The Space Race was one of the least expected aspects of the Cold War. From the same technologies that promised immediate global destruction came a positive, engaging and at times profound and spiritual experience in which all peoples participated. Cosmonauts and astronauts, persons with vigorous military outlooks, came back from space and spoke of the fragility and beauty of the Earth and the need for us all to live in peace and look after our common home. This unexpected poetic sensitivity was enhanced immeasurably by the brilliantly illuminated visual documentation they brought back on film. These iconic images were unlike anything seen before.