June 20th, 1968. Alexei Leonov becomes the first human being on the Moon. Fast forward to April 8, 2016 now, and it has been nearly half a century since he first set foot on the Moon and uttered his famous words: "I come in peace, not for the Soviet Union, but for all of humanity." The Soviets at the time won the Moon Race, yes. But at the same time, it resulted in the establishment of what is about to become a permanent presence in space. We already have orbital propellant depots from both the Americans and the Soviets ready to provide fuel for any future missions beyond the Earth-Moon system, and the International Lunar Outpost is expanding, along with Kennedy Base and Leonov Outpost. Just two days ago, the
Odyssey 1 crew just left for Mars'
Humanity Station, which has already finished assembly. This is the first time we have sent men to Mars since the Ares mission of the 1980s, and the world is watching technologies that were once thought science fiction 100 years ago unfold as actual science. So, my question is....what if the Americans won the Moon Race? How would things be different now compared to OTL?
NOTE #1: If you are wondering, yes this is a teaser for my timeline. Some changes may occur as we go, but I am about to link what is the current version of the timeline.
To The Planets Beyond
NOTE #2: Yes, if an administrator is reading this, feel free to close the other one. *sighs* Hopefully it works this time around.