Space Exploration

Sputnik 1

Oct 4, 1957

Sputnik 1, the first man-made object to orbit the Earth, is launched by the U.S.S.R., and remains in orbit until January 4, 1958

Sputnik 2

Nov 3, 1957

Sputnik 2, carrying the dog Laika for 7 days in orbit, is launched by the U.S.S.R., and remains in orbit until April 13, 1958.

Sputnik 3

May 15, 1958

Sputnik 3 is launched by the U.S.S.R.

N.A.S.A. founded

Oct 1, 1958

N.A.S.A. is founded, taking over existing National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics.

First Weather Satellite

Apr 1, 1960

Tiros 1, the first successful weather satellite, is launched by the U.S

First Man in Space

Apr 12, 1961

Vostok 1 is launched by the U.S.S.R., carrying Cosmonaut Yuri A. Gargarin, the first man in space. He orbits the Earth once.

First American in Space

Feb 20, 1962

Mercury Friendship 7 lifts off with John H. Glenn, Jr., the first American in orbit, and orbits the Earth three times.

First Close Range Pictures of the Moon

Jul 31, 1964

U.S. Ranger 7 relays the first close-range photographs of the Moon.

First Man to Walk on the Moon

Jul 20, 1969

Commander Neil Armstrong became the first man on the moon. He said the historic words, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Venus Soil Analysis

Mar 1, 1982

Venera 13 lands on Venus, and provides the first Venusian soil analysis.