Launch of Apollo 8
On December 21, 1968, Apollo 8 launched from Kennedy Space Center.
Space Exploration
Launch of Sputnik I
On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the first man-made object in space, which sparked the start of the Space Race with the United States.
Viking I Lands on Mars
On July 20, 1976, Viking I became the first man-made object to land on Mars. As early as 1966, officials recommended that research objectives in the post-Apollo era focus on the unmanned exploration of Mars. The Viking 1 mission – with a landing planned to coincide with the nation’s July 4, 1976, Bicentennial celebration – set off to accomplish that goal on August 20, 1975.
Skylab
On July 11, 1979, Skylab, the first manned US space laboratory, returned to Earth after six years in space.
First American Woman in Space
On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. She was the third woman overall, after Soviet cosmonauts Valentina Tereshkova and Svetlana Savitskaya.
Birth of Nicolaus Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473, in Thorn, Poland.
Launch of Explorer I
Late in the evening of January 31, 1958, the US launched its first satellite, Explorer I.
First Predicted Sighting of a Comet
On December 25, 1758, Halley’s Comet became the first comet to be seen after the accurate predicting of its passage.
Mariner 2 Flies By Venus
On December 14, 1962, Mariner 2 became the first spacecraft to fly by Venus.