ENwww.britannica.comfirecrawl
- [Introduction](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration)
- [Overview of recent space achievements](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration#ref237023)
- [Significant milestones in space exploration](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Major-milestones#ref310634)
- [History of space exploration](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/History-of-space-exploration)
- [Prelude to spaceflight](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/History-of-space-exploration#ref237027)
- [Precursors in fiction and fact](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/History-of-space-exploration#ref237028)
- [Tsiolkovsky](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/History-of-space-exploration#ref237029)
- [Goddard](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/History-of-space-exploration#ref237030)
- [Oberth](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/History-of-space-exploration#ref237031)
- [Other space pioneers](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/History-of-space-exploration#ref237032)
- [Early rocket development](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Early-rocket-development)
- [Germany](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Early-rocket-development#ref237034)
- [United States](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Early-rocket-development#ref237035)
- [Soviet Union](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Early-rocket-development#ref237036)
- [Preparing for spaceflight](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Preparing-for-spaceflight)
- [From Sputnik to Apollo](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/From-Sputnik-to-Apollo)
- [The first satellites](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/From-Sputnik-to-Apollo#ref237039)
- [Development of space organizations](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/From-Sputnik-to-Apollo#ref237040)
- [United States](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/United-States)
- [Soviet Union](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Soviet-Union)
- [Europe](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Soviet-Union#ref237043)
- [Japan](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Soviet-Union#ref237044)
- [China](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Soviet-Union#ref237045)
- [International participation](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/International-participation)
- [Involvement of industry](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/International-participation#ref237047)
- [The first human spaceflights](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/International-participation#ref237048)
- [Vostok](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/International-participation#ref237049)
- [Mercury](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Mercury)
- [Gemini and Voskhod](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Mercury#ref237051)
- [Soyuz](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Mercury#ref237052)
- [The race to the Moon](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/The-race-to-the-Moon)
- [The American commitment](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/The-race-to-the-Moon#ref237054)
- [The Soviet response](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/The-race-to-the-Moon#ref237055)
- [Interim developments](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/The-race-to-the-Moon#ref237056)
- [The Apollo lunar landings and Apollo-Soyuz](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/The-Apollo-lunar-landings-and-Apollo-Soyuz)
- [Orbiting space platforms](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/The-Apollo-lunar-landings-and-Apollo-Soyuz#ref237058)
- [Space stations](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Space-stations)
- [International space endurance records](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/International-space-endurance-records)
- [Summary of space stations launched since 1971](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/International-space-endurance-records#ref310636)
- [The space shuttle](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/The-space-shuttle)
- [Human beings in space: debate and consequences](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Human-beings-in-space-debate-and-consequences)
- [Selecting people for spaceflights](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Human-beings-in-space-debate-and-consequences#ref237063)
- [Biomedical, psychological, and sociological aspects](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Human-beings-in-space-debate-and-consequences#ref237064)
- [Science in space](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Science-in-space)
- [Solar and space physics](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Science-in-space#ref237066)
- [Solar system exploration](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Solar-system-exploration)
- [Exploring the universe](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Exploring-the-universe)
- [Microgravity research](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Exploring-the-universe#ref237069)
- [Observing Earth](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Exploring-the-universe#ref237070)
# space exploration
science
Homework Help
Written by
John M. Logsdon
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Last updated
Sep. 26, 2026• [History](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/additional-info#history)
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Quick Summary
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
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**space exploration**, investigation, by means of crewed and uncrewed [spacecraft](https://www.britannica.com/technology/spacecraft), of the reaches of the [universe](https://www.britannica.com/science/universe) beyond [Earth](https://www.britannica.com/place/Earth)’s atmosphere and the use of the information so gained to increase knowledge of the [cosmos](https://www.britannica.com/science/Cosmos-astronomy) and benefit humanity. A complete list of all crewed spaceflights, with details on each mission’s accomplishments and crew, is available in the section [Chronology of crewed spaceflights](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/Chronology-of-crewed-spaceflights#ref286805).
