1958 De Reyna Pictorial Map from the Beginning of the Space Race

This is a 1958 Rudy de Reyna pictorial map of speculative space exploration. Created within a year of the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1, the map proposes that many of the mysteries of the universe that, up until 1958 had remained unsolved by humanity, could potentially be solved by a drive into space.

A Closer Look

The central image presents humanity's achievements, including the height of manned flight in airplanes and balloons, and the altitude of the first orbital satellites, while text along the right side explains the different layers of the atmosphere: the troposphere, stratosphere, ionosphere, and exosphere. Imagined vehicles for lunar and interplanetary missions are also illustrated, both bearing a distinctly 'science-fiction' appearance.

Space Mysteries

Text along the left border addresses the many 'mysteries' the creators hoped could be solved, all of which are referred to by text in the central illustration. Some of these include fundamental questions of the universe, including whether or not the universe is expanding and if outer space has definite boundaries, along with why there is an eleven-year cycle concerning sunspots, or if there is life on Mars or Venus, which the creators propose could be reached by 'atomic-powered rockets'. More terrestrial-centric questions are also proposed, such as gaining a more detailed knowledge of the Northern Lights, or the 'night sky glow', along with a more thorough understanding of planetary magnetism and gravity.

Publication History and Census

The central image included on this map was drawn by Rudy de Rayna and published in 1958 by the American Oil Company (AMOCO).