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The Space Race: Project Mercury

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Discussion Topic

In the midst of the Cold War, the Space Race between the United Sates and the Soviet Union began on October 4, 1957, with the Russian launch of Sputnik I. Americans viewed Sputnik I as a great victory for the Russians and were fearful that the United States’ role in the world, and ability to defend itself against nuclear weapons, was compromised.

In order to regain America’s role as technological leader of the world, intense effort was focused on a manned space program with the founding of NASA in 1958. Tensions between the United States and Russia continued throughout the 1960s as both countries vied for dominance in space exploration.

With this in mind, read the following document from 1959 and answer the questions.

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View the full activity: https://docsteach.org/activity/the-space-race-project-mercury/

  • What was the intent of the Mercury 7 astronauts who wrote this document?
  • Do you believe they really intended to extend the olive branch to the Russians for the sake of science?
  • Do you think this was written for public relations possibilities?
  • Do you think all of the astronauts agreed with the content of this memorandum?
  • Why do you think Walter “Wally” Schirra and Donald “Deke” Slayton’s names are crossed out?
  • How does this relate to the greater context of the Cold War?
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To the extent possible under law, National Archives Foundation has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “The Space Race: Project Mercury”