INTRODUCTION The early years of space flight were a time of tremendous growth, emerging technology and intense competitiveness between the United States and Russia. It was during this period that the American space agency NASA came into being, that the first rockets were sent outside the Earth’s atmosphere, and two nations dreamed of sending the first man to walk on the Moon. After completing this module, you will be able to identify key aspects of the U.S. and Soviet early space programs from Project Mercury to the lunar landings of Project Apollo. 1 of 60
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