Space Race

By avarcher

  • Cold War

    The Soviet Union has just launched the world's first satellite, Sputnik. The space race is on and the Soviets are winning.

  • Seven Pioneers

    Finally, on April 9, 1959, NASA chooses seven astronauts, who instantly become famous as the Seven Pioneers. John Glenn, Jr. is one of them. At 37, he is the oldest and holds the highest military rank

  • First Space Flight

    NASA had hoped that one of its astronauts would be the first human in space. But on April 12, 1961, the Soviets successfully launch Yuri Gagarin into orbit. He circles Earth in 108 minutes and lands safely

  • First Space Flights

    NASA schedules Apollo 11 as the first manned mission to the moon. In January 1969, Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, and Michael Collins are named as the crew for the historic flight.

  • Apollo 11 Launch

    On Wednesday, July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 stands on the launchpad, ready for liftoff. It is 9:32 a.m. July 16, and Apollo 11 is go for launch.

  • Lunar Landing

    On the morning of July 20, 1969, Collins helps Armstrong and Aldrin through a tunnel into the tiny Eagle.

  • First Steps

    It is 9:30 p.m. Houston time on July 20, 1969. Armstrong and Aldrin put on their bulky moon suits and prepare to take the first steps on the moon.

  • Space Station

    In 1973, NASA sends its first space station, Skylab, into orbit. But Skylab is abandoned in 1974. It costs too much to keep it supplied. NASA needs a cheaper way to get crews and supplies to and from space. So, they design the Space Transportation System (STS) with reusable boosters for launch and a shuttle that lands like an airplane.

  • Choosing a Scientist

    After getting her Ph.D. in physics, Sally Ride starts looking for a job. An ad in the college paper catches her eye. NASA wants astronauts, and for the first time, women will be considered. Ride applies, along with 1,251 other women and about 7,000 men. In January 1978, NASA chooses 35 astronauts, including six female scientists. One of them is Sally K. Ride. When Sally gets the news, she is thrilled.

  • Takeoff

    It's 3:15 a.m. on a Saturday, but the crew onboard the space shuttle Challenger doesn't mind the early hour. June 18, 1983, is launch day for STS-7. At 7:33 a.m., the shuttle roars to life.

  • A Heros Welcome

    In October 1998, 77-year-old John Glenn once again makes history — as the oldest man to fly in space.