Explorer 1, the first American satellite to reach orbit, is launched. It carried scientific equipment that lead to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belt.
The "Mercury Seven" astronauts are selected by NASA.
The US launches Discoverer XIV, its first camera equipped spy satellite.
President Kennedy gives a speech at Rice University reaffirming the importance of the Moon program.
Ranger 7 transmits the first close range images of the Moon.
Luna 10 becomes the first satellite to orbit the Moon
Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin become the first men to walk on the Moon while crewmate Michael Collins orbits around the Moon alone.
