The Space Race
I can analyse the events of the Space Race.
The Space Race
I can analyse the events of the Space Race.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Space Race was a competition between the US and USSR in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Security and prestige both motivated the Space Race.
- The USSR launched the first satellite, Sputnik, in 1957.
- Soviet successes in space triggered fears that the US was falling behind.
- US astronauts landed on the moon in 1969.
Keywords
Satellite - in this context, an object that moves around a planet in space
Orbit - the circular journey that a spacecraft or planet makes around the sun, the moon, or another planet
Prestige - respect and admiration people feel for someone else, often because they are successful
ICBM - short for inter-continental ballistic missile; a missile that can deliver bombs to hit targets over 5500 km away
Common misconception
The USA was in the lead throughout the Space Race.
The USSR beat the USA to launch the first satellite into orbit and to put both the first man and first woman in space.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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