The Sputnik Crisis

Humanity has always looked to the heavens, pondering what is really out there. But how did space travel turn from fantasy into reality? In the aftermath of World War Two, a group of scientists from Nazi Germany arrives in the United States. Their task? To kickstart America's space program. Meanwhile, in the Soviet Union a covert team of engineers begins work on a series of rockets and satellites. The starting gun has been fired. Who will make it up there first?

This is a Short History of the Space Race.

Written by Luke Kuhns. With thanks to Robert Godwin, historian, and author of multiple books on the Space Race.

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