A closesecondin the giantrocketraceistheformerSoviet Union'sN-1 rocket, anenormousboosterdesigned tolaunch cosmonauts to the moonduring the Spacerace with the United States.
Annan's visit to the Afghan capital is the first by a U.N. chief in more than 40 years and is seen as a morale booster to the post-Taliban government and peacekeepers working there.