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Publication of Principia
The English astronomer Sir Isaac Newton publishes the Philosophae Naturalis Principia Mathmatic. -
First Exposition of Rocket Mechanics
The British mathematician William Moore publishes Treatise on the motion of rockets. -
Exploration of Cosmic Space
Russian rocket scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky publishes The Exploration of Cosmic Space by means of Reaction Devices. -
Goddard's Rocket Patents
U.S. rocket scientist Robert H. Goddard receives two landmarks patents for rockets. -
First Live Animal in Space
Following the success of Sputnik 1, the Soviets launched Sputnik 2 on the November 3, 1957. -
NASA is Born
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is founded, taking over the responsibilities of the existing National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics. -
First Spacecraft to Achieve Solar Orbit
The Russian satellite Luna 1 is launched in an attempt to hit the moon. -
First Weather Satellite
Tiros 1, the first successful weather satellite, is launched by the United States. -
First Man in Space
Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin became the first human to venture into space. -
First American in Orbit
Astronaut John H. Glenn was launched into orbit aboard an Atlas D rocket, where he became the first American to orbit the Earth. -
First Space Shuttle Launched
The first manned mission of the Space Transportation System
(STS-1) Columbia, is launched. -
First Operational Space Shuttle Mission
The Space Shuttle Columbia begins its fifth mission, the first operational Space Shuttle mission. -
Maiden Voyage of Challenger
America's second Space Shuttle, Challenger, embarks on its first mission into space.