METHODS OF SPACE FLIGHT

Having realized that the most efficient method to punch through the atmosphere, gain the velocity to counter the pull of Earth’s gravity, and “fly in space” was the rocket, the next challenge was to devise the best way to harness that power for both unmanned and manned operations. The main difference between those operations was, of course, the safety of the human crew being carried. As missile rocketry was still in its infancy, the chances of a vehicle blowing up on the launch – pad or in the early stages of flight were very high. The development of rescue systems and striving to ensure the safety of the launch vehicle was paramount. This effort became known as man-rating.

By the 1950s, only two nations had the capability and infrastructure to support a concerted effort to explore space; the U. S.S. R. and the United States. It was here that the military consideration of “securing the high ground” developed the Cold War “arms race” into a “space race” and, eventually, a “moon race”.