Original subtitles

(gentle music)

(glass shattering)

(upbeat music)

(thunder crashing)

(distorted audio)

(voices shouting in foreign language)

- [Narrator] A lot of material from that department

found their way abroad, in particular, to the CIA.

As reported by the authoritative magazine,

"Canadian Weekly World News",

U.S. intelligence obtained a 250 page file

on an attack by a UFO on a military unit in Siberia.

The file contains not only many

documentary photographs and drawings,

but also testimonies by actual participants in the event.

One of the CIA representatives referred to this case as,

"A horrific picture of revenge

on part of the extraterrestrial creatures.

A picture that makes one's blood freeze."

According to the KGB materials,

a quiet, low-flying spaceship in the shape of a saucer

appeared above a military unit

that was conducting routine training maneuvers.

For unknown reasons,

somebody unexpectedly launched a surface-to-air missile

and hit the UFO.

It fell to Earth not far away,

and five short humanoids with large heads

and large black eyes emerged from it.

It is stated in the testimonies by the two soldiers

who remained alive,

that after freeing themselves from the debris,

the aliens came close together

and then merged into a single object

that acquired a spherical shape

that began to buzz and hiss sharply,

and then became brilliant white.

In a few seconds, the sphere grew much bigger

and exploded by flaring up with an extremely bright light.

At that very instant, 23 soldiers who watched the phenomenon

turned into stone poles.

Only two soldiers who stood in the shade

and were less exposed to the luminous explosion survived.

The KGB report goes on to say that

the remains of the UFO and the petrified soldiers

were transferred to

a secret scientific research institution near Moscow.

Specialists assume that the source of the energy

that is still unknown to earthlings

instantly changed the structure

of the soldier's living organisms,

having transformed it into a substance

whose molecular composition is no different

from that of limestone.

A CIA representative stated,

"If the KGB file corresponds to reality,

this is an extremely menacing case.

The aliens possess such weapons and technology

that go beyond all our assumptions.

They can stand up for themselves if attacked."

This isn't the only time where witnesses in this region

report seeing humanoid figures

emerging from a spherical object.

In 1989, there were several reported UFO sightings

in the Soviet Union.

One of the most widely known incidents

occurred on September 27th, 1989.

According to the witnesses, a UFO was allegedly sighted

by a large crowd of people,

including school children and adults.

The incident took place around 4:00 p.m.,

where an unidentified object,

described as a large metallic sphere,

allegedly landed in a park.

Witnesses claim to have seen three humanoid creatures

about three meters tall, with a glowing aura and giant eyes.

It was said that one of the creatures

had a retractable third eye on its forehead.

The witnesses claim to have seen the UFO

taking off vertically

and disappearing into the sky after a short period of time.

The incident was widely reported

by the Soviet media at that time,

which further added public interest and speculation

about extraterrestrial encounters.

It's worth mentioning that

opinions about this incident vary greatly.

Skeptics argue that the sightings could have been

misidentified natural or manmade phenomena,

psychological factors, or even Soviet propaganda.

Alternatively, some believe this event could be evidence

of extraterrestrial visitation.

Despite the controversy and lack of concrete evidence,

the 1989 UFO incident in the Soviet Union

remains a notable case in the UFO folklore,

and continues to intrigue researchers and enthusiasts

to this day.

There is limited photographic

or documented evidence available

regarding the UFO sighting that took place in 1989

in the Soviet Union.

While there are claims that photographs were taken

during this event,

no verified or widely recognized photographs

have ever been officially released or widely distributed.

It's worth mentioning

that this incident predates the widespread use

of smartphones and digital cameras,

which makes it more challenging

to find photographic evidence.

Regarding documented evidence,

the incident was reported in the Soviet media at this time,

including the newspapers.

However, due to the secretive nature

of the Soviet government,

it's difficult to ascertain any official documentation,

or investigative reports on this incident.

Most of the available information about this event

comes from witness testimonies collected by researchers

and UFO investigators over the years.

These accounts vary in reliability and credibility,

leading to a range of opinions and skepticism

surrounding the incident.

We will take a deep look into events throughout history

and attempt to solve the mystery

between the Soviet Union, unidentified flying objects,

and President John F. Kennedy.

(audience applauding)

During World War II,

the two powerhouses sat on the same side

and made decisions together as allies.

So what caused them to become enemies so abruptly?

The start of the Cold War,

tensions and conflicts characterized by political,

ideological, and military rivalry

between the United States and the Soviet Union.

It began shortly after World War II

but we will look at a specific event

that marks its possible start.

- No matter how long it may take us

to overcome this premeditated invasion,

the American people in their righteous might

will win through to absolute victory.

(audience applauding)

(gentle music)

- [Narrator] This conference in 1945,

involving the leaders of the United States,

the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom,

highlighted the tensions between allies.

Disagreements arose over issues

such as the division of Germany

and the future political and economic landscape

of Eastern Europe.

This is the first time on record

where Stalin voiced concerns to President Roosevelt

about some of his people were making secret deals

with the Germans.

Roosevelt denied the claims and assured Stalin

that he or anyone on his team

was not making deals with the enemy.

The Yalta Conference would be the last time

that Stalin would see President Roosevelt in person.

Unfortunately, exactly two months later,

President Roosevelt passed away

and Harry Truman took over office.

