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==Photography==
==Photography==
At the time, satellite technology was in its infancy. The [[United States]] Military had a few satellites in orbit and it was their photography that alerted the USA to the situation. It was early in the term of [[John F. Kennedy|John Kennedy]] who was a young and inexperienced president at the time.
At the time, satellite technology was in its infancy. The satellites in orbit were few, as well as incapable of aiding the [[United States]] in resolving the conflict. Photography was found to be helpful in determining the range, power, and completion of Soviet missiles. The challenge was being able to run a photographic mission above range of detection, and ''Surface-to-Air-Missile (SAM)'' range. Lockheed designer Kelly Johnson led a project to create a light, high altitude aircraft capable of carrying photographic equipment over hostile territory. The final aircraft was known as the U-2, or Utility 2.
New lens designs were needed to function adequately at these altitudes. Dr. James Baker was one of the contributers of lens designs to function at approximately 65,000-80,000 feet. Future enhancements enabled greater quality photos from the U-2s.
==Expanse of The Crisis==
The United States discovered that the [[Soviet Union]] was installing offensive missiles capable of nuclear warheads at air bases in Cuba. The potentially nuclear missiles would soon be able to launch and strike the U.S. within minutes of launch. Washington D.C. was well within their range. President Kennedy demanded that the Soviets remove the missiles. To ensure this would happen, and to insure no further develop of the missile base, he sent had the Navy blockade the island. Secret negotiations ensued. The Russians demanded that U.S. nuclear missiles in Turkey be removed for the removal of missiles in Cuba, but this was rejected. It was understood by both sides that the United States was militarily superior to the Soviet Union.{{fact}} Eventually, [[Nikita Khrushchev]], the Soviet premier at the time, backed down to avoid a possible war with the United States and to maintain a relationship with Cuba.
The United States discovered that the [[Soviet Union]] was installing offensive missiles capable of nuclear warheads at air bases in Cuba. The potentially nuclear missiles would soon be able to launch and strike the U.S. within minutes of launch. Washington D.C. was well within their range. President Kennedy demanded that the Soviets remove the missiles. To ensure this would happen, and to insure no further develop of the missile base, he sent had the Navy blockade the island. Secret negotiations ensued. The Russians demanded that U.S. nuclear missiles in Turkey be removed for the removal of missiles in Cuba, but this was rejected. It was understood by both sides that the United States was militarily superior to the Soviet Union.{{fact}} Eventually, [[Nikita Khrushchev]], the Soviet premier at the time, backed down to avoid a possible war with the United States and to maintain a relationship with Cuba.
[[Category:United States History]]
[[Category:United States History]]