A New Space Race
April 1, 2021
I
t was an era marked by fierce competition that sometimes bore deadly consequences. In 1967, both countries “ignored growing design and manufacturing problems,” launching two space flights that ended in four combined fatalities. Even before the competition cost human lives, risks were taken on both sides in the name of one-upmanship. After all, upon hearing of American advancements in space, the Soviets rushed to launch their Sputnik satellite–even though it was untested.
Some argue that the conflict concluded when one side sent a man to the moon. Others point out that the competition didn’t officially end until a ceremonious 1975 handshake in space. However, in light of the recent space collaboration agreement between Russia and China, it looks like the age-old space race between the U.S. and Russia might have made its way into the 21st century.