- [Reporter] About the unknown,

the unidentified flying objects.

- Oh, yes, we discussed it at every conference that we had

with the military, and they never had been,

never were able to make me a concrete report on.

- [Reporter] Do you have anything on the subject, sir?

- No, I haven't anything on the subject

and there's always things like that going on,

flying saucers and they've had other things, you know.

(tense music)

- [Narrator] Three months after the passing of

President Roosevelt, Harry Truman worked out a secret deal

with the Germans known as Operation Paperclip.

This controversial secret deal allowed for Nazi scientists,

engineers, and other big names,

to be absorbed into the United States.

These actions gave birth

to what would eventually become NASA.

It was just five months ago that Stalin made the accusations

to Roosevelt about having a secret deal with Germany,

and Harry Truman had Operation Paperclip in full swing

by August of 1945.

By this time, Stalin lost trust in the new administration

headed by Harry Truman, and decided to absorb

some of the Nazi scientists and specialists

into the Soviet Union, for advancements on military

and technological infrastructure.

This was a secret Soviet operation

under which more than 2,500 former Nazi German specialists,

scientists, engineers, and technicians

from companies and institutions

relevant to military and economic policy

in the Soviet sector of Berlin,

including 4,000 family members,

bringing the total number to more than 6,000 people,

were transported from former Nazi Germany

as war reparations in the Soviet Union.

This was headed by Ivan Serov and Soviet army units

under the direction of

the Soviet Military Administration in Germany.

It's important to note

that the causes of the Cold War are complex

and can be interpreted differently,

depending on various historical perspectives.

Differing political systems,

the desire for global influence,

and mutual distrust between the two superpowers,

contributed to the Cold War.

Here's a combination of other various factors.

The fundamental ideological differences

between the United States and the Soviet Union

played a significant role.

The United States was founded on democratic principles

and a capitalist economic system.

While the Soviet Union embraced communism

and a planned economy.

After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union

emerged as the two superpowers

with opposing geopolitical interest

and competing spheres of influence.

This power struggle fueled the tensions

between the two nations.

The Soviet Union sought to expand its influence

and communist ideology throughout the world,

which led to conflicts with Western democracies,

particularly in Eastern Europe.

Both the United States and the Soviet Union

emerged in the space race

to develop a stockpile of nuclear weapons,

creating a constant state of fear and mutual deterrence.

Nuclear arms race,

the development and proliferation of nuclear weapons,

significantly contributed to the Cold War tensions.

The United States and the Soviet Union

engaged in the arms race,

seeking to build up their nuclear arsenals

and maintain a strategic advantage over each other.

The Cold War played out through proxy wars

such as the Korean War, the Vietnam War,

and several conflicts in Africa and Latin America.

The superpower supported opposing sides in these conflicts,

further escalating the tensions.

The Truman Doctrine, announced in 1947,

outlined the United States' policy of containment.

The goal was to prevent the spread of communism

by offering military and economic assistance

to the countries at risk of falling under Soviet influence.

This policy heightened the rivalry between the two powers.

The Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin,

cutting off access to the city

in an attempt to assert control.

This led to the Berlin Airlift.

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

- [Announcer] This is the story of the Berlin Airlift,

the operation carried out by the Royal Air Force

and the United States Air Force

to supply 2 1/4 million people of Berlin with food, coal,

and other necessities of life.

In June, 1948, all road and rail communications

between the allied zones and the western sectors of Berlin

were closed by the Russians.

By the 28th of June, the only way into Berlin was by air,

and the first RAF aircraft

started this colossal undertaking.

According to many predictions, an impossible one to maintain

for any length of time, especially during winter.

(uplifting music continues)

Aircraft began their ceaseless drone into blockaded Berlin

using all available airfields in the Western zone.

In the first three days, 500 landings were achieved,

but with the aid of the United States Air Force,

the number of flights rose by October to 600 per day.

Sunderland flying boats of Coastal Command were ordered in

to supplement the land-based planes.

These took off from the Elbe at Hamburg

and came down on one of Berlin's lakes.

Food, still more food, and raw materials

had to be poured across the aerial bridge

into the blockaded city.

Only one narrow corridor

led from the base on the Elbe near Hamburg,

to the unloading base at Havel Lake

in the British sector of Berlin.

(uplifting music continues)

Within four days of the decision to use them,

the first giant boats,

each carrying five tons of vital material,

were on air transport services.

They were soon winging their way daily

over the Port of Hamburg, destination Berlin.

(uplifting music continues)

Immediately on landing, unloading commences,

and the machines are prepared for the return journey.

On the return trip, exportable freight was carried

and the opportunity taken

to remove some of Berlin's sick children for convalescence.

(uplifting music continues)

(uplifting music continues)

(uplifting music continues)

Month after month, the tempo of flights were stepped up,

and by Christmas, American and British planes had made

a hundred thousand trips

and carried a total of 730,000 tons into Berlin.

Even cars were transported, but coal,

equally as vital to Berlin as bread,

was the greatest load of all.

Over one million tons had now been flown in.

(uplifting music continues)

For 10 whole months, a ceaseless stream of allied aircraft

landed in Berlin, where Germans,

supervised by British Army personnel,

eagerly unloaded the vital supply.

