Project Mercury

This title will explore the beginnings of the Space Race, including the development and launch by the Soviet Union of Sputnik, the world's first satellite. America's response was Project Mercury, run by the newly formed NASA. With its goal of putting astronauts into Earth's orbit, Project Mercury spawned such household names as John Glen, Alan Shepard, and the other "Mercury 7" astronauts. Will also examine animals in space, and the parallel space exploration programs of the Soviet Union, including the efforts of rocket designer Sergei Korolev. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo & Daughters is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO. Glossary of key words Index Reviewed Table of contents When Apollo 11's Neil Armstrong stepped on the Moon on July 20, 1969, it signaled the end of a decades-long Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. This book series will examine the history, technology, and personalities behind the Space Race, the global struggle to dominate the heavens. These six titles will explore the political and military origins of the Space Race, reconnaissance satellites, the race to the Moon, and later ventures that required cooperation between the superpowers. It will also feature biographies of many of the pioneers of space, including astronauts, cosmonauts, plus scientists and politicians on both sides. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo & Daughters is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.