A rhesus monkey called Albert 1 became the first monkey launched into space on June 11, 1948 October 4, 1957 Russia launched the first satellite into space - Sputnik

The launch of Sputnik marked the beginning of “The Space Race” The first animal to actually go into orbit was the dog Laika, launched on board the Soviet Sputnik 2 spacecraft on November 3, 1957 The Space Race ~Began in 1959 ~competition between USA and Russia to be the first to reach the moon.

April 12, 1961 ~Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was the first man to go into space ~He made one orbit around Earth and landed two hours later. May 5, 1961 ~Alan Shepard was the first American to enter space

In 1963 the first woman was sent into space, Russian Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova It was not until 1983 when USA sent its first woman, Sally Ride, into space.

Russia may have beat us into space, but we did beat them to the Moon. On July 20, 1969 Apollo 11 carried Neil Armstrong and Ed "Buzz" Aldrin to the moon. Neil Armstrong was the first to walk on the Moon

**Space Exploration Programs: Apollo: 1963-1972; 11 missions were sent to explore, gather data, and test equipment on the moon. Gemini Program: 1962-1966; 19 launches total - 2 uncrewed, 7- target vehicles, and 10 - crewed missions; purpose was to test equipment, mission procedures, and train astronauts and ground crews for future Apollo missions. Mercury: 1958-1963; First Man-In-Space program; its objectives were to orbit the earth with a manned spacecraft, investigate man's functionability in space, and to return both man and spacecraft safely.

Space Exploration Technology: Space Station: A large satellite designed to support a human crew and to stay in orbit around the earth for a long period of time. Lander: A space vehicle designed to land on a celestial body. Probe: An exploratory device designed to investigate an unknown region. Satellite: A man-made or natural object that orbits a planet.

International Space Station ~the largest manned object to ever be sent into space ~first module was launched in 1998 ~first crew was sent to live and work in 2000. ~much of the construction was done in space and assembly was complete in 2010. ~it continues to orbit the earth with crews living aboard. ~It is used for space observation, producing new materials and pharmacutical products. Click for interactive

Hubble Space Telescope ~is able to make pictures of objects in space in infrared and ultraviolet light that we are not able to pick up due to our atmosphere. ~ Has made many important discoveries in space. Reflecting Telescope: An optical telescope that uses a concave mirror to focus light and form an image at the focal point. Refracting Telescope: An optical telescope that uses a double convex lens to bend light and form an image at the focal point

Lander International Space Station Probe Natural Satellites Man Made Satellite Natural Satellites Lander International Space Station Probe Hubble Telescope

What have been the benefits of space exploration? How has space exploration changed technology for us? Space technology touches and enhances practically every aspect of life on Earth. Much of what improves our lives - think healthcare, communications, travel, recreation, entertainment - benefits directly from technology originally developed for or improved for space exploration. Technologies developed to get us "out there" come home to improve life on Earth. The Sputniks, rovers, satellites, and other forms of travel, communication, and technology that were first put into space to explore lead to the technology used today in all aspects of life that are mentioned above

Advancements in technology that came from space exploration has been: 1. Satellites that enable us to see climate and weather patterns on earth. This enables meteorologists to predict and provide daily weather forecasts. 2. GPS systems that are used for travel 3. Cell phones and global communication devices. 4. Satellite TV, Radio, and Internet 5. Technology advancements in healthcare

Future of Space Exploration Missions to Mars It is the goal to send a manned expedition to Mars in the future. Private Civilian Orbit Expeditions Virgin Galactic – sending civilians, not astronauts in orbit around earth for recreation. SpaceWorks – wants to test out putting people in hibernation like sleep like what you see in movies.