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The USSR launched Sputnik
1st artificial satelite put in space by the USSR. The US feared the USSR had the technology to deliver a nucleor weapon via teh R-7 rocket. Sapce Exploration Packet -
Laika goes to space
They launched Laika ,the dog, into space. This proved that humans could survive in space. http://thespacerace.com/timeline/ -
Explorer 2 is launched
Explorer 2 was launched and failed to reach orbit. The 4th stage of the rocket failed to ignite. http://claudelafleur.qc.ca/Spacecrafts-1958.html#Explorer 2 -
Vangaurd 1 is launched
The Vangaurd 1 was launched and continued to function for 3 years. It was a small satelite that orbits the earth. http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1958-002B -
John F. Kennedy was elected president
He was elected 35th president of the United States and he was very willing to help when the astronauts needed help. http://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/Space-Program.aspx -
Yuri Gagarin orbits the Earth
He was the first man to ever orbit the Earth. He was also a Soviet pilot. https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=yuri%20gagarin -
NASA anounces the Gemini program
The Gemini program was a prgram that flew humans into space. Ten crews flew during Gemini. Gemini helped NASA get ready for moon landings. http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-was-gemini-program-58.html -
John Glenn goes to Space
He was launched into space on the Friendship 7. He was also the first American in space. Space Exploration Packet -
President Kennedy is assassinated
President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Someone shot him while he was driving off, after making a speech. http://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/November-22-1963-Death-of-the-President.aspx -
Spacecraft catches on fire
Guss Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee were killed when the spacecraft caught fire. This effected the way they build spacecrafts now. Space Explortaion Packet