An optimistic and upbeat President John F. Kennedy
suggested the Soviet Union and the United States
cooperate on a mission to mount an expedition to
the moon. The proposal caught both the Soviets
and many Americans off guard.

In 1961, shortly after his election as president, John
F. Kennedy announced that he was determined to
win the “space race” with the Soviets.

Kennedy toured Cape Canaveral, Fla. with rocket scientist Werner von Braun (left) on Nov. 16, 1963.