Spacecraft

Sputnik 1

Nov 3, 1957

The first artificial satellite to go into outer space. It was a polished metal sphere and was 58cm in diameter.

Sputnik 2

Nov 3, 1957

The second spacecraft launched into Earth's orbit and the first to carry a living animal. The animal was a dog named Laika.

North American X-15

Jul 19, 1963

Powered by the United States Air Force. As of 2013 the X-15 holds the world record for the fastest speed ever reached by a manned aircraft.

Soyuz 1

Apr 23, 1967

Was the first of the Soyuz spacecraft. The Soyuz 1 and Soyuz 2 astronauts switched spacecraft before returning to Earth.

Apollo 8

Dec 21, 1968

First manned mission to leave Earth's orbit, orbit the Moon and return to Earth safely.

Apollo 11

Jul 20, 1969

Apollo 11 landed on the moon.

Apollo 13

Apr 11, 1970

The seventh manned mission and the third mission intended for a moon landing, but this was aborted due to an oxygen tank explosion. They returned to earth safely.

Soyuz 11

Jun 6, 1971

The first and only manned mission to board the world's first Space Station. The capsule depressureized, killing the three crew, just before re-entry.

Apollo 15

Jul 26, 1971

The nineth manned mission, the eight successful manned mission and the fourth to land on the Moon.

Pioneer 10

Mar 2, 1972

An American space probe whose first mission was to Jupiter.