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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
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 -
Explorer 1
the first U.S. satellite in orbit, lifts off at Cape Canaveral using a modified ABMA-JPL Jupiter-C rocket. It carries a scientific experiment of James A. Van Allen, and discovers the Earth's radiation belt. -
Vanguard 1
satellite is launched into orbit, and continues to transmit for 3 years. -
Sputnik 3
Sputnik 3 is launched by the U.S.S.R. -
N.A.S.A.
N.A.S.A. is founded, taking over existing National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics -
Pioneer 1
U.S. - IGY space probe, launched to a height of 70,700 miles. -
Luna 1
Luna 1, first man-made satellite to orbit the moon, is launched by the U.S.S.R. -
Pioneer 4,
Pioneer 4, fourth U.S.-IGY space probe was launched by a Juno II rocket, and achieved an earth-moon trajectory, passing within 37,000 miles of the moon. It then fell into a solar orbit, becoming the first U.S. sun orbiter. -
Luna 2 is launched
Luna 2 is launched, impacting on the moon on September 13 carrying a copy of the Soviet coat of arms, and becoming the first man-made object to hit the moon.
