KT AFOQT Passage#3423
The space race, which began in the mid-20th century, was a period of intense competition between the United States and the Soviet Union, aimed at achieving supremacy in space exploration. This rivalry was driven by the broader context of the Cold War, a time of significant political and military tension between the two superpowers. Both nations sought not only technological dominance but also symbolic victories that would demonstrate their ideological and military superiority. The launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik in 1957 was a major milestone that shocked the world and marked the beginning of this high-stakes competition. Sputnik's success not only served as a demonstration of Soviet technological capabilities but also raised concerns about the potential military uses of space, especially with regard to ballistic missile technology.
In response to Sputnik, the United States accelerated its efforts in space exploration. In 1958, the U.S. established NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), with the primary goal of advancing space exploration and surpassing the Soviet Union in the space race. This led to a series of major achievements, including the Mercury and Gemini programs, which laid the groundwork for more ambitious missions, such as the Apollo program. These programs were critical in developing the skills and technology necessary for human space travel, including manned orbits, spacewalks, and docking procedures between spacecraft.
Perhaps the most notable success of the Apollo program was the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, during which astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. This monumental event not only demonstrated technological superiority but also symbolized a victory for the United States in the Cold War competition. The phrase “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” spoken by Armstrong as he stepped onto the lunar surface, became one of the most iconic expressions of human achievement and remains deeply ingrained in American culture. Apollo 11 was followed by several other manned missions to the moon, including Apollo 12, Apollo 14, Apollo 15, and Apollo 17, each contributing to scientific knowledge and technological advancements.
What is the authors attitude toward the current state of space exploration?
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