NASA and the Space Race

NASA is Created

1958

NASA was officially established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1958. America was proud to be able to be looked at a country of technological innovation. Creating a space organization had entered them into the "Space Race."

Project Mercury Begins

1960

Project Mercury put the first Americans in space. Alan Shepherd is the first of seven astronauts to take the flight risk.

President John F. Kennedy

1961

A few months into his inauguration, President JFK announces the United States will put a man on the moon by the end of the decade.

John Glenn Orbits the Earth

1962

John Glenn is the first American to orbit the Earth. This mission enacted the beginning of Project Apollo.

Apollo Equipment Sent to Space

1964

The first set of equipment needed for the moon landing was launched.

First Orbital Docking

1966

Neil Armstrong and David Scott performed the first orbital docking their spacecraft to a target. This was a pivotal practice as the lunar landing would require lots of docking and undocking.

Apollo 8 Orbits the Moon

1968

Three astronauts, Frank Borman, James Lovell, Jr., and William Anders, orbited the moon proving America as a nation to be reckon with. The mission showcased technical and scientific knowledge that contributed to a national unity.

America Lands on the Moon

1969

Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin landed on the moon causing America to win the space race. The two surveyed the area and collected samples to bring back to Earth.