Space Race- GD5 By 210507 Oct 4, 1957 USSR launches Sputnik 1 Period: Oct 4, 1957 to Jun 16, 1963 Timespan Period: Oct 4, 1957 to Jul 20, 1969 timespan Nov 11, 1957 USSR launches sputnik 2 with dog named laika Mar 5, 1958 Explorer 2 is launched but fails to reach orbit May 15, 1958 Sputnik 3 is launced Jan 2, 1959 Luna is launched by the USSR, man made object Aug 12, 1960 U.S launches discoverer XIV,And spy technology Feb 12, 1961 Soviet Union Launches Vanera to Venus Feb 20, 1962 John G, fisrt man flight Jun 7, 1962 idea of lunar orbit Jul 20, 1969 man steps on moon