After the unexpected worldwide enthusiasm for Sputnik, the USSR approves an ambitious space program. Korolev learns that the lunar Pioneer will launch on August 17th and tries to beat it to the punch. He awaits its launch; the Pioneer explodes 77 seconds after launch, and Korolev is able to bring his R-7 back inside for more accurate tests (he would have overtaken it on a shorter trajectory). He launches on September 23, 1958, but the R-7 explodes after 93 seconds. On October 11th, the Americans try again with a new Pioneer. Once again, the American launch (the third stage) fails. Korolev has his chance: he launches on October 12th, but explodes after 104 seconds… He would have outpaced the Pioneer and reached the Moon just 6 hours before the Americans! The investigation points to vibrations induced by Kosberg’s final stage. The next attempt (December 4th) fails again, although progress is made.
