Space timeline pics.

Space Exploration

  • Sputnik 1

    Sputnik 1

    Sputnik 1, the first man-made object to orbit the Earth, is launched by the U.S.S.R., and remains in orbit until January 4, 1958
  • Sputnik 2

    Sputnik 2

    Sputnik 2, carrying the dog Laika for 7 days in orbit, is launched by the U.S.S.R., and remains in orbit until April 13, 1958.
  • Sputnik 3

    Sputnik 3

    Sputnik 3 is launched by the U.S.S.R.
  • N.A.S.A. founded

    N.A.S.A. founded

    N.A.S.A. is founded, taking over existing National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics.
  • First Weather Satellite

    First Weather Satellite

    Tiros 1, the first successful weather satellite, is launched by the U.S
  • First Man in Space

    First Man in Space

    Vostok 1 is launched by the U.S.S.R., carrying Cosmonaut Yuri A. Gargarin, the first man in space. He orbits the Earth once.
  • First American in Space

    First American in Space

    Mercury Friendship 7 lifts off with John H. Glenn, Jr., the first American in orbit, and orbits the Earth three times.
  • First Close Range Pictures of the Moon

    First Close Range Pictures of the Moon

    U.S. Ranger 7 relays the first close-range photographs of the Moon.
  • First Man to Walk on the Moon

    First Man to Walk on the Moon

    Commander Neil Armstrong became the first man on the moon. He said the historic words, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
  • Venus Soil Analysis

    Venus Soil Analysis

    Venera 13 lands on Venus, and provides the first Venusian soil analysis.