Timeline of the first space launch By savannahhadley Oct 1, 1958 NASA became operational They wanted to reach new heights. Oct 11, 1958 Launched for the first time May 28, 1959 Sent 2 monkeys to space Apr 1, 1960 Could see Earths weather May 5, 1961 First american Alan Shepard went to space Aug 23, 1961 When NASA launched to the moon for the first time Ended up failing Aug 8, 1985 First flight of space shuttle Atlantis Aug 25, 1997 Weather These systems was use to help with weather