America has always taken great pride in its successes and accomplishments in science and technology; its claim of superiority is indisputable and evident with the continuous scientific discoveries and constant advancement of electronic gadgets. However, according to Burton Diche, during the 1950s and 1960s, "the American space program had absorbed a series of high-profile embarrassments as the Soviet Union, with which the U.S. was competing in a so-called Space Race, seemed to remain one step ahead."1 Yet, instead of accepting defeats, America demonstrated its power to the Soviets and the world by the extraordinary triumph of the first moon landing in 1969. In order to fully appreciate the significance of the lunar landing of Apollo 11, one must review the history of the early U. S. space program, from its inception to the successful completion of the Apollo mission.…