There's also the fact they were the first in space with a true orbit. Whereas Alan Shepard was simply on a ballistic trajectory, much like Bezos's launch a coup

There's also the fact they were the first in space with a true orbit. Whereas Alan Shepard was simply on a ballistic trajectory, much like Bezos's launch a couple of weeks ago. Also Mir.. They still have more knowledge when it comes to staying in space for longer periods of time. Landing on Venus.. The US's one up is landing on the moon.