-
Sputnik Launch
The Russians began the space race by launching Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite launched into space. Later the Russians proved a living creature could survive in space by launching Sputnik 2 with a little dog named Laika inside. -
Explorer 1
The U.S.A did not like the Russians being ahead, so they hurried to make there own. Explorer 1 was the first satellite launched into space by the Americans.This led to President Dwight Eisenhower creating the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA). -
Yuri Gagarin
Yuri Gagarin was the first Russian cosmonaut to be launched into outer space.The Vostok 3KA-3 carried Yuri into space at 6:07 p.m. Yuri Gagarin stayed in space for one hour and forty-eight minutes. -
Alan Shepard
Alan Shepard was the first american astronaut to reach space. His rocket's name was the Mercury spacecraft. Alan was in space for 9 days and 57 minutes. -
Apollo 11
The Apollo was the first manned american rocket to make it to space. The Apollo's team consisted of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Neil Armstrong was the first american man to set foot on the moon. Neil Armstrong's famous saying was, " One small step for man. One giant step for mankind." The americans won the space race.
