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Sputnik 1
Soviet Union sends satelite to be the first satelite in space, this is important because this means that the Soviet Union could be able to send missles at America. -
Period: to
Space Race
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Sputnik 2
Second satelite in space, thuis is important because the USSR sent a small dog into space with the sarelite, this meant that they could send a human into space. -
Explorer 1
Explorer 1 is launched by the USA and is first Americans satelite to reach the orbit of Earth. This is important because this means that America will be able to successfully send satelites into the orbit. -
The "Mercury Seven" are selected
The "Mercury Seven" are selected by NASA, the "Mercury Seven include Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper, and Deke Slayton, this is important because these are going to be the people America will send to space. -
John F. Kennedy is elected president
John F. Kennedy is elected as the 35th president. This is important because JFK will play a big part with helping the Americans win the "Space Race" against the USSR (Union of Soviet Specialists Republicans or a.k.a. The Soviet Union). -
First human in space
The USSR sends Yuri Gagarin on a 5 ton spaceship and becomes the first man in space and return safely. This is important because this meant that America could be able to safely send someone into space. -
Alan Shepard first American in space
Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space, this is important because this means that the American will be able to send people safely to the moon. -
JFK announces to the moon
On May 25, 1961, over a month after the USSR send Yuri Gagarin to be the first man in space, John F. Kennedy announces that they will send an American safely to the moon before the end of the decade. This is important because the Americans could take the lead in the space race. -
NASA selects 2nd group
NASA selects its second group of astronauts. This is important because this is the new group that will be going into space for America. -
JFK is assassinated
John F. Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas, TX. This is important because JFK was big in helping America get to the moon by the end of the decade. -
Apollo 11
Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin become the first man to set foot on the moon while crewmate Micheal Collins orbits the around moon. This is important because this meant that the Americans had took the lead in the space race.
