Tom Ward
50 years ago today, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first man-made object to orbit the earth.
At the time, Tom Ward was a student in East Los Angeles. Although his school didn't have great math and science programs, the launch of Sputnik convinced him he had a future career in the space program. He spent long hours gazing up at the sky, straining to see Sputnik.
Later, the U.S. government pumped more funding into math and science programs. Tom went on to get several degrees, became a professor, and ended up working for the Department of Energy's space program.
And that's where he met Dr. Alexander Rimski-Korsakov. Alex grew up at the same time Tom did, but in Russia. Dick talks to both men about how Sputnik shaped their lives, and what it's like to now work with someone from the other side.
Music heard in this story: Sputnik (song for Laika)by Sputnik for the album Meet Sputnik; Flight of the Bumble-Bee by Itzhak Perlman for the album Itzhak Perlman's Greatest HitsContact Us
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