US-Soviet Space Bridge
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US-Soviet Space Bridge were a series of experimental, international telecasts between Soviet and American viewers, performed by group of communication enthusiasts during Cold War times. Translated from the Russian word telemost, a space bridge is an interactive television link between at least two geographically separate and culturally distinct locations.
In contrast to teleconferences, space bridges are public events. Whereas teleconferencing brings together small groups for specialized discussions or lectures on interactive television, space bridges are more like interactive theater, in which the dialogue occurs between sites as well as between key participants, moderators, and unnamed audience members.
The negotiations between the Unison Corporation and Gosteleradio of the USSR did not last long and resulted in an appropriate agreement. On September 5th, 1982, a tele-link was established for the first time between the Soviet Union and the United States. The participants in that space bridge could see each other, ask questions and receive answers and could also could hold a musical dialogue.
The programmes of the following space bridges, however, consisted not only of music-hall turns and greetings. They presented discussions on different subjects, and prominent scientists, public figures, cosmonauts and journalists took part in them.
Space bridges became a new communication channel, an inalienable part of exchanging views on the most important issues of the time thanks to their ability to directly link people in different countries and on different continents, enabling them to talk with each other despite the borders between them.
