Space science and technological progress: testing theories of relativistic gravity and cosmology during the Cold War

This chapter deals with the development of modern cosmology as a consequence of relativity theory testing and the space race during the Cold War. The chapter describes the dynamics of competition and collaboration among the two blocs with emphasis on the sectors of Soviet radio astronomy and space science. Developments of both fields are analysed in relationship with the military context and the technological development taking place in the USA. The chapter also takes into account the relationship between the two blocs and other Countries, such as France and Australia in order to show how the transfer of knowledge and know-how played a role in the extraordinary impulse that cosmology received during the Cold War.