The Firsts of Science By zr19341 Jan 1, 1926 Firts rocket launched. Robbert Goddard launched first liquid fueled rocket. Jan 1, 1947 First animal sent to space The first animal was sent to space (fruit flies). Apr 12, 1961 First man to enter space. Jul 20, 1969 U.S. landed on the moon. Apr 24, 1990 The Hubble telescope was launched. Dec 4, 1996 The first rover was launched into space.