The Right Stuff Summary

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The United States underwent a massive technological development during the 1940’s through the 1960’s. Yet, the most significant part of this technological development was the military aviation and the aerospace programs. Why was the US so interested in the creation of the aerospace program? What was the political and social motivations behind the space exploration? Who made the moon landing possible? Tom Wolfe gave in his book “The Right Stuff” a clear answers and explanation to these questions. Not only that Tom Wolf puts the life of American heroes on the spot light. He informed us about the exceptional skills and strengths of the heroes who made the impossible possible, the heroes who put their lives in the line to achieve exceptional …show more content…

I learned how the beginning of technological development in the aviation programs was not safe and secure, as there were many accidents during jet testing and air force trainings. I learned about the pilots who put their life in the line to serve their country, passing through a rough training in a dense physical and mental conditions; just like when Chuck Yeager was performing his duties in the most critical conditions “Even though his side was throbbing and his right arm felt practically useless, Yeager figured he could grit his teeth and get through the flight" (42). Those pilots were having an incredible determination to do what needed to be done regardless of any situation and circumstance. Even when they knew their life is in danger in every minute and second, they just followed a clear path to serve their country and focus on the programs more than anything …show more content…

The aerospace program gets a special coverage since it was the breaking point in the cold war. After the USSR launched the sputnik on 1957; US citizens and experts were in chock, the fear from losing the technology development race was in its pick. Moreover, the defeat of the US in Cuba in the Bay of Pigs ruined the American prestige and raises many questions about the ability of the US leaders to win the race. As a result, politician escalate the arm race and put more effort to catch up with the space race and restore faith of the people in the

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