Space Facts - Early Years Of The Space Race

The transcript covers the Space Race between the USA and the Soviet Union, highlighting President Kennedy's challenge to reach the moon. It details John Glenn's historic orbital flight, making him a national hero. The transcript also discusses the role of women in space, focusing on Valentina Tereshkova's flight, which was seen as a Soviet publicity stunt but marked a significant milestone for women in space exploration.

What was the primary reason for the United States to intensify its space program during the early Space Race?

• To develop new technologies for commercial use

• To establish military bases on the moon

• To explore Mars and other planets

• To prevent the Soviet Union from dominating space

What was the main goal set by President Kennedy for the United States in the 1960s?

• To land a man on the moon

• To send a man to Mars

• To launch the first satellite

• To build a space station

Who was the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth?

• Alan Shepard

• John Glenn

• Neil Armstrong

• Buzz Aldrin

What was the public's reaction to John Glenn's successful orbit around the Earth?

• Criticism

• Celebration and admiration

• Disappointment

• Indifference

What was the outcome of the US Congress hearings in 1962 regarding women becoming astronauts?

• Women were immediately accepted into the program

• The decision was postponed indefinitely

• NASA decided not to allow women as astronauts at that time

• Women were allowed to participate in training only

What was significant about Valentina Tereshkova's space flight?

• She was the first American woman in space

• She was the first person to orbit Mars

• She was the first person to walk on the moon

• She was the first woman to fly in space

How long did Valentina Tereshkova's flight last compared to American astronauts' flight time?

• Equal to the longest American flight

• Longer than all American astronauts' flight time combined

• Twice as long as the longest American flight

• Shorter than any American flight