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Sputnik 1
The Soviet Union launched this first artificial satellite into space. People feared that this gave the Soviet Union the ability to launch missiles aimed at the U.S. from the moon. The U.S. also launched a satellite to the moon, in attempt to get there before the Soviet Union. This was called the space race. It was not a manned mission. -
Exploroer 1
Explorer 1 was the first satellite launched by the U.S. It followed the launch of Sputnik 1. It orbited Earth 12.4 times a day. On March 31, 1970, it entered our atmosphere and burned up. It had completed more than 58,000 orbits. It was not a manned mission. -
Mercury Freeedom 7
Freedom 7 launched the first American into space. Alan Shepard was onboard the 15 minute flight. The objective of this mission was to test humankind’s capabilities in a space environment. -
Gemini 3
Gemini 3 was manned by Virgil “Gus” Grissom and John Young. Its objective was to demonstrate a two-man design. Its objective was also to evaluate the orbit attitude and maneuver systems and the control of the reentry flight path and landing point. -
Apollo 11
Apollo 11 is one the most well-known space missions. It was manned by Neil Armstrong. Its objective was to land on the moon and return to Earth. An anal objective was to photograph the lunar terrain. Neil Armstrong placed the American flag on the moon and made it safely back to Earth. -
Viking 1
Viking 1 was the first American spacecraft to land on Mars. It remained for a long term. It spent six years taking pictures and life experiments. -
Voyager 1
Voyager 1 was launched to explore the outer planets of our solar system. Ever since 1977, Voyager 1 has made many discoveries and continues to. Recently it has left the solar system. -
Mars Pathfinder
The Mars Pathfinder was a rover that conducted many experiments. Its purpose was to analyze the atmosphere, climate, geology, and the terrain of Mars. -
Internation Space Station (ISS)
The ISS is an artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. Its purpose was to be an actual station that was provided for transportation, maintenance, and a base for missions to the Moon and other places. -
Columbia Space Shuttle
Seven astronauts were onboard the Columbia Space Shuttle when a piece of foam fell from the external tank and reached the spacecraft wing and ended up exploding on February 1st, 2003, during re-entry. -
Spirit and Opportunity
Spirit and Opportunity were two rovers. Their objectives were to analyze rocks and soils that might have had coleus about past water. They also were determining the distribution and the geologic processes. -
Kepler
Kepler was a satellite launched to discover earth-like planets orbiting other stars. It was to survey our Milky Way and discover Earth-size planets. -
Curiosity
Curiosity is a rover on Mars. Its purpose was to analyze Mars’ climate and geology, any sign of water and life, and planetary habitability studies for human exploration in the future.
