History of Space Exploration

Sputnik 1

Oct 4, 1957

The soviet satellite "Sputnik 1" is the first object sent into space and to successfully orbit the earth.

Explorer 1

Jan 31, 1958

The first US satellite to orbit the earth - Explorer 1 - is launched.

NASA

Jul 29, 1958

NASA (National Aueronautics and Space Administration) is formed.

Yuri Gagarin

Apr 12, 1961

Russian citizen , Yuri Gagarin, is the first human in soace. he orbits earth.

Alan Shepard

May 5, 1961

Alan Shepard is the first United States citizen to go into space.

John Glenn

Feb 20, 1962

John Glenn is the first US citizen to orbit the earth.

Apollo 11

Jul 20, 1969

Apollo 11 crew member Neil Armstrong is the first man to walk on the moon. His fellow Apollo astronaut crew member Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin is right behind him, becoming the second man to walk on the moon.

AMERICAN SHUTTLE

Apr 12, 1981

The first American space shuttle is launched. this makes the use of re-usable space craft.

Challenger

Jan 28, 1986

The space shuttle Challenger explodes shortly after take-off.

ISS

Nov 2, 2000

Human habitation in the International Space station begins.