I seem to recall reading that the first object in space was a German V2 rocket
that was fired in 1944.
Paul
-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Godfrey DiGiorgi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> On Apr 12, 2006, at 11:39 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> > I think every American who was alive at that time remembers Yuri
> > Gagarin and the first space flight. It was huge news here and left
> > an indelible mark on the country. Remember, this came at the height
> > of the cold war, and it was an embarassment to the United States.
> > It was what led Kennedy to pledge that the US would put a man on
> > the moon within ten years. Yuri's flight was a tremendous
> > accomplishment, and it altered the history of the planet.
>
> Yes. And Sputnik before that. (The animated film "The Iron Giant"
> circa 2000 recalls that era well, it's brilliant ...)
>
> But I hold to that moment on Christmas eve seven years later as being
> the seminal moment. When you can see all that you and your ancestors
> have ever known as a quarter-sized dot over the horizon of another
> world, and broadcast that for all the rest of the world to share with
> you, I think that has compelling power far beyond the prior moments
> of discovery and accomplishment that made it possible.
>
> Ok, getting past the heavy stuff, time for a trivia question:
>
> Given that the near limit of outer space is considered to be 100
> miles elevation from sea level, what was the first man-made object to
> reach outer space?
>
> Godfrey
>
>
