Space Exploration Timeline

Sputnik was launched into space (Soviet Union)

Oct 4, 1957

Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, was launched into space by the Soviet Union.

Laika was sent into orbit around Earth (Soviet Union)

Nov 3, 1957

Laika, the first mammal, was sent into orbit around Earth by the Soviet Union.

***Explorer 1 is launched (U.S.)***

Jan 31, 1958

The U.S. launches its first earth satellite.

Mercury Program begins (United States)

Oct 7, 1958

The United States begins the Mercury Program.

Yuri Gagarin is sent into space (Soviet Union)

Apr 12, 1961

Yuri Gagarin was the first man sent into space, he was from the Soviet Union.

Alan Shepard is sent into space (United States)

May 5, 1961

The U.S. sends the first astronaut, Alan Shepard, into space.

Apollo Space Program begins

May 25, 1961

United States begins Apollo Space Program.

Gemini Space Program begins (United States)

Jan 3, 1962

The United States begins the Gemini Program.

John Glenn orbits Earth (United States)

Feb 20, 1962

The first American astronaut, John Glenn, orbits around Earth.

Valentina Tereshkova was sent into space (Soviet Union)

Jun 16, 1963

Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman sent into space, she was from the Soviet Union.

Neil Armstrong lands on the Moon (United States)

Jul 20, 1969

Neil Armstrong is the first astronaut to land on the Moon.

Voyager 1 launches (U.S.)

Sep 5, 1977

Voyager 1 and 2 probes are launched by the U.S.

STS-1, first space shuttle mission (U.S.)

Apr 12, 1981

STS-1 was the first space shuttle mission.

***Galileo is destroyed in space (U.S.)***

Sep 21, 2003

Galileo is destroyed in space.