Ask Steve: The Space Program and related media

  • Log out

Ask Steve: The Space Program (1:34)

In this video clip from Ask Steve, the reason for Americans interest in the Space Program was explored. It is explained that competition, and the technological wonder of the space race were some of the reasons for the Americans interest.

Watch Similar Videos

  • This video can be viewed when you log in with your TV provider.

    Select your TV provider to log in to have full access to videos

    • Select your TV provider
    • See More Providers
    Don't see your TV provider? Learn more

Your Parental Control settings do not allow you to view thiscontent.

Related Videos (10)

  • Ask Steve: The Space Program
    Ask Steve: The Space Program

    Video Clip (1:34)

    In this video clip from Ask Steve, the reason for Americans interest in the Space Program was explored. It is explained that competition, and the technological wonder of the space race were some of the reasons for the Americans interest.

    Video Clip (1:34)
  • John Glenn Orbits the Earth
    John Glenn Orbits the Earth

    Video Clip (2:37)

    Footage of John Glenn's historic orbit around the Earth on Friendship 7.

    Video Clip (2:37)
  • Buzz Aldrin on Approach to Moon
    Buzz Aldrin on Approach to Moon

    Video Clip (1:00)

    In this Tech Effect video, brought to you by the History Channel, Buzz Aldrin talks about the landing of the lunar module during the Apollo 11 mission. He talks about how they only had fifteen seconds of fuel left when they actually landed.

    Video Clip (1:00)
  • One Small Step...
    One Small Step...

    Video Clip (0:56)

    Compare existing footage with newly restored video of Neil Armstrong's historic first steps off of the lunar module and onto the surface of the moon. From NASA.

    Video Clip (0:56)
  • The Apollo 11 Plaque
    The Apollo 11 Plaque

    Video Clip (0:44)

    See existing footage alongside newly restored video of Neil Armstrong reading the commemorative plaque affixed to the lunar module. From NASA.

    Video Clip (0:44)
  • Space Shuttle: The Last Mission
    Space Shuttle: The Last Mission

    Video Clip (4:55)

    In 2011, NASA sent a space shuttle into space for the last time. Get all the facts on the history of the U.S. space shuttle program.

    Video Clip (4:55)
  • The First Space Shuttle Flight
    The First Space Shuttle Flight

    Video Clip (3:22)

    On April 12, 1981, NASA launched the first space shuttle into orbit.

    Video Clip (3:22)
  • Space Race: Cold War Front
    Space Race: Cold War Front

    Video Clip (4:21)

    A brief look at the Space Race, set to "Magic Carpet Ride" by Steppenwolf.

    Video Clip (4:21)
  • The Universe: The Search for Cosmic Clusters
    The Universe: The Search for Cosmic Clusters

    Video Clip (45:13)

    Find out why clusters of stars and galaxies are uniquely important in the quest to understand the universe.

    Video Clip (45:13)
  • The Universe: Extreme Energy
    The Universe: Extreme Energy

    Video Clip (45:13)

    Electrical, thermal, kinetic and magnetic are just a few forms of energy that keep our universe in perfect equilibrium.

    Video Clip (45:13)

Related Speeches & Audio (10)

  • Apollo 1 Tragedy
    Apollo 1 Tragedy

    Audio Clip (0:41)

    At a press conference the day after the January 27, 1967, Apollo 1 accident, a NASA spokesperson explains the cause of the flash fire that broke out inside the cabin of the spacecraft during a launch pad test. The vehicle was being prepared for the first piloted space flight. The tragedy ended in the deaths of all three astronauts on board: Lt. Col. Virgil I. Grissom, Lt. Col. Edward H. White and Roger B. Chaffee.

    Audio Clip (0:41)
  • Monkeys Travel to Space
    Monkeys Travel to Space

    Audio Clip (2:00)

    On May 28, 1959, in an experiment that would lead the way to manned space flight, the United States launched two monkeys to an altitude of 300 miles. A Voice of America news report details the travels of the two primates who survived the space flight and were the first in history to return safely to Earth.

    Audio Clip (2:00)
  • Voyager Spacecraft 30 Years Later
    Voyager Spacecraft 30 Years Later

    Audio Clip (1:12)

    As the twin Voyager spacecraft prepare to embark on an extended mission to explore interstellar space in 2006, project scientist Ed Stone of California Institute of Technology recaps the major discoveries the Voyagers have made since their launch in 1977.

    Audio Clip (1:12)
  • Viking 1 Lands on Mars
    Viking 1 Lands on Mars

    Audio Clip (0:20)

    On July 20, 1976, NASA's Viking 1 becomes the first spacecraft to send back detailed pictures from the surface of Mars. A NASA control room recording captures the excitement of the moment.

    Audio Clip (0:20)
  • Ford Phones Apollo Astronauts
    Ford Phones Apollo Astronauts

    Audio Clip (8:14)

    On July 17, 1975, President Gerald Ford speaks by telephone to the Apollo astronauts following their rendezvous and docking with the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. This was the first joint orbital mission between the two superpowers, and it helped pave the way for further cooperation in the exploration of space.

    Audio Clip (8:14)
  • First American Woman in Space
    First American Woman in Space

    Audio Clip (0:50)

    Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space when the shuttle Challenger takes off on June 18, 1983. The historical moment is noted in communication just after liftoff.

    Audio Clip (0:50)
  • First Space Shuttle Launched
    First Space Shuttle Launched

    Audio Clip (3:00)

    On April 12, 1981, NASA launched the world's first reusable manned spacecraft. In the minutes before takeoff, Kennedy Space Center launch control communicates with astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen as they prepare to take Columbia on its first test flight into space and back.

    Audio Clip (3:00)
  • George W. Bush on the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
    George W. Bush on the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster

    Audio Clip (3:15)

    On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia was 16 minutes away from touchdown after completing its 28th mission when a damaged heat protection tile caused the shuttle to incinerate, killing all seven crew members. Later that day, President George W. Bush informs the nation about the terrible disaster.

    Audio Clip (3:15)
  • Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster
    Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster

    Audio Clip (0:31)

    On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia was returning from its 28th mission when, 16 minutes to touchdown, the shuttle incinerated and broke apart over Texas. Communication between the Columbia crew and Mission Control captures the last moments of the flight.

    Audio Clip (0:31)
  • Cause of Challenger Disaster Revealed
    Cause of Challenger Disaster Revealed

    Audio Clip (0:44)

    William P. Rogers, head of the special commission appointed by President Ronald Reagan to investigate the January 28, 1986, explosion of the space shuttle Challenger, reports his findings at a press conference on June 9, 1986.

    Audio Clip (0:44)

Related Photo Galleries (1)

Most Popular Videos on History.com

More videos

Newest Videos on History.com

More videos

Related Multimedia

Shop HISTORY

See More