In this episode we continue the story of the space race by looking at the first manned missions into space. Will the Mercury or Vostok program get there first? Who will be chosen for the first wild ride into the stars? Come and find out!

As mentioned in the episode, here is a link to the Nedelin Catastrophe (WARNING: May be disturbing for some viewers!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ybnj4jcnwg

In this shorter episode we continue the story of the Space Race by taking a look at how the astronauts were recruited and ultimately selected for the first manned space flights by the United States and the Soviet Union. We also visit the backstory of the first two men to travel into space, Yuri Gagarin and Alan Shepard.

In this next episode on the Space Race, we take a look at America's reaction to Sputnik, the formation of NASA, and the continuing successes enjoyed by the Soviets. 

Please send any questions or comments to:

Twitter: @jbb33

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we continue coverage of the space race by discussing the events on the Soviet side of things between the end of WW2 and the launch of Sputnik, the first man made satellite. 

http://thegreatendeavors.libsyn.com

@jbb33

In this episode we switch back over to the American side of the Space Race, following Wernher von Braun as he travels to the United States to begin working for America. Hurdles abound, but by the end of the episode the space race will be in full swing!

A couple of von Braun's Disney appearances are linked below.

Man in Space: https://youtu.be/2fautyLuuvo

Man and the Moon: https://youtu.be/eXIDFx74aSY

http://thegreatendeavors.libsyn.com/

In this episode, we take a look at the life of Sergei Korolev leading up to his involvement in the Soviet space program. He will go from promising young engineer, to convicted traitor, to the best hope of the Soviet Union for beating the Americans into space, all in just a few years.

Email any questions or comments to [email protected] or contact me on Twitter @jbb33

http://thegreatendeavors.libsyn.com

Having covered the first steps of the Space Race from the American perspective, we now turn to see how the Soviets made due once they discovered that they were one step behind right out of the gate.

Email any questions or comments to [email protected] or contact me on Twitter @jbb33

http://thegreatendeavors.libsyn.com

In this second episode on the Space Race, we follow Major Robert Staver as he travels to war torn Europe in search of the V-2 Rocket and the German scientists responsible for it. Will he get to them before the Soviets?

https://thegreatendeavors.libsyn.com

In this first episode of The Great Endeavors podcast, I begin the story of the Space Race with the tale of Wernher von Braun and how, in 1945, he found himself among the most wanted men in the world. Amidst the chaos of World War II, he was being hunted by both the United States and the Soviet Union. Fortunately for him, they wanted him alive.