The Conquest of Space

Presenting outer space exploration as a globally cooperative effort.

This striking chart of outer-space exploration showcases the tremendous technological advancements made since the first artificial satellite was launched. Five different colors highlight the paths of manned spacecraft and unmanned probes for the United States, the Soviet Union, and the coalition of the U.K., France, Canada, and Italy. Collectively, the routes present the impression of significant global (and even galactic!) coverage, with a cluttered thermosphere reflecting worldwide competition almost as much as cooperation.