Air crews of the RAF and Commonwealth crews from Australia,

New Zealand, and South Africa,

together with their British charter colleagues,

all of them played their part

with the United States Air Force

in maintaining this nonstop operation.

A combined operation which on one day landed in Berlin

a record load of nearly 30,000 tons.

That is equivalent to the normal tonnage moved daily

by surface transport before the blockade.

(uplifting music continues)

- [Narrator] A large-scale operation by the United States

and its allies to airlift supplies into the city.

The Berlin blockade and airlift

marked a critical point of confrontation

in the early stages of the Cold War.

(uplifting music continues)

(uplifting music continues)

Mutual distrust and misunderstandings

between the United States and Soviet Union

contributed to the prolonged period of hostility.

These are just a few key factors

that contributed to the onset of the Cold War,

and ultimately led to the prolonged period

of tension and competition

between the United States and the Soviet Union.

It's safe to say that the technology

that the Germans possessed was highly sought-after

towards the end of World War II.

Both nations absorbed German scientists, doctors,

and engineers through secret programs at the end of the war.

The technology was split between the Soviet Union

and the United States,

and played a major role in the future of both powerhouses.

With world dominance in their view

and newly acquired advanced technologies,

space exploration became

one of the main subject matters at hand.

After World War II,

both the United States and the Soviet Union

seized German rocket technology and knowledge.

German engineers, such as Wernher von Braun,

played key roles in the development of rocketry

in both countries.

This led to the Space Race,

with the United States and the Soviet Union

competing to send satellites, animals,

and eventually humans into space.

German technology advancements influenced the arms race

during World War II.

The German V-2 rocket technology,

which had been developed during World War II,

served as the foundation for missile development

by both superpowers.

These advancements led to the development

of intercontinental ballistic missiles,

capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Both sides sought to gain intelligence

on German scientific advancements

during and after World War II.

This knowledge helped both countries in various fields,

such as aerospace, electronics, and military research.

Western Germany in particular

emerged as a technological powerhouse during the Cold War.

The country's emphasis on engineering,

research and development,

led to advancements in various industries,

including automotive, electronics, and machinery.

These technological advancements

contributed to the economic growth and strength

of West Germany, making it an important player

during the Cold War.

The V-2 Rocket was a significant achievement

in rocket technology,

developed by German engineer Wernher von Braun.

It was the world's first

long-range guided ballistics missile.

Germany developed advanced artillery, tanks, submarines,

and aircraft during this period.

Examples include Tiger II tank,

the Bf 109 fighter plane, and the U-boat submarines.

Overall, German technology from the pre and post-war era

greatly influenced the technological advancements

and competition between the United States

and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The U.S. and Soviet Union both sought to acquire

and utilize these technologies

for their own military and scientific programs

during the Cold War.

It's important to mention that

although Nazi Germany made advancements

in certain technologies,

their ideology and actions during World War II

are widely condemned.

In July of 1952,

there was a series of reported UFO sightings

over Washington DC,

including around the White House and Capitol.

These incidents are known as

the Washington DC UFO sightings, or the Washington Flap.

During this period,

radar operators at the Washington National Airport

detected unidentified radar blips

that seemed to defy conventional explanations.

Additionally, multiple witnesses,

including pilots and military personnel,

reported seeing strange lights and objects in the sky.

Some witnesses claimed that they observed

objects maneuvering in ways that were beyond capabilities

of known aircraft.

These sightings gained significant media attention

and led to concerns about national security.

As a result, the U.S. Air Force conducted an investigation

into the subject matter to access the sightings

and determine if they posed any threat.

- I'm here to discuss the so-called flying saucers.

Air Force interest in this problem

has been due to our feeling of an obligation

to identify and analyze to the best of our ability,

anything in the air that may have the possibility

of threat or menace to the United States.

In pursuit of this obligation since 1947,

we have received and analyzed between one and 2000 reports

that had come to us from all kinds of sources.

Of this great mass of reports,

we have been able adequately to explain

the great bulk of them,

explain them to our own satisfaction.

We've been able to explain them as hoaxes,

as erroneously identified friendly aircraft,

as meteorological or electronic phenomena,

or as light aberrations.

However, there have been a certain percentage

of this volume of reports

that have been made by credible observers

of relatively incredible things.

It is this group of observations

that we now are attempting to resolve.

Our basic difficulty in dealing with these

is that there is no measurement of them

that makes it possible for us to put them in any pattern

that would be profitable

for a deliberate custom sort of analysis

to take the next step.

We have, as of date, come to only one firm conclusion

with respect to this remaining percentage,

and that is that it does not contain any pattern of purpose

or of consistency that we can relate

to any conceivable threat to the United States.

We can say that the recent sightings are in no way connected

with any secret development

by any department of the United States.

We can say that the recent sightings are in no way connected

with any secret development

by any agency of the United States.

- [Reporter] Major Keyhoe, as author of the book,

"Flying Saucers are Real", what is your opinion of

these new sightings of unidentified objects?

- With all due respect to the Air Force,

I believe that some of them were proved to be

of interplanetary origin.

During a three-year investigation,

I found that many pilots have described objects of substance

and high speed.

One case, pilots reported their plane was buffeted

by an object which passed them at 500 miles an hour.

