The Space Race in the 1960's By rebeccaspacex Period: Jan 1, 1960 to Dec 31, 1969 The 1960's Click here to learn more about the decade's history. Apr 1, 1960 First weather satellite, Tiros I, launched by U.S. to transmit TV images of cloud cover around the world Click here for more information on the Tiros I. Apr 12, 1961 Yuri Gagarin (U.S.S.R.) becomes first person in space and to orbit the earth Click here for more information on Yuri Gagarin Dec 14, 1962 Mariner 2 (U.S.) becomes the first spacecraft to successfully encounter another planet Click here to learn more about Mariner 2 Jun 14, 1963 Valentina Tereshkova (U.S.S.R.) becomes first woman in space Click here to learn more about Valentina Tereshkova Jul 28, 1964 Ranger 7 (U.S.) launched to take pictures of the moon's surface Click here to learn more about Ranger 7 Nov 26, 1965 The Diamant rocket orbits the first French satellite, making France the third country to share access to space Click here to learn more about the Diamant rocket. Feb 3, 1966 Luna 9 (U.S.S.R) become the first spacecraft to achieve a luner soft landing Click here to learn more about Luna 9 Apr 24, 1967 Vladimir M. Komarov (U.S.S.R.) becomes first astoanaut to die in a spacecraft landing Click here to learn more about Vladimir M. Komarov Dec 24, 1968 Apollo 8 (U.S.) becomes the first human spaceflight mission to leave earth orbit Click here to learn more about the Apollo 8 mission. Jul 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong (U.S.) becomes the first man to walk on the moon Click here to learn more about the first walk on the moon.
