Explore the fascinating and little-known story of the Soviet Union's ambitious attempt to beat the United States in the race to the Moon. Discover how the USSR, despite early successes in the space race, ultimately failed in their lunar program. Learn about the decades-long struggle involving Soviet politics, bureaucratic dysfunction, explosions, gulags, and bitter rivalries. Understand how a series of events led to a spectacular failure that exemplified the flaws of the Soviet regime. Gain insight into why this chapter of space history is often overlooked, as the speaker unravels the tale of how the Soviets, against all odds, managed to lose their initial advantage in the space race. This TEDx talk sheds light on a captivating piece of Cold War history and space exploration, offering a unique perspective on human ambition, competition, and the unexpected twists of fate that can shape the course of history.