Obviously this was a solid object,

and I believe it was from outer space.

- [Narrator] Ultimately, the official explanation

provided by the Air Force

was that the sightings were likely caused by a combination

of weather anomalies and misidentified aerial phenomena,

such as temperature inversions or reflections.

The Washington DC UFO sightings of 1952

continue to be a subject of interest

for UFO enthusiasts and researchers.

(gentle music)

- [President Eisenhower] Good evening, my fellow citizens.

For a few minutes this evening,

I should like to speak to you about a serious situation.

- [Narrator] While there's no definitive statement

from Eisenhower on this subject,

it's worth noting that he did show an interest

in the topic of UFOs and reportedly inquired about them.

However, it is unclear what his personal beliefs were,

as his public statements and official documents

do not provide any conclusive evidence

of his personal convictions regarding extraterrestrial life.

It is unclear what his personal beliefs were,

as his public statements and official documents

do not provide any conclusive evidence

of his personal convictions regarding extraterrestrial life.

The alleged meeting between

President Eisenhower and extraterrestrials

is known as the Eisenhower UFO incident,

or the Eisenhower alien meeting.

According to this theory,

President Eisenhower supposedly had a secret meeting

with extraterrestrial beings

at the Edwards Air Force Base in California.

It's important to note that there is no concrete evidence

or official documentation to support these claims.

The existence of this alleged meeting

is based on anonymous testimonies and unofficial sources,

making it more of an urban legend or a conspiracy theory,

rather than confirmed historical events.

The United States government

has never officially acknowledged such a meeting,

and it is generally regarded as an unfounded claim.

In recent years, two people have come forward

with new details involving Eisenhower

and meetings with extra terrestrial beings.

A former Pentagon consultant named Mr. Good

was interviewed and stated that there were actually

three different meetings between President Eisenhower

and alien lifeforms from 1953 to 1954.

This former Pentagon consultant stated that

Eisenhower and FBI officials

were able to organize these meetings

using telepathic messages.

Mr. Good also stated that

alien life forms have been visiting governments

around the world for decades,

and they've also visited many different people

from different walks of life.

This Pentagon consultant marks the first time on record

that someone with this type of credibility

has come forward about the Eisenhower

and alien meetings in the '50s.

He also mentioned that these meetings happened

at three different bases across the country,

and one of them was Holloman Air Force Base.

Prior to this testimony, it was only speculation

that Eisenhower had meetings with alien life forms,

and it's even been said that there was an alien treaty

that was signed during this time.

We also came across a Hopi elder named John

who mentioned that his family nurse

showed him a picture from the '50s of Eisenhower,

a blue alien, and herself

with the Hopi mesas in the background.

The Hopi mesas are located in the high desert

here in Arizona, and during May of 1953,

a controversial and notable UFO occurrence took place

in the surrounding area.

The crash or crashes that occurred

in Kingman, Arizona in May of 1953, may possibly be

one of the best documented UFO cases in history.

The reports come from all walks of life

in reference to this highly controversial UFO crash.

It's labeled as one crash,

but there could have been up to three.

The locals reported seeing up to eight disc-shaped objects

that appeared to be in attack mode.

Three out of those eight craft crashed in the desert.

One of them was completely destroyed

as it crashed into a mountainside.

The second clipped the nearby Butte

and was somewhat damaged.

This is possibly the craft that the engineer saw

and worked on.

The third craft was not damaged at all,

and this could be the craft that was founded by the two men

who were eventually chased away by military officials.

One of the reports says this alien vehicle

may have actually been given to the U.S. government

by extraterrestrial entities.

The engineer who was flown into Phoenix

and driven to the crash site

stated that he noticed a disc-shaped object

embedded in the desert floor.

His job, while he was at the crash site,

was to determine the velocity and speed

in which the downed saucer was traveling prior to impact.

Some of the reports contained testimonies

that there were alien bodies that were recovered,

and some of them were alive.

The amount of evidence surrounding this event

that took place in Kingman,

including the fact that there was a military airfield

in the area during this time,

not only would President Eisenhower

would've known about this,

it's highly likely that this is the third site

that he visited, and could possibly have been the location

where the alien treaty was signed.

With Arizona neighboring both California and New Mexico,

the military presence in Arizona,

mixed in with the origin of the Hopi in the high desert,

this incident in Kingman could have been the location

where technology was exchanged,

and a secret deal between aliens

and the U.S. government took place.

It's important to remember that beliefs vary

from person to person.

Without direct statements or documented evidence

from Eisenhower himself, it is challenging to ascertain

his true thoughts on this matter.

- [Astronaut] Ground control, this is Orbiter One,

we have a green light to go, roger.

Launch control, we have a go, roger.

Flight control, countdown confirmed.

- [Announcer] 12, 11, 10, nine, eight,

we have ignition sequence has started.

Six, five, four, three.

(engines booming)

- [Engineer] Main engines are go.

- [Announcer] Zero, and we have.

(gentle music)

- [President Kennedy] We meet in an hour of change

and challenge, in a decade of hope and fear.

In an age of both knowledge and ignorance.

The greater our knowledge increases,

the greater our ignorance unfolds.

Despite the striking fact that most of the scientists

that the world has ever known are alive and working today.

