Space Explorations Timeline

Important Space Exploration Events

Period: Jan 1, 1959 to Jan 1, 2013

Luna 1

Jan 2, 1959

First artificial satellite to reach the Moon vicinity and first artificial satellite in heliocentric orbit. First detection of solar wind. Launch Date: Jan 2, 1959 Data Recieved: Jan 4, 1959 What Did We Learn?
The Luna 1 discovered several things, including the first traces of Solar Wind and its impacts on not only us, but the solar system. This mission also discovered that the moon has no decectable magnetic field, which is what influences the tides on our Earth.

Vostok 1

Apr 12, 1961

First human-crewed space flight and orbital flight. Date Launched: Apr 12, 1961 - 06:07
Data Recieved: Apr 12, 1971 - 07:55 What Did We Learn?
The Vostok 1 was the first manned space flight and the first manned orbital around the Earth. Although the Soviet Union and the US have been in a space war to develop their space technology, both wanted to have the first manned space mission. Eventually, Vostok succeeded and proved the possibility of future manned space missions.

Apollo 11

Jul 21, 1969

First human on the Moon and first space launch from a celestial body Launch Date: July 16, 1969 Data Recieved (first step): July 21, 1969 What Did We Learn?
After man's first step (hop) on the moon, it was discovered that
it is very possible for humans to land on our moon. Although we require heavy space gear, it has been deemed possible for us humans to essentially "exist" on our celestial partner.

Viking Lander Program

Jul 20, 1976

First photos and soil samples from the surface of Mars Launch Date of Viking 1: Aug 20, 1975
Data Recieved of Viking 1: July 20, 1976 Launch Date of Viking 2: Sept 9, 1975
Dsta Recieved of Viking 2: September 3, 1976 What Did We Learn?
This project's main goal was to research the characterization and composition of Mars' surface and atmosphere. With the data collected, scientists have been studying the possibility of life on Mars & living on Mars if/when the Earth can't sustain life anymore.

Voyager 2

Aug 20, 1977

First flyby of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus & Neptune. Launch Date: Aug 20, 1977
Data Recieved: Jupiter - Aug 5, 1979, Saturn - Sept 25, 1981, Uranus - Feb 25, 1986, Neptune - Oct 2, 1989 What Did We Learn?
This mission studied the moons and revolution patterns of the four gas giants in the outer solar system. Saturn's moon, Titan, was one of the unique finds by the NASA program. Voyager 2's continuous mission is helping to expand our knowledge of the outer solar system and its effects on us.

Pioneer 10

Jun 13, 1983

First mission to the leave the asteroid belt and exit the inner solar system. Launch Date: March 2, 1972
Data Recieved: Jun 3, 1983 What Did We Learn?
Pioneer 10 was the first space craft to flyby Jupiter and leave both the inner and outer solar system (past all solar system celestial bodies). This mission clarified the possibility of travelling outside of our solar system and it provided opportunity for future exploration outside of our solar system.

Voyager 1

Feb 14, 1990

First photograph of the whole solar system. Launch Date: Sept 5, 1977
Data Recieved: Feb 14, 1990 What Did We Learn?
The Voyager 1's extended mission captured the solar system's very first "family portrait." This photograph, composed of compiled images from the space craft, assisted in the expansion of knowledge in the structure of our universe and where other planets are in alignment to other celestial bodies.

Ulysses

Feb 8, 1992

First polar orbit around the Sun Launch Date: Oct 6, 1990
Data Recieved: Feb 8, 1992 What Did We Learn?
Ulysses was the first joint project to study the behaviour of the sun. In the past, the sun has only been observed from low solar latitudes. With the help of Ulysses, astronomers were able to explore both the southern and northern polar regions of the sun.

Galileo's Atmospheric Entry Probe

Dec 7, 1995

First mission into the atmosphere of a Gas Giant (Jupiter) Launch Date: Oct 18, 1989
Data Recieved: Dec 7, 1995 What Did We Learn?
After Galileo entered Jupiter's atmosphere, its ammonia clouds and plasma interactions with its moon, Io were recorded. This mission also discovered Jupiter's rings consist of the dust from impacts of four of its moons. Galileo increased astronomer's knowledge and views of Jupiter and its atmosphere.

Spirit Rover

Jan 4, 2004

One of 2 robotic rovers to observe Mars' geography. Launch Date: Jun 10, 2003
Data Recieved: Jan 4, 2004 What Did We Learn?
Spirit Rover's inital target was investigating the rocks and possibility of finding water on or in Mars' crusty surface. The rover took several panoramic pictures of Mars' and investigated several previously discovered craters and summits. This mission compiled a large amount of information that is used today in the examination of Mars.

Curiousity Rover

Aug 8, 2012

Nuclear-powered NASA rover successfully lands on Mars to seek out life clues. Launch Date: Nov 26, 2011
Data Recieved (Arrival Date): Aug 8, 2012 What Did We Learn?
Curiousity is in the progress of studying the evidence of water on Mars. It has discovered "Hottah," an ancient steambed. This research continues to provide astronomers with information concerning the possibility of finding water on Mars. The Curiousity Rover is still in progress and more research is being conducted to this day.