and develop in outer space, can be applied to solve problems on
The Cold War consisted of many smaller competitions for dominance between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. The space race, however, was perhaps one of the most prominent rivalries of the 21st century.The two nations both began competing for leadership …show more content…
Consisting of 12 total flights, 10 of which were manned ("Gemini Goals."), Gemini was developed to prepare for the future missions of Apollo. The first U.S. space walk was done from the Gemini 4 mission to equip astronauts for walking on the moon ("What Was the Gemini Program?"). Additionally, NASA astronauts practiced docking 2 spacecrafts together, which was essential for the potential success of achieving a lunar landing. Both the Mercury and Gemini programs proved to NASA that a manned lunar mission was in fact possible. Finally, in 1969, the time had come for Apollo 11 to make its journey to the moon. “On July 21, 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface to become the first person in history to set foot on another world” (Robin McKie). Millions were watching the broadcast from the moon as he took his first steps. The world, for a single moment, was united. Not just the United States, but all of mankind had achieved a once impossible goal. Most importantly however, the U.S. had won the space race against the Soviets, overall. The whole world saw no greater accomplishment than sending 2 men to walk on the moon. This feat was a triumph in the Cold War, and NASA had “ firmly established its (the U.S.’s) dominance in science and technology” …show more content…
Lunar missions have inspired mankind to go even further in space. NASA’s latest efforts and missions, cooperating with private companies, have been to eventually get humans on Mars. Scientists are hoping to find a way to make the red planet habitable. Telescopes and rovers have discovered water not only on the moon, but on Mars, and the moons of Jupiter as well (“The Vision for Space Exploration). Humans on Earth can find ways to gain and use outer space resources in order to support future generations. Furthermore, the technology we use and develop in outer space, can be applied to solve problems on