7.1

7.1

In the 1950s and 60s, there was a race between the United States and the Soviet Union. This was called the Space Race. It began in 1957, when the Soviet Union sent Sputnik into space. This was the first human-made satellite. 

Then, on April 12th, 1961, the Soviets sent the first person into space. His name was Yuri Gagarin. 

The Americans responded quickly. On May 5th, 1961, Astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American to travel to space. And In 1962, John Glenn flew around Earth three times. He was the first American to orbit Earth. 

Next, the Americans began the Apollo program. The aim: to put a man on the moon. On July 20th, 1969, they finally succeeded. Two astronauts from Apollo 11 walked on the moon. Neil Armstrong was the first, and Buzz Aldrin was the second.

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”