The Space Race took place between the United States and the Soviet Union and lasted from 1957-1975. The goals of the space race were to explore outerspace with artificial satellites, send humans to space, and to land man on the moon.

Sputnik, World's first satellite

Launched on October 4, 1957 on a two-stage R-7 Rocket by the Soviet Union, Sputnik began the space race. This artificial satellite was designed by M.S Khomyakov and weighed 184 pounds. The telemetry radio transmission lasted until October 26, 1957 when the batteries ran out. During reentry to the Earth's atmosphere, on January 4, 1958 Sputnik burned up. The museum's reproduction was made in Russia in the same factory that produced the original.

Explorer,  United States of America's first Satellite

In response to the launch of Sputnik, the United States launched Explorer I on January 31, 1958. Compared to Sputnik, the weight difference was incredible.The Explorer weighed only 30.18 pounds. This satellite was the first to detect the Van Allen radiation belt. 40% of its payload was its mercury chemical batteries to produce it's power. The transmission stopped on May 23, 1958. The Explorer amazingly stayed in space for 12 years following the launch in 1958.