Early Russian successes / Early American tragedies
I. Sputnik 1 vs. Explorer 1
Russian:
1957- The Russians used an A-model two-stage rocket, to successfully launch the world's first artificial satellite into Earth orbit (Sputnik).
American:
1958- Under Werner von Braun, the Americans successfully used a Jupiter-C launch vehicle to carry their satellite, Explorer 1 into orbit.
Significance:
After these two satellites were launched into orbit, the Space Race had begun. The Russians would have some more "firsts" in space history, but the Americans were catching up.
II. Race to Launch a Moon Probe
American:
1958- When the United States lost the race to launch the first artificial satellite into orbit, they aimed to be first on the moon. Sadly, the Thor-Able launch vehicle carrying the first Moon probe Pioneer 0 exploded and was unsuccessful. In the same year, the launches of Pioneer 1, 2, and 3 were all unsuccessful.
Russian:
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1959- The Russians, however, were more successful than the Americans. They launched the first probe, Lunar 2, to land on the moon. Lunar 2 made a fine landing and became the first probe to reach a celestial object. Later, the Lunar 3 was launched, reached to the far side of the moon, and took photographs of it. The Lunar 3 was the first flight around the moon
Significance:
The Russians continue their success in space explorations and achieved more "firsts" in space history. The American space program was becoming stronger and would soon catch up with the Russians.
