Space Exploration

Spudnik 1 Launch

Oct 4, 1957

The first artificial satellite launched into space. This marked the the official start of the space race between the USSR and the USA

Explorer 1

Jan 31, 1958

The Explorer 1 was the first satellite launched by the United States.

Vostok 1

May 12, 1961

The first manned space flight carrying Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gargarin.

OSO-1

Mar 7, 1962

First orbital solar observatory (by NASA).

Luna 10

Mar 31, 1966

First artificial satellite around the Moon. (USSR)

Apollo 11

Jul 24, 1969

First human on the Moon and first space launch from a celestial body (by NASA) - Commander Neil Armstrong and Pilot Buzz Aldrin.

Salyut 1

Apr 18, 1971

First space station (USSR).

STS-41-B

Feb 3, 1984

First untethered spacewalk, Bruce McCandless II (by NASA).

Voyager 1

Feb 14, 1990

The first photograph of the whole Solar System (by NASA).

MESSENGER

Aug 3, 2004

The first orbit of Mercury – by NASA.