The Space Race

The foyer of the Kennedy Space Center is dominated by a statue of Alan Shepard, the first American into space in May 1961.
One month earlier the Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin had beaten the Americans into space and to orbit the earth.
It was a big first for the Russians but the rest of the race was dominated by the Americans with Shepard a key figure.
He was an interesting guy.
Shortly before the launch he was heard muttering to himself: "Don't f*ck up Shepard...."
After returning from space he was asked by reporters what his thoughts were as he sat in the rocket awaiting lift off: "the fact that every part of this ship was built by the low bidder"
A few years later he became the fifth person to walk on the moon and, memorably, hit two golf balls into space.
The center itself is fascinating. These astronauts were superstars in the 60s and 70s.
However, it sadly feels a bit down at heel. Maybe a sign of the times and the fact that the exciting days of the Space race are in the past.
Until we start the race to the next frontier....,,