On Your Mark
There were many twists and turns in the Soviet space program, so some people thought it might be possible. The USSR was headed for a Cold War with the US after WWII ended. During that time, both sides stopped the Germans from using rocket technology.
The Race Is On
The countries split all of the elements of the German space program and set out to develop new abilities. However, it wasn’t a collaborative effort! The former allies wished to get the upper hand, and this created the Space Race.