Eisenhower’s Insite: Eisenhower’s Letter on the Space Race and America’s Lunar Odyssey
(This is an excerpt from an upcoming book on the Borman Collection in the EAA Museum. This section, Frank Borman and the Collier Trophy, along with the rest of the book, is due to come out this Spring. Paying Patreon subscribers get a FREE copy when it comes out this Spring as a thank you for support. Join to read this section plus get access to Interactive Virtual Reality Spacecraft Tours at Spacecraft Interactive Virtual Museum | creating Interactive Virtual Museum Exhibits | Patreon )
As we journey through the corridors of history at the EAA Museum, let us pause to reflect on Eisenhower’s view regarding the space race, and why he believed it was imperative to approach this celestial challenge with caution and restraint.
Eisenhower, a seasoned military leader who rose to the rank of five-star general during World War II, brought a wealth of strategic acumen to the presidency. His tenure in the Oval Office was marked by a steadfast commitment to preserving peace and stability in a world rife with Cold War tensions.
When President Kennedy delivered his stirring call to action in 1961, pledging to send a man to the Moon and return him safely to Earth before the end of the decade, Eisenhower’s response was measured and contemplative. Drawing on his military experience and strategic mindset, Eisenhower cautioned against the temptation to engage in a reckless race to the stars with the Soviet Union.
From Eisenhower’s vantage point, the space race was not merely a contest of technological prowess—it was a high-stakes game of geopolitical brinkmanship with far-reaching implications. As President, Eisenhower understood the delicate balance of power on the global stage and the risks inherent in escalating tensions with the Soviet Union.
Eisenhower’s letter to President Kennedy reflected his belief that America’s pursuit of space exploration should be guided by prudence, diplomacy, and a commitment to international cooperation. While acknowledging the importance of scientific achievement and technological advancement, Eisenhower urged caution in the pursuit of lunar conquest, advocating instead for a measured approach that prioritized peace and stability.