Satellites

The Soviet Union (U.S.S.R.) was destined to pave the way to outer space with its satellites. It was surrounded by U.S. missile sites and air bases. American spy planes plied Soviet skies taking photographs of likely targets while Soviet bombers or missiles could not reach the U.S. There was a need for an intercontinental missile, which meant there was a need for an intercontinental rocket. Thus, the Soviet government provided Chief Designer, Sergi Korolev, ample funds to build powerful rockets that surpassed those being built by the U.S. ^{Hardesty vii-viii}