(indistinct radio chatter)

(gentle music)

(indistinct radio chatter continues)

(gentle music continues)

(indistinct radio chatter continues)

(gentle music continues)

- [Astronaut] We're getting ready to perform (indistinct).

You'll probably get (indistinct).

Or we can reset.

- [President Kennedy] Despite the fact that

this nation's own scientific manpower

is doubling every 12 years in a rate of growth

more than three times that of our population as a whole.

Despite that, the vast stretches of the unknown

and the unanswered and the unfinished

still far outstrip our collective comprehension.

No man can fully grasp how far and how fast we have come.

- [Narrator] The origins of the Space Race

can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II.

German rocket technology and knowledge

acquired by both the United States and the Soviet Union

played a crucial role.

After World War II, many German scientists,

including Wernher von Braun, were recruited by both sides.

Their expertise in rockets, particularly the V-2 rocket,

developed by Germany during the war,

provided a foundation

for the development of space exploration vehicles.

The ideological rivalry and political tensions

between the United States and the Soviet Union,

known as the Cold War, created a competitive atmosphere

where space exploration became a symbol of

technological superiority and military dominance.

Each side sought to demonstrate

their scientific and technological prowess to the world.

The Space Race represented more than just competition

between the two superpowers.

It became a symbol of geopolitical influence, propaganda,

and national pride.

Space exploration also drove

significant technological advancements

in fields such as communications, satellites,

material science, and computer technology.

It's important to note that

while the Space Race began as a product of

Cold War tensions,

it subsequently led to an international cooperation

and collaboration in space exploration.

- This is a breathtaking pace,

and such a pace cannot help but create new ills,

as it dispels old, new ignorance, new problems, new dangers.

Surely the opening vistas of space promise high costs

and hardships, as well as high reward.

(gentle music continues)

(train rattling)

- [Narrator] Before we get into the actual story of the UFO

that was spotted by the U.S. senator in the Soviet Union,

you have to understand

why this is linked to President Kennedy.

Due to some recently declassified documents,

the name of a CIA official that was previously redacted

is also the same person who intercepted

Lee Harvey Oswald's mail

in the months prior to the shooting death

of President Kennedy.

That CIA official's name is Reuben Efron.

Efron's name was also found in another bizarre document

that was dated October 15th, 1955.

This document goes into details about sightings

of disc-shaped objects

while he was traveling the countryside

on a train through the Soviet Union.

This official CIA document states that

the sighting of these flying saucers

were made by three very credible U.S. officials.

Ruben Efron, who was the CIA official.

The second person was Senator Richard Russell.

Senator Russell sat on the Warren Commission,

which investigated President Kennedy's assassination.

The third person was Lieutenant Colonel Hathaway.

This UFO sighting by the senator, the colonel,

and CIA official, took place in the Transcaucasus region

of the Soviet Union.

What they observed was two mound-like objects

very circular in shape were seen taking off

one after another.

The observer stated that they witnessed these flying discs

and they appeared to be shooting sparks of flame,

before eventually going over the train.

All three witnesses said that the craft ascended

and their speed increased rapidly.

The report goes on to state that once the sighting was gone

and the discs were out of the view of the observers,

Soviet employees began to scatter through the train,

lowering the curtains and refusing permission

to look out the windows.

(voices shouting in foreign language)

All three U.S. observers firmly believe

that the crafts that they saw on that day

were definitely flying sauces.

(train rattling)

The Soviet Union made significant early achievements

in the Space Race.

(voices talking in foreign language)

(voices continue talking in foreign language)

On October 4th, 1957, the Soviet satellite, Sputnik,

became the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth,

marking the beginning of the space age.

(upbeat music)

- [Announcer] Today, a new moon is in the sky,

a 23-inch metal sphere placed in orbit by a Russian rocket.

Here an artist's conception

of how the feat was accomplished, a three-stage rocket.

Number one the booster,

in the class of an intercontinental missile.

Its weight estimated at 50 tons.

The smaller second stage took over at 5,000 miles an hour,

and carried on to the highest point reached.

500 miles up, the artificial moon is boosted to a speed

counterbalancing the pull of gravity and released.

You are hearing the actual signals

transmitted by the Earth-circling satellite,

one of the great scientific feats of the age.

(satellite beeping)

- [Narrator] This event shocked the United States

and spurred them into action to catch up

and surpass the Soviet space program.

In response to Soviet successes,

the United States established

the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

(voices talking in foreign language)

(engines roaring)

(voices continue talking in foreign language)

(tense music)

(tense music continues)

(tense music continues)

The Soviet Luna 2 was the first spacecraft to reach the Moon

and crash land on the surface on September 13th, 1959.

(tense music continues)

The mission was a part of the Soviet Union's Luna program,

which had the goal of exploring the Moon

and conducting scientific research.

Luna 2 successfully delivered a payload of instruments

to the moon's surface, marking the first human-made object

to reach another celestial body.

It paved the way for future missions

and contributed to our understanding of the Moon.

The Luna 2 mission was a collaborative effort

involving various scientists, engineers,

and researchers from the Soviet Union.

The primary objective was to impact the Moon's surface

and transmit data back to Earth.

(tense music continues)

While the spacecraft itself did not have

scientific instruments for data collection,

it carried a payload of Soviet insignia

and multiple scientific instruments

that were ejected before impact.

