24 Jaw-Dropping Images from the 1960s Space Race

The Cold War may have posed a threat of mutual destruction, but it also served as a catalyst for the United States and the Soviet Union to accelerate technological advancements in their quest for space exploration. The 1960s space race witnessed both nations vying for supremacy in outer space, with Russia achieving the milestone of sending the first humans into space, while the United States achieved the historic feat of landing men on the moon in 1969. Just over two decades after breaking the sound barrier and 66 years after the first powered flight by the Wright brothers, mankind set foot on the lunar surface, marking an incredible achievement in human history. Explore these 24 captivating photos capturing the essence of the '60s space race and the remarkable journey to the final frontier.