Facing the Cosmos (Litsom k kosmosu), 1958. Promotional Brochure for the USSR Pavilion at Expo '58. In English.

Facing the Cosmos. / Promotional brochure for the Soviet Union pavilion at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo '58).
[Brussels / Moscow], 1958.
[12] pp. : ill. Original publisher’s wrappers, brochure format. In English.

This rare 1958 ephemeral publication, titled "Facing the Cosmos," is a quintessential artifact of the early Space Age and the Cold War’s "battle of the pavilions." Produced specifically for an international audience at Expo '58 in Brussels—the first major World's Fair after World War II—this English-language brochure served as a promotional gateway to the Soviet Union's most triumphant display: the dawn of orbital flight.
The cover art, featuring a stylized figure gazing upward at a star-filled void, perfectly encapsulates the mid-century aesthetic of Soviet cosmic optimism. For the USSR, the Brussels exhibition was a critical opportunity to showcase technological parity to the West. The centerpiece of the pavilion was the sleek, silver replicas of Sputnik 1 and Sputnik 2, which had shocked the world only months prior in late 1957.
Inside, the brochure guides the visitor through the scientific aspirations of the Soviet state. It highlights the technical specifications of the first satellites and the biological data gained from Laika, the first living being to orbit the Earth. The imagery within the booklet captures the awe of the "Space Race" before it became a purely military competition, presenting the cosmos as a new frontier for all of humanity.
The Soviet pavilion at Expo '58 was one of the most visited exhibits, winning the Grand Prix for its architecture and content. This English version was intended to influence global public opinion, translating Soviet scientific success into a language of universal progress. It remains a vital document for historians of the Space Race, collectors of World’s Fair memorabilia, and enthusiasts of mid-century graphic design.