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Space Race Begins
The Soviet Union launched the world's very first satellite, called Sputnik. -
Choosing Seven Pioneers
Finally, on April 9, 1959, NASA chooses seven astronauts — who instantly become famous as the Seven. Astronaut candidates must be no taller than 5 feet 11 inches, between the ages of 25 and 40, and have at least 1,500 hours of flying time.