[\
1 of 2](https://cdn.britannica.com/59/190159-050-E680F762/rocket-Saturn-V-mission-Apollo-11-Pad-July-16-1969.jpg)
[Apollo 11](https://cdn.britannica.com/59/190159-050-E680F762/rocket-Saturn-V-mission-Apollo-11-Pad-July-16-1969.jpg) The launch of Apollo 11, July 16, 1969.(more)
[\
2 of 2](https://cdn.britannica.com/60/21260-050-BE395D9D/nursery-Eagle-Nebula-detail-image-column-stars.jpg)
[Eagle Nebula](https://cdn.britannica.com/60/21260-050-BE395D9D/nursery-Eagle-Nebula-detail-image-column-stars.jpg) A stellar nursery in the Eagle Nebula (M16, NGC 6611). This detail of a composite image taken by the Earth-orbiting Hubble Space Telescope reveals a glowing column of dust and cold gas populated by embryonic stars forming from molecular hydrogen within the column.(more)
Humans have always looked at the heavens and wondered about the nature of the objects seen in the night sky. With the development of [rockets](https://www.britannica.com/technology/rocket-jet-propulsion-device-and-vehicle) and the advances in electronics and other technologies in the 20th century, it became possible to send machines and [animals](https://www.britannica.com/animal/animal) and then people above Earth’s [atmosphere](https://www.britannica.com/science/atmosphere) into [outer space](https://www.britannica.com/science/outer-space). Well before technology made these achievements possible, however, space exploration had already captured the minds of many people, not only aircraft pilots and scientists but also writers and artists.
**What do you think?**
**Explore the ProCon debate**
The strong hold that space travel has always had on the imagination may well explain why professional astronauts and laypeople alike [consent](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/consent) at their great peril, in the words of [Tom Wolfe](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tom-Wolfe) in _The Right Stuff_ (1979), to sit “on top of an enormous Roman candle, such as a Redstone, [Atlas](https://www.britannica.com/technology/Atlas-American-launch-vehicles), [Titan](https://www.britannica.com/technology/Titan-rocket) or [Saturn](https://www.britannica.com/technology/Saturn-launch-vehicle) [rocket](https://www.britannica.com/technology/rocket-jet-propulsion-device-and-vehicle), and wait for someone to light the fuse.” It perhaps also explains why space exploration has been a common and enduring theme in [literature](https://www.britannica.com/art/literature) and art. As centuries of speculative [fiction](https://www.britannica.com/art/fiction-literature) in books and more recently in films make clear, “one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind” was taken by the human spirit many times and in many ways before [Neil Armstrong](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Neil-Armstrong) stamped humankind’s first footprint on the [Moon](https://www.britannica.com/science/moon-natural-satellite).
Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.
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Top five milestones in space exploration history Erik Gregersen, astronomy and space exploration editor of _Encyclopædia Britannica_, picking his top five milestones in space exploration.(more)
[See all videos for this article](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration/images-videos)
Achieving spaceflight enabled humans to begin to explore the [solar system](https://www.britannica.com/science/solar-system) and the rest of the universe, to understand the many objects and phenomena that are better observed from a space perspective, and to use for human benefit the resources and attributes of the space [environment](https://www.britannica.com/science/environment). All of these activities—discovery, scientific understanding, and the application of that understanding to serve human purposes—are elements of [space exploration](https://www.britannica.com/science/space-exploration). (For a general discussion of [spacecraft](https://www.britannica.com/technology/spacecraft), launch considerations, flight trajectories, and [navigation](https://www.britannica.com/technology/navigation-technology), docking, and recovery procedures, _see_ [spaceflight](https://www.britannica.com/science/spaceflight).)
