Space: The High Ground

Since men first started slinging stones at one another, the most tried and true of all military maxims has been: take the high ground. Today, that high ground exists even beyond the earth's atmosphere.

Last week, as Russian Cosmonauts Popovich and Nikolayev sang patriotic songs while whirling about in outer space (see WORLD), they provided new evidence that the Soviet Union is deadly serious about seizing control of the new high ground.

American reaction to the Soviet spectacular ranged from grudging admiration to scoffing irrelevance. President Kennedy congratulated the Russians for their...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!