Space Exploration

By Jalisha Davis
  • Sputnik 1 Launch

    Sputnik 1 Launch

    The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth. This event started the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Sputnik sent radio signals back to Earth and proved that satellites could be placed into orbit.
  • First Human in Space

    First Human in Space

    Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first human to travel into space aboard the spacecraft Vostok 1. He orbited Earth once during a 108-minute flight. https://www.nasa.gov/
  • First American in Space

    First American in Space

    Alan Shepard became the first American in space during the Mercury-Redstone 3 mission. His spacecraft, Freedom 7, traveled on a short suborbital flight lasting about 15 minutes.
  • First Moon Landing

    First Moon Landing

    NASA’s Apollo 11 mission landed the first humans on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the lunar surface while Michael Collins orbited above in the command module. Watch the historic moment here:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZb2mqId0A
  • First Space Shuttle Launch

    First Space Shuttle Launch

    NASA launched Space Shuttle Columbia, the first reusable spacecraft. The shuttle could carry astronauts and cargo into space and return safely to Earth like an airplane.
  • Hubble Space Telescope Launch

    Hubble Space Telescope Launch

    The Hubble Space Telescope was launched into orbit to capture images of deep space. Hubble has taken some of the most detailed pictures of galaxies, nebulae, and stars ever seen.
  • International Space Station Begins Construction

    International Space Station Begins Construction

    The International Space Station (ISS) began construction in orbit. It is a laboratory in space where astronauts from many countries work together to conduct scientific experiments.
  • Spirit Rover Lands on Mars

    Spirit Rover Lands on Mars

    NASA’s Spirit rover landed on Mars to study rocks and soil. The rover helped scientists learn that water once existed on the Martian surface.
  • Curiosity Rover Lands on Mars

    Curiosity Rover Lands on Mars

    The Curiosity rover landed on Mars using a special “sky crane” landing system. It studies the planet’s climate, geology, and whether Mars could have supported life.
  • First Commercial Crew Launch

    First Commercial Crew Launch

    SpaceX launched astronauts to the ISS aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft. This mission marked the first time a private company sent humans into orbit. Try exploring space missions here:https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/play/