Timeline: Solar Exploration | Timetoast

Oct 4, 1957

First Earth Orbiter

Sputnik 1 launched by Russia.
Period: Oct 4, 1957 to Jan 1, 2030

Solar System Exploration
Jan 2, 1959

First Luna flyby

First Luna flyby lauched by Russia.
Sep 12, 1959

First Lunar Impact

Luna 2 lauched by Russia.
Oct 4, 1959

First images of far side of moon

Lunar 3 launched by Russia.
Nov 16, 1965

First Venus impact

Venera
Mar 31, 1966

First Lunar Orbiter

Luna 10 lauched by Russia
Jun 12, 1967

First Venus atmospheric probe

Venera 4 lauched by Russia.
Sep 15, 1968

First lunar flyby and return to Earth

Zond 5 lauched by Russia
Aug 17, 1970

First Venus Lander

Venera 7 lauched by Russia
Nov 10, 1970

First Lunar rover

Luna 17 lauched by Russia
May 30, 1971

First Mars Orbiter

Mariner 9 lauched by United States
Mar 3, 1972

First Jupiter Flyby

Pioneer 10 lauched by United States.
Jan 15, 1976

15 January 1976 – Closest solar approach

Helios B lauched by United States
Jan 15, 1976

Closest Solar approach

Helios B lauched by United States
Aug 8, 2001

First Solar Wind sample return

Genesis lauched by United States