We like to view the 1962 space race as a straight line, but the archives reveal...

https://technivorz.com/why-do-articles-compare-nuclear-and-chemical-like-it-is-obvious/

We like to view the 1962 space race as a straight line, but the archives reveal a messy, human brawl. Engineers spent years fiercely debating nuclear, chemical, and electric propulsion long before anyone touched a launchpad