Space Exploration Timeline By lewid85 Jan 1, 1955 soviets were the greatest rival to the u.s.a. in politics and military power. Period: Jan 1, 1955 to Jan 1, 1965 Space Exploration Oct 4, 1957 Sputnik 1 was launched Jan 31, 1958 Explorer 1 was launched by the US. Jul 29, 1958 N.A.S.A. was created Apr 12, 1961 Soviets launched Vostok 1 May 5, 1961 Alan Shepard was the first human in space, in Freedom 7 Feb 20, 1962 John glenn was the first American to orbit Earth.
