On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the satellite Sputnik and, with it, an international space race. The United States and the Soviet Union rushed to declare dominance of space for 18 years, until the two countries agreed to a more collaborative model. The real winner? Science. Jeff Steers describes the history -- and the benefits -- of the space race. [Directed by Nadav Arbel, narrated by Addison Anderson].

Jeff Steers: Who won the space race?

Who won the space race?

Sputnik's launch in 1957 wasn't just a triumph of technology; it signified a geopolitical chess game sparking the space race.

The failure of the Vanguard TV3 in 1957, dubbed "Flopnik", showcased the intense pressure and public scrutiny in the space race.

Apollo-Soyuz, 1975: A handshake in space that turned the rivalry of the space race into an emblem of international cooperation.