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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.
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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.
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The first U.S. satellite in orbit, lifts off at Cape Canaveral using a modified ABMA-JPL Jupiter-C rocket. It carries a scientific experiment of James A. Van Allen, and discovers the Earth's radiation belt.
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Is launched by a Jupiter-C rocket, and fails to reach orbit.
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Satellite is launched into orbit, and continues to transmit for 3 years.
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Sputnik 3 is launched by the U.S.S.R.
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N.A.S.A. is founded, taking over existing National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics.
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U.S. - IGY space probe, launched to a height of 70,700 miles.
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First man made satellite to orbit the moon, is launched by the U.S.S.R.
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Fourth U.S.-IGY space probe was launched by a Juno II rocket, and achieved an earth-moon trajectory, passing within 37,000 miles of the moon. It then fell into a solar orbit, becoming the first U.S. sun orbiter.
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Luna 2 is launched, impacting on the moon on September 13 carrying a copy of the Soviet coat of arms, and becoming the first man-made object to hit the moon.
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Luna 3 translunar satellite is launched, orbiting the moon and photographing 70 percent of the far side of the moon.
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Tiros 1, the first successful weather satellite, is launched by the U.S.
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Discoverer XIV launches the first U.S. camera-equipped Corona spy satellite.