Here are some of the main findings and achievements

of the Luna 2 mission.

Confirmation of a successful lunar impact.

(tense music continues)

Luna 2 became the first human-made object

to reach and crash land on the Moon.

This confirmed that it was possible

for a spacecraft to reach another celestial body,

and paved the way for future lunar missions.

The payload of Lunar 2 included a Geiger counter

that measured radiation levels during the mission.

This provided valuable data on lunar radiation

at the impact site.

(tense music continue)

Lunar 2 did not detect any evidence

of a substantial lunar atmosphere

during its descent and impact.

This finding contributed to our understanding

of the Moon's environment.

While the Luna 2 mission itself did not directly provide

extensive scientific measurements or experiments,

its successful impact on the Moon

marked a significant milestone in space exploration.

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues)

A U-2 spy plane owned and operated by the United States

was shot down over Soviet airspace.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

The mission was to get photographic evidence

of military installments and land deep in Soviet territory.

(dramatic music continues)

This U-2 spy plane was a single seat craft

that was being operated by Francis Gary Powers.

(dramatic music continues)

(dramatic music continues)

(dramatic music continues)

(plane engine rumbling)

While he was conducting this

aerial photographic reconnaissance mission,

he was shot down by a surface-to-air missile.

(explosion booming)

Initially, the U.S. said that it was a NASA weather mission,

but days later they had to tell the truth,

because the Soviet Union not only captured Francis,

but also provided wreckage from the U-2 crash

and surveillance photos of the military bases

and surrounding land.

(dramatic music continues)

(dramatic music continues)

(upbeat music)

- [Announcer] John F. Kennedy settles into office

as the 35th President of the United States,

the youngest man and the first Roman Catholic

ever elected to the office.

The first president born in the 20th century,

he comes to office after one of the narrowest elections

in American history.

At 43 years of age, Mr. Kennedy takes over the power

that for eight years has been vested in

Dwight D. Eisenhower, who, at 70,

was the oldest occupant of the White House.

(upbeat music continues)

Inauguration Day dawns on a capital

that had been almost paralyzed by a full-fledged blizzard.

Battalions of snow fighters kept Pennsylvania Avenue clear

for the swearing-in ceremonies.

Mr. Eisenhower and Mr. Nixon are present

at the conclusion to one of the

best-managed transitions of power on record.

(upbeat music continues)

Despite subfreezing temperatures,

hundreds of thousands watch the ceremonies

in front of the Capitol,

as the new president and vice president,

Lyndon Johnson, assume office.

Slippery streets and stalled traffic cause a delay

in the swearing-in ceremonies,

a delay which the president and his predecessor pass

in serious conversation.

(upbeat music continues)

Then Lyndon Baines Johnson is sworn in as vice president

by fellow Texan, Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn.

The first time incidentally,

a Speaker of the House of Representatives

has administered the oath of office to a vice president.

(crowds cheering)

Then 10 minutes later, John Fitzgerald Kennedy

is sworn by Chief Justice Warren

as the 35th President of the United States,

with the prayers of four major faiths

to support him in office.

- [Chief Justice Warren] John Fitzgerald Kennedy

do solemnly swear.

- I, John Fitzgerald Kennedy do solemnly swear.

- That you will faithfully execute the office

of President of the United States.

- That I will faithfully execute the office

of President of the United States.

- And will to the best of your ability.

- And will to the best of my ability.

- Preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution

of the United States.

- Preserve, protect, and defend

the Constitution of the United States.

- So help you God.

- So help me God.

(crowds cheering)

- [Announcer] Mr. Nixon and Mr. Eisenhower

are quick to extend their congratulations.

(crowd applauding)

President Kennedy's speech is brief and stirring.

(crowd continue applauding)

- Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice,

President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon,

President Truman, Reverend Clergy, fellow citizens,

we observe today not a victory of party,

but a celebration of freedom,

symbolizing an end as well as a beginning,

signifying renewal as well as change.

For I have sworn before you and almighty God,

the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed

nearly a century and three quarters ago.

The world is very different now,

for man holds in his mortal hands

the power to abolish all forms of human poverty

and all forms of human life.

And yet the same revolutionary beliefs

for which our forebears fought

are still at issue around the globe.

The belief that the rights of man

come not from the generosity of the state,

but from the hand of God.

We dare not forget today

that we are the heirs of that first revolution.

Let the word go forth from this time and place

to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed

to a new generation of Americans born in this century,

tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace,

proud of our ancient heritage,

and unwilling to witness or permit

the slow undoing of those human rights

to which this nation has always been committed,

and to which we are committed today,

at home and around the world.

(crowds applauding)

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill,

that we shall pay any price, bear any burden,

meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe,

to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

(crowd applauding)

This much we pledge and more.

To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins

we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends.

United, there is little we cannot do

in a host of cooperative ventures.

- [Narrator] Kennedy, a member of the Democratic Party,

ran against Richard Nixon, the Republican candidate.

It was a closely contested election

that captivated the nation.

Kennedy was a young and charismatic politician

who was able to connect with the American people

through his speeches and media appearances.

He emphasized the need for progress and change,

inspiring many voters with his vision for the future.

One of the key factors that influenced the election

was this was the first-ever televised presidential debate.

