The Space Race

sputnik 1

Oct 4, 1957

The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1 into space. that showed that the Soviet Union could send missels the same way. This kicked off the space race. http://www.thespacerace.com/timeline/

The Space Race

Period: Oct 4, 1957 to Jul 20, 1969

The beginning and end of the Space Race

Sputnik 2

Nov 3, 1957

Sputnik 2 is launched carrying the small dog Laika. She would be the first dog and mammal in space. This helped prove that mammals could survive in space. Sadly she never came back. http://teacher.scholastic.com/space/space_firsts/

Explorer 1

Jan 31, 1958

Explorer 1 was launched as kind of a comeback to the USSR, proving that we too had the advanced technology to launch a satelite into space. It also led to the discovery of the Van Allen Radiation belt.
http://www.thespacerace.com/timeline/

NASA is formed

Oct 1, 1958

NASA is formed replacing NACA. http://www.thespacerace.com/timeline/

Discoverer XIV

Aug 18, 1960

Discoverer XIV is a spy satelite launched by the US. This helped us to see if the USSR was developing long range bombers.
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1960-010A

Vostok 1

Apr 12, 1961

Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space. http://www.thespacerace.com/timeline/

Space Challenge

May 25, 1961

President John F Kennedy challenges the nation to travel to the moon before the end of the decade. http://www.thespacerace.com/timeline/

Vostok 6

Jun 16, 1963

Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first women in space.
http://www.thespacerace.com/timeline/

Apollo 1

Jan 21, 1967

The tragic accident of Apollo 1 kills 3 astronauts in a fire.
http://www.thespacerace.com/timeline/

Apollo 11

Jul 20, 1969

Apollo 11 is launched into space carrying 3 American passengers. It lands successfully and safely on the moon. This finally ends the space race.