-
Wright Flyer
Wright Brothers First Flight
Orville Wright pilots the first heavier than air machine, the 'Wright Flyer' for 12 seconds covering 120 feet.
(2008). "Orville Wright" (online image). Retrieved from http://www.old-picture.com/wright-brothers/Orville-Wright-with-Mustache.htm -
First Commercial Flight
The first commercial flight in history occurred in the United States, three years before the United States entered the first World War. The plane was a Benoist XIV, two seater with a very small flight deck. It was piloted by Tony Jannus, and his one paying passenger. SPACE.com (2012). "First commercial flight" (online image). Retrieved from http://www.space.com/16657-worlds-first-commercial-airline-the-greatest-moments-in-flight.html -
Rocket Powered Aircraft
Fritz Von Opel becomes the first man to pilot a rocket powered aircraft. The flight lasts 75 seconds and covers 2 miles.
The encyclopedia of Science. "Von Opel, Fritz Adam Hermann" (online image). Retrieved from http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/V/von_Opel.html. -
Around the World
The first nonstop round the world flight is made by a Boeing B-50A Superfortress piloted by Capt. James Gallagher and a crew of 13 USAF personnel. Four aerial re-fuelings were required.
Goyal, Kamal (Jan 2012). "First non-stop flight" (online image). Retrieved from http://worldtop10.net/top-10-first-journeys-around-the-world/. -
Sputnik I
Sputnik Launch
The Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik I, the world's first artificial satellite. Sputnik took about 98 minutes to orbit the Earth on its elliptical path. The launch ushered in new political, military, technological, and scientific developments.
NASA (2005). "Sputnik 1" (online image). Retrieved from http://history.nasa.gov/sputnik/gallerysput.html. -
Yuri Gagarin
Yuri Gagarin (USSR) became the first human to journey into outer space when his spacecraft, Vostok 1, completed an orbit of the Earth.
NASA (2011). "Yuri Gagarin" (online image). Retrieved from http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_800.html. -
Neil Armstrong
First Man on the Moon
As spacecraft commander for Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing mission, Neil Armstrong (USE) gained the distinction of being the first man to land a craft on the moon and first to step on its surface.
NASA (Aug 2012). "Neil Armstrong" (online image). Retrieved from http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/about/bios/neilabio.html. -
STS-1 Space Shuttle
First NASA space shuttle, Space Transportation System (STS) -1, launched. It was the only US manned maiden test flight of a new spacecraft system and orbited the Earth 37 times during the 54.5-hour mission.
NASA (2007). "STS-1" (online image). Retrieved from http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/sts1/index.html. -
Canadian Chris Hadfield
Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield will launch aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to reach the International Space Station (ISS) where he will live and work for six months as part of the crew of Expedition 34/35. Objectives include:
-carry out scientific experiments
-operate Canadarm2; perform robotics tasks
-oversee operations as 1st Cdn Commander of ISS
Canadian Space Agency (Sept 2012). "Chris Hadfield" (online image). Retrieved from http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/missions/expedition34-35/default.asp -
Commercial Space Tourism
Intro to Virgin Galactic
Richard Branson has now confirmed that he, along with this two adult children will be on board Virgin Galactic's first commercial space tourism flight. That trip will be made with the company's SpaceShipTwo craft.
Melanson, Donald (July 2012). "Virgin Galactics" (online image). Retrieved from http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/15/richard-branson-confirms-virgin-galactics-first- space-tourism-f/. -
Video Citations
(June 2010). "Wright Brothers First Flight, 1903 – A Day That Shook the World" (online video). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5o-fhBKf8Y&feature=related
(Feb 2008). "Launch of Sputnik, October 4, 1957" (online video). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbAXkWPasYw
(Aug 2012). "Neil Armstrong – First Moon Landing 1969" (online video). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZb2mqId0A -
Video Citations cont'd
(Dec 2009). "Virgin Galactic Full Introduction" (online video). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hc49hI8soQ.
