Space Race

By BraytonU

  • USSR launches Sputnik 1

    USSR launches Sputnik 1
    Began the space age.

  • Explorer 1, the first American satellite to reach orbit, is launched. It carried scientific equipment that lead to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belt.

    Explorer 1, the first American satellite to reach orbit, is launched. It carried scientific equipment that lead to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belt.
    Put the United States on top of the USSR by discovering a new constilation.

  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is formed, it replaces the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA)

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is formed, it replaces the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA)
    This puts United States out in front with the leading technology.

  • The US launches Discoverer XIV, its first camera equipped spy satellite

    The US launches Discoverer XIV, its first camera equipped spy satellite
    It gives people images of how the earth looks from space.

  • Yuri Gagarin (USSR) orbits the Earth once and becomes the first man in space.

    Yuri Gagarin (USSR) orbits the Earth once and becomes the first man in space.
    This proved that man can survive in space and space travel is possible.

  • Alan B. Shepard becomes the first American in space.

    Alan B. Shepard becomes the first American in space.
    Officaily put the US in the space race.

  • Gherman Titov spends a day in space aboard Vostok 2

    Gherman Titov spends a day in space aboard Vostok 2
    The USSR beat the US's time in space.

  • John Glenn orbits the Earth three times.

    John Glenn orbits the Earth three times.
    The US beats the USSR for most time in space, putting us in front in the space race.

  • Cosmonaut Valentia Tereshkova becomes the first woman in space

    Cosmonaut Valentia Tereshkova becomes the first woman in space
    The USSR puts up a woman in space showing women can also space travel.

  • Ed White performs America's first spacewalk.

    Ed White performs America's first spacewalk.
    This put the US way in front of the USSR and put us closer to landing on the moon.

  • Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin become the first men to walk on the Moon while crewmate Michael Collins orbits around the Moon alone.

    Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin become the first men to walk on the Moon while crewmate Michael Collins orbits around the Moon alone.
    This accomplishment let the United States win the space race against the USSR.