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Sputnik 1
This was the first kind of spacecraft that successfully placed to orbit around the Earth. The first Sputnik was created by the Soviets. The word Sputnik stands for "companion" in Russian. Cite: https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1957-001B -
Laika the Space Dog
The dog Laika, the first living creature to orbit the Earth, did not live nearly as long as Soviet officials led the world to believe. The animal, launched on a one-way trip on board Sputnik 2 in November 1957, was said to have died painlessly in orbit about a week after blast-off. Cite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laika -
Explorer 1
Explorer 1 was the first satellite of the United States, launched as part of its participation in the International Geophysical Year. Cite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_1 -
Alan Shepard
Rear Admiral Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. was an American astronaut, naval aviator, test pilot, and businessman. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Shepard saw action with the surface navy during World War II. -
John Glenn
John Glenn was the first American to spend a couple of hours in orbit while in Mercury 6. His space suit is lightweight and contains a couple of layers. This has an aluminized nylon cover layer. There are thirteen zippers, fitted gloves, boots, and helmet. All of this coverage was to make sure he was protected. Cite: https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/space-race/online/sec300/sec340.htm -
Yuri Gagarin
This was the first ever human in space. Yuri Gagarin used his Vostok 1 spacecraft to orbit about 110 minutes. Cite:https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/sts1/gagarin_anniversary.html -
Apollo 1
Apollo 1 was the first group of members to land on the moon. This didn't work out and it never made it off of the Launchpad. There were astronauts on the spacecraft, but they all ended up dying because of asphyxiation. Cite: http://www.space.com/35474-apollo-1-fire-nasa-50th-anniversary.html -
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Apollo 8
This was a special one because this was occurring on Christmas Eve. Apollo 8 was the first crew spacecraft to leave earth's orbit, reach the earth's moon, and make it back safely. CIte: https://www.nasa.gov/topics/history/features/apollo_8.html -
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Apollo 11
The Apollo 11 was the spaceflight that landed the first two humans on the Moon. Mission commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Buzz Aldrin.
Cite:https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/missions/apollo11.html -
Lunokhod 1
The Lunokhod 1 was the first ever successful lunar rover. This landed upon the Luna 17 lander on November 17, 1970. The first lunar rover was operated by the Soviet Union and traveled about six miles within ten months. Cite: http://www.space.com/35090-lunokhod-1.html -
Spacewalk
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2 Spacecraft Rendezvous in Space
