Space Exploration
First Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery
On August 30, 1984, the Discovery Space Shuttle made its first launch into space, two months later than initially planned.
Astronauts Take Lunar Rover for First Drive on the Moon
On July 31, 1971, U.S. Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin became the first humans to drive on the Moon.
U.S. Lands First Men on the Moon
On July 20, 1969, the US effectively won the Space Race when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took man’s first steps on the Moon.
JFK Calls to Put a Man on the Moon
On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy delivered a speech to Congress announcing his plan to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade.
Alan Shepard Becomes First American in Space
On May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into space when he successfully took a sub-orbital flight aboard Freedom 7.
Launch of the Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Mariner 10 Makes First Fly By of Mercury
On March 29, 1974, Mariner 10 became the first space probe to fly by Mercury.
Pioneer 10 is Launched
On March 2, 1972, Pioneer 10, the first spacecraft to leave our Solar System, was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia exploded, taking the lives of seven astronauts.