Space Race Timeline

By Charle Wicihoski
  • The start of the Space Race

    The start of the Space Race

    This was the start of the space race (Lapham's Quarterly, 2014, pg 568).
  • Sputnik 1 Launch

    Sputnik 1 Launch

    This was the date of the Sputnik 1 launched (Homer Hickam, 1998, pg 571).
  • Laika the dog was launched into space

    Laika the dog was launched into space

    Laika the dog was one of the first animals in space (Michael D'Antonio, 2007, pg 575).
  • Ham the monkey prepares for lift off.

    Ham the monkey prepares for lift off.

    This was one of the first monkeys in space (Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., and James L. Schefter, 2001, pg 614-615.
  • Vostok 6 Launch

    Vostok 6 Launch

    The first woman to ever go into space was on her way (Francis French and Colin Burgess, 2007, pg 586).
  • President Kennedy's Address at Rice University

    President Kennedy's Address at Rice University

    President Kennedy addressed the national space effort (John F. Kennedy, 1962, pg 582).
  • Apollo 11 Launch

    Apollo 11 Launch

    When Apollo 11 / Saturn 5 climbs toward orbit (NASA, 1969, pg 579)
  • Columbia Command Module splashdown in the Pacific Ocean

    Columbia Command Module splashdown in the Pacific Ocean

    This was a big event because the people who were in space came back down to Earth safely (William Safire, 1969, pg 597).
  • Parade for Aldrin, Armstrong, and Collins

    Parade for Aldrin, Armstrong, and Collins

    This was a celebration for the astronauts who were on the moon and made it back safely (Francis French and Colin Burgess, 2007, pg 586
  • James Irwin plants and American flag on the moon.

    James Irwin plants and American flag on the moon.

    This was the first ever flag planted on the moon