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Sputnik 1
The Soviet satellite “Sputnik 1” is the first object sent into space and to successfully orbit the Earth. -
Explorer 1
The first United States satellite to orbit the Earth – “Explorer 1” – is launched. -
Laika is Sent into Outer Space
The first “Earthling”, a Soviet dog named Laika, is successfully sent into space. -
NASA is Founded
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is formed. -
The First Person in Space
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first person in space. (he orbits the Earth) -
Alan Shepard Enters Outer Space
Alan Shepard becomes the first United States citizen in space. -
First Moon Landing
Apollo 11 crew member Neil Armstrong is the first man to walk on the moon. His fellow crew member Edwin “Buzz”Aldrin is right behind him, making him the second man to walk on the moon. -
Voyager II
Voyager II, the first space probe to fly by the four gas giant planets – Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune – is launched. -
Columbia is Launched
The first American space shuttle is launched. This is the first “re-usable” space craft in history. -
Challenger Explodes
The space shuttle Challenger explodes shortly after take-off, killing all of its crew members including the first teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe. -
The Hubble Telescope is launched
The Hubble Space Telescope is launched into orbit around the Earth. -
Pathfinder Lands on Mars
The un-manned American space probe “Pathfinder” lands on Mars and begins its successful exploration of the planet. -
John Glenn Orbits the Earth
Astronaut John Glenn becomes the first United States citizen to orbit the Earth. -
International Space Station
Human habitation in the International Space Station begins. -
Columbia Explodes
The space shuttle Columbia explodes upon re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
