Introduction

Abstract

Space has always intrigued the minds of men. People had long desired to explore outer space, and when this became possible in the twentieth century; the results of space exploration were hailed as being among the major achievements of mankind. However, it was not mankind as such in search of new discoveries, but states that sent satellites and men into orbit. Consequently, from the start of the space age, the exploration of space was linked to national and international politics. Against the background of the Cold War, space became another area in which the rivalry of the superpowers was carried out. For both the Soviet Union and the United States, their space programs were a means of demonstrating the superiority of their respective social systems.