Solar Exploration

First Earth Orbiter

Oct 4, 1957

Sputnik 1 launched by Russia.

Solar System Exploration

Period: Oct 4, 1957 to Jan 1, 2030

First Luna flyby

Jan 2, 1959

First Luna flyby lauched by Russia.

First Lunar Impact

Sep 12, 1959

Luna 2 lauched by Russia.

First images of far side of moon

Oct 4, 1959

Lunar 3 launched by Russia.

First Venus impact

Nov 16, 1965

Venera

First Lunar Orbiter

Mar 31, 1966

Luna 10 lauched by Russia

First Venus atmospheric probe

Jun 12, 1967

Venera 4 lauched by Russia.

First lunar flyby and return to Earth

Sep 15, 1968

Zond 5 lauched by Russia

First Venus Lander

Aug 17, 1970

Venera 7 lauched by Russia

First Lunar rover

Nov 10, 1970

Luna 17 lauched by Russia

First Mars Orbiter

May 30, 1971

Mariner 9 lauched by United States

First Jupiter Flyby

Mar 3, 1972

Pioneer 10 lauched by United States.

15 January 1976 – Closest solar approach

Jan 15, 1976

Helios B lauched by United States

Closest Solar approach

Jan 15, 1976

Helios B lauched by United States

First Solar Wind sample return

Aug 8, 2001

Genesis lauched by United States