lt was the first time a satilite was launched into space.
USSR launches Sputnik 2 which carried a small dog named Laika into orbit.
It was the first time a dog was launched into space.
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.
Sputnik 3 is launched.
Alan B. Shepard becomes the first American in space.