# Major milestones
## Significant milestones in space exploration
- Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of recent space achievements
- History of space exploration
- Human beings in space: debate and consequences
- Science in space
- Space applications
- Issues for the future
- Chronology of crewed spaceflights
- [DigitalCommons at USU - Developing Intelligent Space Systems: A Survey and Rubric for Future Missions (PDF)](https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5540&context=smallsat)
- [ScholarWorks at UARK - Moore�s Law and Space Exploration: New Insights and Next Steps](https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3338&context=jaas)
- [Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - Aviation](https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/topics/aviation)
- [CBC News - How space exploration is advancing remote medicine](https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/how-space-exploration-helps-telemedicine-1.6260213)
- [ABC News - Space exploration brings both everyday innovations and massive economic benefits to Earth](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-17/how-space-exploration-innovations-benefit-earth/11314176)
- [BBC Audio - The Real Story - The future of space exploration](https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/w3csydd3)
- [PNAS - Space exploration and economic growth: New issues and horizons](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2221341120)
- [Lunar and Planetary Institute - Explore - Space Exploration - Background Information](https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/beyondEarth/background/)
- [National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Human Exploration of Space: why, where, what for?](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2577404/)
- [Council on Foreign Relations - Space Exploration and U.S. Competitiveness](https://www.cfr.org/backgrounders/space-exploration-and-us-competitiveness)
- [National Geographic Society - The History of Space Exploration](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/history-space-exploration/)
https://www.britannica.com/science/space-explorationENen.wikipedia.orgfirecrawl
# Space exploration
## See also
Main article: [Outline of space exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_space_exploration)
- [Discovery and exploration of the Solar System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_and_exploration_of_the_Solar_System)
- [Spacecraft propulsion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft_propulsion)
- [List of crewed spacecraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_crewed_spacecraft)
- [List of missions to Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missions_to_Mars)
- [List of missions to the outer planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missions_to_the_outer_planets)
- [List of landings on extraterrestrial bodies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_landings_on_extraterrestrial_bodies)
### Recent and future developments
- [Exploration of Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Mars)
- [Deep space exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_space_exploration)
## External links
| [Space exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_exploration) |
|-|
| - [Benefits](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benefits_of_space_exploration)<br>- [Future](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_of_space_exploration) |
| Topics | - [Astronomy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomy)<br>- [Deep space exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_space_exploration)<br>- [Space colonization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_colonization)<br>- [Space research](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_research)<br>- [Spaceflight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaceflight)<br> - [Human](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_spaceflight)<br> - [Uncrewed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncrewed_spaceflight) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_program) |
| Exploration targets | - [Asteroids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_the_asteroids)<br>- [Comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missions_to_comets)<br>- [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_observation)<br> - [Moon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_the_Moon)<br>- [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Jupiter)<br>- [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Mars)<br> - [Human mission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_mission_to_Mars)<br> - [Phobos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Phobos)<br>- [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Mercury)<br>- [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Neptune)<br>- [Pluto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Pluto)<br>- [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Saturn)<br>- [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Uranus)<br>- [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observations_and_explorations_of_Venus) |
| History | - [List of spaceflight records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_spaceflight_records)<br>- [Timeline of Solar System exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Solar_System_exploration)<br>- [Timeline of space exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_space_exploration) |
| [Space agencies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_government_space_agencies) | - [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China)[CNSA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_National_Space_Administration)<br>- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada)[CSA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Space_Agency)<br>- [ESA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Space_Agency)<br>- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India)[ISRO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Space_Research_Organisation)<br>- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan)[JAXA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JAXA)<br>- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korea)[KASA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korea_AeroSpace_Administration)<br>- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States)[NASA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA)<br>- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia)[Roscosmos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roscosmos)<br>- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Arab_Emirates)[UAESA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Arab_Emirates_Space_Agency) |
| - **[Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Space_exploration)**<br>- **[Outline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_space_exploration)** |
| Related topics |
|-|
| | [... in space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_topics_in_space) |
| --- |
| Biology | | [Human](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_presence_in_space) | - [The human body](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effect_of_spaceflight_on_the_human_body)<br>- [Hygiene](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronautical_hygiene)<br>- [Locomotion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locomotion_in_space)<br>- [Medicine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_medicine)<br>- [Neuroscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroscience_in_space)<br>- [Psychology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_psychology) <br> - [Psychological and sociological effects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_and_sociological_effects_of_spaceflight)<br>- [Sex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_in_space)<br>- [Sleep](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_in_space) |
| Non-<br>human | - [Animals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animals_in_space) <br> - [Cats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9licette)<br> - [Cockroaches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadezhda_(cockroach))<br> - [Dogs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_space_dogs)<br> - [Frogs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbiting_Frog_Otolith)<br> - [Fruit flies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_flies_in_space)<br> - [Mice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fee,_Fi,_Fo,_Fum,_and_Phooey)<br> - [Primates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkeys_and_apes_in_space)<br> - [Tardigrades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tardigrades_in_space)<br> - [Tortoises](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zond_5)<br>- [Extraterrestrial life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrobiology)<br>- [Microorganisms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_microorganisms_tested_in_outer_space)<br>- [Plants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plants_in_space) <br> - [Astrobotany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrobotany) | | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aurora-SpaceShuttle-EO.jpg) |
