SPACE RACE

THE SPACE RACE

The Space Race grew out of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, the most powerful nations after World War II. For a half-century, the two superpowers competed for primacy in a global struggle pitting a democratic society against totalitarian communism.

Space was a crucial arena for this rivalry. Before a watchful world, each side sought to demonstrate its superiority through impressive feats in rocketry and spaceflight. Secret satellites kept a wary eye on the http://www.history.com/topics/space-race/videos#the-space-raceadversary.
At the end of the Cold War, the United States and Russia agreed to build a space station and pursue other joint ventures in space. A contest that began in fear and enmity has become a partnership.
outcomes:

military origins:

The Military Origins of the Space Race are reflected in the rivalry to build rockets powerful enough to send nuclear warheads across the ocean, loft satellites into Earth orbit, or carry humans to the Moon.

racing to the moon: The spectacular public feats by the men and machines of two countries Racing to the Moon and Exploring the Moon thrilled the entire world with the enduring "firsts" of space exploration.

secret eyes in space:

The Space Race was played out partly in secret, and in deadly earnest. Secret Eyes in Space spied on rival territory, pinpointing potential targets and also warning of possible attack.

A permanent presence in space: after Americans landed on the Moon, the attention of both rivals turned toward establishing A Permanent Presence in Space for continued scientific discovery and human achievements.

THE USSR CHALLENGE IN SPACE:
A number of declassified paintings from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) are on display in the Space Race exhibition space. You can now view this special temporary exhibition online.

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SOVIET SPACE HISTORY
 Information and objects from the Soviet space program have only recently become available in the West. After years of secrecy and speculation, Russia's space history is being told.
 This exhibition includes a variety of Soviet space artifacts purchased by American collectors. These treasures show how the Soviets participated in the Space Race and allow us to compare Soviet with American approaches to the technical and political challenges of spaceflight.

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THE PEROT FOUNDATION LOAN
 Most of the Soviet space objects displayed here were purchased by The Perot Foundation of Dallas, Texas. Before purchase, some of these items had suffered from years of neglect and deterioration; others were in danger of being lost or destroyed. The Perot Foundation intends to hold these artifacts in trust for eventual return to the Russian people. Meanwhile they have been placed on loan to the Smithsonian Institution
http://www.history.com/topics/space-race/videos#the-space-race
http://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/gal114/gal114.htm