Reds in space : American perceptions of the Soviet space programme from Apollo to Mir, 1967-1991
This thesis reconstructs American perceptions of the Soviet space programme between the climax of the 1960s Moon Race and the USSRâs collapse. Whereas previous scholarship has focused on Americaâs stunned introduction to the Soviet programme with the 1957 Sputnik Crisis, this thesis explores the long-term ramifications of a communist presence in outer space, a place frequently characterised as a rejuvenating terrain that it was Americaâs destiny to explore, prospect and settle. America was never alone on this new frontier: it shared use of outer space with its principal geopolitical rival, a collectivist state that articulated its own prophecy of cosmic destiny. This thesis seeks to recapture American perceptions of the Soviet space programme through government documents, contemporary cultural and media material and the personal papers of prominent space experts. It argues that, long after the Apollo lunar landings, American discussion of the Soviet space programme continued to reflect hopes and fears about the future of the superpowersâ relationship. The secrecy that shrouded the Soviet programme nourished a âShadow Programmeâ of rumours and speculation about Soviet activities. Duplication and
Ellis, Thomas
Reds in space : American perceptions of the Soviet space programme from Apollo to Mir, 1967-1991. This thesis reconstructs American perceptions of the Soviet space programme between the climax of the 1960s Moon Race and the USSRâs collapse. Whereas previous scholarship has focused on Americaâs stunned introduction to the Soviet programme with the 1957 Sputnik Crisis, this thesis explores the long-term ramifications of a communist presence in outer space, a place frequently characterised as a rejuvenating terrain that it was Americaâs destiny to explore, prospect and settle. America was never alone on this new frontier: it shared use of outer space with its principal geopolitical rival, a collectivist state that articulated its own prophecy of cosmic destiny. This thesis seeks to recapture American perceptions of the Soviet space programme through government documents, contemporary cultural and media material and the personal papers of prominent space experts. It argues that, long after the Apollo lunar landings, American discussion of the Soviet space programme continued to reflect hopes and fears about the future of the superpowersâ relationship. The secrecy that shrouded the Soviet programme nourished a âShadow Programmeâ of rumours and speculation about Soviet activities. Duplication and
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