These debates showcased Kennedy's poise and charm,

contrasting Nixon's more reserved and nervous demeanor.

The debates are often regarded as the turning point

in this election, with many attributing Kennedy's victory

in a part to his strong performance on television.

In the end, Kennedy won the election by a narrow margin,

receiving 49.72% of the total vote to Nixon's 49.55%.

However, Kennedy secured 303 electoral votes to Nixon's 219,

giving him a clear victory in the electoral college.

John F. Kennedy was inaugurated

as the 35th President of the United States

on January 20th, 1961.

Kennedy's presidency was marked by a vision he called

the New Frontier.

This encompassed his commitment to breaking barriers

and pursuing progress in areas such as science, technology,

education, and healthcare.

While some initiatives faced challenges in Congress,

the New Frontier laid the groundwork

for the subsequent policy advancements.

Kennedy strongly advocated for the United States

to lead in space exploration.

In the early '60s, he announced the ambitious goal

of landing a man on the Moon before the end of the decade.

This led to the creation of NASA's Apollo program.

Kennedy faced several international challenges

during his presidency.

He sought to contain the spread of communism,

particularly in Vietnam,

where he increased U.S. military aid to South Vietnam.

His approach to foreign policy,

known as the flexible response,

aimed to use a combination of diplomatic, economic,

and military means to address global changes.

Like his predecessors, JFK was committed to containing

the spread of communism around the world.

He continued the policy of supporting

anti-communist governments and providing military aid

to nations threatened by communist insurgencies.

JFK emphasized the importance of arms control

and nuclear disarming.

He initiated negotiations with the Soviet Union

on limiting the production of testing of nuclear arms.

Although substantial progress was not achieved

during his presidency, these efforts laid the groundwork

for later agreements such as

the Limited Test Ban treaty signed in 1963.

JFK solidified the U.S. commitment to defend West Berlin

during the construction of the Berlin Wall,

reinforcing the United States' support

for democratic allies in divided Germany.

His strategies aimed to address communist threats

while also pursuing diplomatic solutions

and building alliances to maintain global stability.

- [Reporter] And has a decision been reached on

how far this country would be willing to go

in helping an anti-Castro uprising or invasion of Cuba,

and what could you say with respect to recent developments

as far as the anti-Castro movement in Cuba are concerned?

- [President Kennedy] Well, first I want to say

that there will not be, under any conditions,

be an intervention in Cuba by United States armed forces.

And this government will do everything it possibly can,

and I think it can meet its responsibilities

to make sure that there are no Americans involved

in any actions inside Cuba.

Secondly, the Justice Department's recent indictment

of Mr. Masferrer in Florida

on the grounds that he was plotting an invasion of Cuba

from Florida, in order to establish a Batista-like regime,

should indicate the feelings of this country

towards those who wish to

reestablish that kind of administration inside Cuba.

Third, we do not intend to take any action

with respect to the property or other economic interests

which American citizens formally held in Cuba,

other than formal and normal negotiations

with a free and independent Cuba.

The basic issue in Cuba is not one

between the United States and Cuba.

It is between the Cubans themselves,

and I intend to see that we adhere to that principle,

and as I understand it,

this administration's attitude is so understood and shared

by the anti-Castro exiles from Cuba in this country.

- [Reporter] Mr. President, your white paper last year,

last week, referred in very diplomatic language

to the takeover by communists in Cuba.

Is it your view that Fidel Castro is personally a communist?

- [President Kennedy] Well, he has indicated his admiration

on many occasions for the communist revolution.

He has appointed a great many communists to high positions,

a great many of those, I think in the white paper,

well, rather the state paper.

He indicated that two-thirds of those

who had been members of his first government had fled Cuba.

People who had a strong feeling for the revolution,

but who did not propose to see it come under the domination

of the communists.

So I would not want to characterize Mr. Castro,

except to say that by his own words

he's indicated his hostility to a democratic rule

in this hemisphere, to democratic liberal leaders

in many of the countries of the hemisphere

who are attempting to improve the life of their people,

and has associated himself most intimately

with the Sino-Soviet block and has indicated his desire

to spread the influence of that block

throughout this hemisphere.

- [Reporter] You said that, you pointed out

that this government has indicted a pro-Batista Cuba.

But I'm not clear from your answer, sir,

whether this government will oppose

any attempt to mount an offensive against Castro

from this country.

Could you clarify?

- If your phrase is to mount an offensive,

as I understand it, I'd be opposed to mounting an offensive.

- [Narrator] Located on the southern coast of Cuba,

it gained significant international attention

due to the failed invasion attempt

by the United States in 1961.

(plane engines roaring)

The invasion, known as the Bay of Pigs,

was a covert operation organized by

the Central Intelligence Agency,

with the aim of overthrowing the Cuban government

led by Fidel Castro.

The motive behind this invasion was to counter

Castro's communist regime,

which had strong ties with the Soviet Union.

On April 17th, 1961, around 1500 Cuban exiles,

who were trained and supported by

the United States government,

landed on the beaches of the Bay of Pigs.

(guns booming)

However, the invasion was poorly planned and executed,

with little local support.

The Cuban armed forces, under the leadership of Castro,

swiftly and effectively countered the invasion.

