Spaceflight

<p><span class="deck">The first American to leave the Earth's atmosphere recalls the momentous flight that put us on a course for the Moon.</span></p>

<p><span class="deck">Sixty years ago this month, the Soviet Union orbited a “man-made moon” whose derisive chirp persuaded Americans that they’d already lost a race that had barely begun.</span></p>

<p><span class="deck">Practical, rather than idealistic, reasons pushed President Kennedy to challenge America to land a man on the moon within the decade.</span></p>

<p>The first American woman in space inspired thousands of girls dreaming of a career in science. </p>

<p>The U.S. Space &amp; Rocket Center in Huntsville showcases the rockets, achievements, and artifacts of the space program, as well as the legacy of Wernher von Braun and his team.</p>