| Society | - [Advertising](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_advertising)<br>- [Alcohol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_and_spaceflight)<br>- Archaeology<br> - [of Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_sensing_in_archaeology)<br> - [of items in space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_archaeology)<br>- [Art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_art)<br>- [Burial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_burial)<br>- [Colonization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_colonization)<br>- [Economy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-based_economy) <br> - [Mining](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_mining)<br> - [Trade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_trade)<br>- [Ethics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_ethics)<br>- [Exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_exploration)<br>- [Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_law)<br>- [Military](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_force)<br>- [Music](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_in_space)<br>- [Religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_space) <br> - [Christmas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_on_the_International_Space_Station)<br>- [Selfies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_selfie)<br>- [Tourism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_tourism)<br>- [Voting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_in_space)<br>- [War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_warfare)<br>- [Women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_space) |
| [Technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_technology) | | [Human<br><br>spaceflight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_spaceflight) | - [Accidents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_spaceflight-related_accidents_and_incidents)<br>- [Architecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_architecture)<br>- [Farming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_farming)<br>- [Food](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_food) <br> - [Carbonated drinks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Cola_Wars)<br>- [Toilets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_toilet)<br>- [Writing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writing_in_space) |
| Other<br>technologies | - [Logistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_logistics)<br>- [Manufacturing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_manufacturing)<br>- [Mining](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_mining)<br>- Power<br> - [Batteries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batteries_in_space)<br> - [Nuclear](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_in_space)<br> - Solar<br> - [for Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-based_solar_power)<br> - [for spacecraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panels_on_spacecraft)<br>- [Radar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-based_radar)<br>- [Telescopes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_telescope)<br>- [Weapons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_weapon) | |
| **[Outer spaceportal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Outer_space)** |
| [Solar System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System) |
|-|
| <br>- [Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun)<br>- [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(planet))<br>- [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus)<br>- [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth)<br>- [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars)<br>- _[Ceres](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceres_(dwarf_planet))_<br>- [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter)<br>- [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn)<br>- [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranus)<br>- [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune)<br>- _[Orcus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcus_(dwarf_planet))_<br>- _[Pluto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluto)_<br>- _[Haumea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haumea)_<br>- _[Quaoar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaoar)_<br>- _[Makemake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makemake)_<br>- _[Gonggong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonggong_(dwarf_planet))_<br>- _[Eris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eris_(dwarf_planet))_<br>- _[Sedna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedna_(dwarf_planet))_ |
| | | [Planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet),<br>[dwarfs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_planet), <br>[minors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_planet) | - [Terrestrials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrestrial_planet) <br> - [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(planet))<br> - [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus)<br> - [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth)<br> - [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars)<br>- [Giants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_planet) <br> - [Gas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_giant) <br> - [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter)<br> - [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn)<br> - [Ice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_giant) <br> - [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranus)<br> - [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune)<br>- [Dwarfs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_planet) <br> - [Ceres](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceres_(dwarf_planet))<br> - [Orcus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcus_(dwarf_planet))<br> - [Pluto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluto)<br> - [Haumea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haumea)<br> - [Quaoar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaoar)<br> - [Makemake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makemake)<br> - [Gonggong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonggong_(dwarf_planet))<br> - [Eris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eris_(dwarf_planet))<br> - [Sedna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedna_(dwarf_planet))<br>- Large minor planets<br> - [Vesta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4_Vesta)<br> - [Pallas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Pallas)<br> - [Hygiea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10_Hygiea)<br> - [Salacia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/120347_Salacia)<br> - [Máni](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/307261_M%C3%A1ni)<br> - [Achlys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/208996_Achlys)<br> - [Aya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/55565_Aya)<br> - [Chiminigagua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/532037_Chiminigagua)<br> - [Varda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/174567_Varda)<br> - [Ixion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28978_Ixion) |