Within three days, the invaders suffered heavy casualties

and were ultimately defeated.

The failed invasion was a major embarrassment

for the United States,

highlighting its flawed foreign policy

and sparking increased tensions

between the United States and Cuba.

The Bay of Pigs invasion played a significant role

in further deepening the antagonism

between the United States and Cuba,

leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962

and subsequent decades of strained relations.

The Bay of Pigs invasion was driven by several reasons.

The main reason was the United States' opposition

to Fidel Castro's communist government in Cuba.

The Soviet Union support for the Cuban government

was a significant concern for the United States

during the Cold War.

The United States feared that Cuba could become

a Soviet satellite state,

allowing the USSR to extend its influence

in the Western hemisphere,

thereby posing a threat to U.S. national security.

The American government,

particularly the Central Intelligence Agency,

sought to overthrow Castro's regime through covert means,

in order to replace it with a pro-U.S. government

that would align with American interests and capitalism.

The CIA provided training, weapons and support

to a group of Cuban exiles who had fled the country

after Castro's Revolution.

These exiles sought to regain control in Cuba

and welcomed United States involvement in their efforts.

However, it's worth noting that the Bay of Pigs invasion

ultimately failed due to inadequate planning,

lack of local support,

and the Cuban military's effective response,

which had a significant impact on

the U.S. and Cuban relations.

(gentle music)

From April 22nd to April 24th in 1961,

there was a crucial meeting between

the 34th President of the United States,

Dwight D. Eisenhower,

and the newly elected president, John F. Kennedy.

This meeting marked an important transition of power,

and a transfer of knowledge

between the two different administrations.

It signifies a moment of cooperation and collaboration

between the outgoing and incoming heads of state.

(gentle music continues)

(gentle music continues)

The Camp David Summit between JFK and Eisenhower

is considered a significant moment in American history,

as it demonstrated the importance of unity and leadership,

especially during challenging times.

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss

key national security matters and foreign policy issues.

One of the main topics of discussion

was the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba,

which occurred shortly before the summit.

Eisenhower, who was no longer in office at the time,

provided his insight and advice to Kennedy

regarding the situation.

Kennedy sought Eisenhower's counsel

because of his experience and knowledge in foreign affairs.

The two presidents spent the majority of their time together

engaged in private discussions,

during which Eisenhower shared his perspective on Cuba

as well as other global issues.

The overall outcome of the meeting

between JFK and Eisenhower at Camp David was twofold.

Consultation and cooperation.

The summit served as an opportunity

for the newly elected President Kennedy

to seek Eisenhower's advice and expertise,

particularly regarding the failed

Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba.

During their discussions,

Eisenhower shared his perspectives on the situation in Cuba

and offered valuable counsel to Kennedy.

While the specific details of their conversations

have not been made publicly available,

it is known that Eisenhower emphasized the importance

of learning from the Bay of Pigs incident,

and making adjustments in foreign policy.

In addition to the discussions on Cuba,

the summit also allowed the two presidents

to consult on various other national security

and foreign policy matters.

Eisenhower's experience and insights

proved beneficial to Kennedy,

as he navigated the challenges of his early presidency.

While the meeting did not produce

any formal agreements or treaties,

it did reaffirm the tradition of presidential consultation,

where an outgoing president assists and advises

a newly elected president on matters of national importance.

The Camp David Summit between JFK

served as a symbol of continued cooperation

between the administrations, even amidst policy differences.

It's also important to state that during this meeting

it's alleged that JFK learned about the secret alien treaty

that was signed under the Eisenhower administration.

- [Announcer] The national economy.

Later that day he's guest of honor

at a Democratic Party fundraising rally

at Madison Square Garden.

15,000 people pay from three to a thousand dollars

to honor Mr. Kennedy,

who receives five feet of birthday cake.

The party anticipates the actual date of his 45th birthday,

but it wipes out the deficit.

- [Speaker] Mr. President, Marilyn Monroe.

(audience applauding)

- [Narrator] It's believed that after

the Camp David meeting,

President Kennedy shared some of those details

between him and former President Eisenhower

with Marilyn Monroe.

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday, Mr. President ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

- [Narrator] It's rumored that she began to speak

on some of the things that President Kennedy showed her

at that secret Air Force hangar.

(rhythmic music)

The biggest topic that JFK supposedly discussed

with Marilyn Monroe

is the alien treaty that was signed under

the Eisenhower administration, and that the United States

was secretly working with extraterrestrials

in exchange for knowledge and technology

to defeat the Soviet Union.

(rhythmic music continues)

- It might be said now that I have the best of both worlds.

A Harvard education and a Yale degree.

(crowd applauding)

I am particularly glad to become a Yale man,

because as I think about my troubles,

I find that a lot of them have come from other Yale men.

If this capsule history of our progress teaches us anything,

it is that man in his quest for knowledge and progress

is determined and cannot be deterred.

The exploration of space will go ahead,

whether we join in it or not,

and it is one of the great adventures of all time.

And no nation which expects to be the leader

of other nations can expect to stay behind

in this race for space.

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

- So help me God.

(crowds cheering)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(crowds applauding)

- [President Kennedy] Vice President Johnson.

Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Chief Justice.

President Eisenhower.

Vice President Nixon.

President Truman.

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)

(rhythmic music continues)