In the midst of the Cold War, the desire to spy behind enemy lines leads to the development of some of the most sophisticated reconnaissance technologies the world has ever seen. The US finds a way into Soviet airspace through overflights of their top-secret stealth plane, the U-2. But the clock is ticking, and it's only a matter of time before the Soviets unravel the operation with the capture of American pilot Captain Gary Powers. With the start of the space race, engineers from former Nazi Germany are poached to help either side to make massive leaps in space exploration, using technology that will also be used as tools of war.
Up Next in A Cold War of Spies - Season 1
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On the Brink of Destruction
In the 1960s, both countries have a grip on nuclear weapons, but the imbalance between US and Soviet missiles is staggering. A fledgling communist government in Cuba provides the perfect opportunity for Premier Nikita Khrushchev to position missiles just off the shores of Florida. Through the hel...
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The Battle Over Hearts and Minds
At the close of WWII, the West views Stalin's government as a threat to democracy, while Stalin sees America as an obstacle in winning the 'hearts and minds' of oppressed people everywhere. Communist leaders like Romania's Nicolae Ceausescu use everything from terrorist attacks to assassinations...