| [Moons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_satellite) | - Earth<br> - [Moon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon)<br> - [claimed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claimed_moons_of_Earth)<br>- [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Mars) <br> - [Phobos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phobos_(moon))<br> - [Deimos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deimos_(moon))<br>- [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Jupiter) <br> - [Ganymede](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganymede_(moon))<br> - [Callisto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callisto_(moon))<br> - [Io](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Io_(moon))<br> - [Europa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europa_(moon))<br> - [all 115](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Jupiter#List)<br>- [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Saturn) <br> - [Titan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_(moon))<br> - [Rhea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhea_(moon))<br> - [Iapetus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iapetus_(moon))<br> - [Dione](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dione_(moon))<br> - [Tethys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tethys_(moon))<br> - [Enceladus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enceladus)<br> - [Mimas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimas)<br> - [Hyperion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperion_(moon))<br> - [Phoebe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoebe_(moon))<br> - [all 293](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Saturn#List)<br>- [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Uranus) <br> - [Titania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titania_(moon))<br> - [Oberon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberon_(moon))<br> - [Umbriel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbriel)<br> - [Ariel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_(moon))<br> - [Miranda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miranda_(moon))<br> - [all 29](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Uranus#List)<br>- [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Neptune) <br> - [Triton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triton_(moon))<br> - [Proteus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proteus_(moon))<br> - [Nereid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nereid_(moon))<br> - [all 16](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Neptune#List)<br>- [Pluto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Pluto) <br> - [Charon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charon_(moon))<br> - [Nix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nix_(moon))<br> - [Hydra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydra_(moon))<br> - [Kerberos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerberos_(moon))<br> - [Styx](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styx_(moon))<br>- Orcus<br> - [Vanth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanth_(moon))<br>- [Haumea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Haumea) <br> - [Hiʻiaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hi%CA%BBiaka_(moon))<br> - [Namaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaka_(moon))<br>- Quaoar<br> - [Weywot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weywot)<br>- Makemake<br> - [S/2015 (136472) 1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S/2015_(136472)_1)<br>- Gonggong<br> - [Xiangliu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiangliu_(moon))<br>- Eris<br> - [Dysnomia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysnomia_(moon)) |
| [Rings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_system) | - [Planetary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_system#Ring_systems_of_planets) <br> - [Terran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Earth)<br> - [Jovian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Jupiter)<br> - [Saturnian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Saturn)( [Rhean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Rhea)?)<br> - [Uranian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Uranus)<br> - [Neptunian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Neptune)<br>- [Minor objects'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_system#Rings_systems_of_minor_planets_and_moons) <br> - [Charikloan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Chariklo)<br> - [Chironean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2060_Chiron#Rings)<br> - [Haumean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haumea#Ring)<br> - [Quaoarian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaoar#Rings) |
| [Exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_exploration)<br>( [outline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_space_exploration)) | - [Discovery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_and_exploration_of_the_Solar_System) <br> - [Models](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System_model) <br> - [Historical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_models_of_the_Solar_System)<br> - [timeline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_discovery_of_Solar_System_planets_and_their_moons)<br>- [Space probes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_probe) <br> - [timeline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Solar_System_exploration)<br> - [list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Solar_System_probes)<br>- [Human spaceflight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_spaceflight) <br> - [list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_crewed_spacecraft)<br> - [Space stations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_station)<br> - [programs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_spaceflight_programs)<br> - [Colonization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_colonization)<br>- [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Mercury)<br>- [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observations_and_explorations_of_Venus)<br>- [Moon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_the_Moon) <br> - [mining](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_resources)<br>- [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Mars)<br>- [Asteroids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missions_to_minor_planets) <br> - [mining](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_mining)<br>- [Comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missions_to_comets)<br>- [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Jupiter)<br>- [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Saturn)<br>- [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Uranus)<br>- [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Neptune)<br>- [Pluto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Pluto)<br>- [Deep space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_space_exploration)<br>- [Sample-return](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sample-return_mission) <br> - [Curation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_sample_curation) |
| [Small<br><br>Solar<br><br>System<br><br>bodies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Solar_System_body) | - [Asteroids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid) <br> - [Asteroid belt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_belt)<br> - [Active](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_asteroid)<br> - [Families](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_family)<br> - [PHA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potentially_hazardous_object)<br> - [Exceptional](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_exceptional_asteroids)<br> - [Kirkwood gap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkwood_gap)<br> - [Spectral types](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_spectral_types)<br>- [Quasi-satellite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quasi-satellite)<br>- [Comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet) <br> - [Dark comet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_comet)<br> - [Great](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_comet)<br> - [Extinct](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinct_comet)<br>- [Meteoroids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteoroid)<br>- Minor planets<br> - [Moons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor-planet_moon)<br> - [Names and meanings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meanings_of_minor-planet_names)<br> - [Designation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor-planet_designation)<br>- Planetary orbit-crossers <br> - [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mercury-crossing_minor_planets)<br> - [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Venus-crossing_minor_planets)<br> - [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Earth-crossing_asteroids)<br> - [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mars-crossing_minor_planets)<br> - [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jupiter-crossing_minor_planets)<br>- [Trojans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojan_(celestial_body)) <br> - [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_ND15)<br> - [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_trojan)<br> - [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_trojan)<br> - [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_trojan) <br> - [Trojan