The United States had a successful economy and was still growing. The United States may have had a slight lead over other countries; however, the United States was not the first country in space. The Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite in history, called Sputnik I, on October 4, 1957 (Shapiro). This triggered the explosion called the "space race." The United States countered with its first artificial satellite, called Explorer I, on January 31, 1958, but unfortunately lagged several months behind Soviet accomplishments. The United States had given the Soviet Union the opportunity to lead in the "space race." The Soviet Union had taken the lead in the "space race." With success in hand, the Soviets were determined to send a human being to space. Their plan was very methodical. Pressure from other countries became intense as media proclaimed that it waste of time and money for the Soviets. Finally, on April 12, 1961 their dream came true when the Vostok I space craft lifted Yuri Gagarin to orbit the earth (Shapiro). This single act changed the complexion of the "space race." The United States was shocked with this scientific marvel. The President of the United States was especially flabbergasted. The United States reacted by working vigorously towards the end of 1961. Finally on February of 1962, the United States finally sent Mercury to do its deed: send an American to space. John Glenn, the occupant of Mercury, circled the earth three times. John Glenn returned unscratched to a hero's welcome. This win for the United States spawned victory parties throughout the nation. This victory only lead to an even more difficult challenge. The marvel that has plagued mankind for centuries dawned on America: landing on the moon (Webb). .
In 1961, President Kennedy had committed the United States to the goal of landing Americans on the moon and bringing them safely back to earth by the end of the decade (Whitehouse).
