Unit 9: Space + Art

http://www.jfklibrary.org/Exhibits/Permanent-Exhibits/The-Space-Race.aspx

The creation of the atomic bomb and the launch of Sputnik led to two world superpowers competing in the “space race” in addition to the Cold War. The ability to create and launch space technology translated to an overwhelming amount of power. Both America and the U.S.S.R. “...sought to prove the superiority of its technology, its military firepower and - by extension- its political and economic system” (History.com). The U.S.S.R. claimed several “firsts”, including the first space probe to hit the moon in 1959, the first man in space in 1961 (History.com). The following link is a speech from an American news station just after Russian Yuri Gagarin made history:  

http://www.history.com/topics/space-race/speeches/yuri-gagarin-is-first-man-in-space

The “...spectacular achievements...” of the Soviet Union “...struck fear into the hearts of many American citizens” (JFK Library). However, the challenge from President John F. Kennedy to land the first man on the moon gave the nation something to cheer for (JFK Library). “With more than half a billion people watching on television”, the U.S.A. won the space race by landing the first man on the moon (NASA). This event kicked off popular culture’s obsession with space technology.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/apollo11.html

Since Apollo 11, popular culture has fallen in love with space. It is the context and setting for multiple million dollar movies and television shows. In fact, “Star Wars” has a total revenue net worth of $27,000,000,000 (Statistic Brain). $12,000,000,000 was made by just toy sales, and thus, these toys inspire and teach millions of children about space technology as they play with them.

http://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/movies/8-reasons-why-star-wars-episode-vii-is-destined-to-please.html/?a=viewall

Space technology captures the most beautiful relationship between art and science because of the innovation and technology it takes to discover what is outside of our galaxy. Space research is not only enjoyed by engineers and scientists; it has provided education about life beyond earth to regular people through different mediums such as television, movies and books. Gallup stated that “7 out of 10 Americans who are 35 years of age or older say they watched the moon landing on television in July, 1969” (Gallup). It is clear that American citizens have maintained their passion for space and art since then.

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/space-exploration/hubble/

Citations:

Dunbar, Brian. "July 20, 1969: One Giant Leap For Mankind." NASA. NASA, n.d. Web.

"Landing a Man on the Moon: The Public's View." Gallup. N.p., n.d. Web.

"Star Wars Total Franchise Revenue." Statistic Brain RSS. N.p., n.d. Web.

"The Space Race." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web.

"The Space Race." John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. N.p., n.d. Web.

Vesna, Victoria. "8 Space Pt2 1280x720." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web.