
Aarav K. 2025 | BASIS Independent Fremont
- Project Title: Space as the Final Frontier of the Cold War: The Soviet Space Program and Its Political Significance
- BASIS Independent Advisor: Dr. Akulov
This project looks at how the Soviet Union used space exploration to boost national pride and show off its power during the Cold War. While everyone remembers the big milestones—like launching Sputnik and sending the first person to space—this project goes beyond science to explore how the USSR used these moments to strengthen their political message and rival the U.S. on the global stage. By looking at Soviet media, government reports, and the political climate of the time, the project explores how space missions became tools for propaganda, emphasizing Soviet strength and ambition. The final product will be a detailed paper that dives into the cultural and political impact of Soviet space achievements, along with an interactive exhibit to bring these ideas to life, using multimedia to show how space exploration shaped Soviet identity and influenced global perceptions of the USSR. The goal is to better understand the role of space in the broader Cold War battle for influence while mainly focusing on the Soviet perspective