Soviet Illustrations of Space Exploration

Decades before the Cold War, Russian leaders encouraged science periodicals to educate the masses, publicize the USSR's accomplishments, and whet the people's appetite for advancement in science and technology. They hoped that the Soviet Union would be a worldwide leader in scientific progress. Magazines aimed at adults and children alike included everything from instructions on how to build a radio receiver to science fiction stories by Russian authors. Alexandra Sankova compiled more than 250 illustrations for his book Soviet Space Graphics: Cosmic Visions From the USSR to capture the wonder and optimism of a time when it seemed as though humans were on the cusp of building permanent bases on the moon and maybe even meeting authentic Martians.