Space Exploration By SidneyStacy Oct 4, 1957 Sputnik, first artifical satellite launched - Russia Nov 3, 1957 Laika, first mammal sent into space - Russia Oct 7, 1958 The Mercury Program began - usa Apr 12, 1961 Yuri Gagarin, first man in space - Russia May 5, 1961 Alan Shepard ; first US astronaut sent into space May 25, 1961 Apollo Space Program began Jan 3, 1962 Gemini Space Program began - US Feb 20, 1962 John Glenn ; first US astronaut to orbit the Earth Jun 16, 1963 Lieutenant Valentina Tereshkova, first woman in space - Soviet Union Jul 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong ; first man on the moon - US Aug 20, 1977 Launch of Voyager 2 Sep 5, 1977 Launch of Voyager 1 Apr 12, 1981 Columbia, first space shuttle mission - US