camp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jupiter_trojans_(Trojan_camp))<br> - [Greek camp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jupiter_trojans_(Greek_camp))<br> - [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_UO14)<br> - [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranus_trojan)<br> - [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune_trojan)<br>- [Near-Earth objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near-Earth_object) <br> - [Amors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amor_asteroid)<br> - [Apollos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_asteroid)<br> - [Atens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aten_asteroid)<br> - [Atiras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atira_asteroid)<br>- [Distant minor planet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distant_minor_planet) <br> - [Centaurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centaur_(small_Solar_System_body))<br> - [Damocloids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damocloid)<br> - [Trans-Neptunian objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Neptunian_object) <br> - [Resonant KBOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resonant_trans-Neptunian_object)<br> - [Plutinos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutino)<br> - [Extreme trans-Neptunian objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extreme_trans-Neptunian_object) <br> - [Detached objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detached_object)<br> - [Sednoids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sednoid) |
| [Spaceflight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaceflight) |
|-|
| [Human<br><br>spaceflight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_spaceflight) | | General | - [Astronaut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronaut) <br> - [commercial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_astronaut)<br>- [Life-support system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life-support_system) <br> - [Animals in space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animals_in_space)<br> - [Bioastronautics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioastronautics)<br> - [Space suit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_suit)<br>- [Extravehicular activity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extravehicular_activity)<br>- [Overview effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overview_effect)<br>- [Weightlessness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlessness)<br>- [Space toilet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_toilet)<br>- [Space tourism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_tourism)<br>- [Space colonization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_colonization)<br>- [Space diving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_diving) |
| Programs | - [Vostok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vostok_programme)<br>- [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Mercury)<br>- [Voskhod](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voskhod_programme)<br>- [Gemini](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Gemini)<br>- [Soyuz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz_programme)<br>- [Apollo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_program) <br> - [Skylab](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skylab)<br> - [Apollo–Soyuz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo%E2%80%93Soyuz)<br>- [Space Shuttle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_program)<br>- [Mir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mir) <br> - [Shuttle–Mir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuttle%E2%80%93Mir_program)<br>- [International Space Station](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Station)<br>- [Shenzhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Manned_Space_Program)<br>- [Tiangong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiangong_program)<br>- [New Shepard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Shepard)<br>- [Artemis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis_program) |
| [Spacecraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft) | - [Launch vehicle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Launch_vehicle)<br>- [Rocket](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket)<br>- [Space capsule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_capsule) <br> - [Orbital module](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_module)<br> - [Reentry capsule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reentry_capsule)<br> - [Service module](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_module)<br>- [Spaceplane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaceplane)<br>- [Robotic spacecraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotic_spacecraft) <br> - [Satellite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite)<br> - [Space probe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_probe)<br> - [Lander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lander_(spacecraft))<br> - [Rover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rover_(space_exploration))<br> - [Self-replicating spacecraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-replicating_spacecraft)<br> - [Space telescope](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_telescope)<br>- [Spacecraft propulsion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft_propulsion) <br> - [Rocket engine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_engine)<br> - [Electric propulsion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft_electric_propulsion)<br> - [Propellantless propulsion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propellantless_propulsion)<br> - [Solar sail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_sail)<br> - [Gravity assist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_assist) |
| Destinations | - [Sub-orbital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub-orbital_spaceflight)<br>- [Orbital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_spaceflight) <br> - [Geocentric](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocentric_orbit)<br> - [Geosynchronous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geosynchronous_orbit)<br>- [Interplanetary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interplanetary_spaceflight)<br>- [Interstellar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_travel)<br>- [Intergalactic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergalactic_travel) |
| [Space launch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_launch) | - [Direct ascent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_ascent)<br>- [Escape velocity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escape_velocity)<br>- [Expendable](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expendable_launch_system) and [reusable launch systems](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reusable_launch_vehicle)<br>- [Launch pad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Launch_pad)<br>- [Non-rocket spacelaunch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-rocket_spacelaunch)<br>- [Spaceport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaceport) |
| [Ground segment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_segment) | - [Flight controller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_controller)<br>- [Ground station](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_station)<br>- [Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_pass)<br>- [Mission control center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_control_center) |
| - [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Spaceflight)<br>- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Symbol_portal_class.svg)[Portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Spaceflight) |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_explorationENwww.nasa.govfirecrawl
Space exploration unites the world to inspire the next generation, make ground-breaking discoveries, and create new opportunities.
https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/why-go-to-space/ENwww.apu.apus.edufirecrawl
Space exploration plays a huge role in expanding our understanding of the universe – from studying planets to learning the mysteries of black ...
https://www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/math-and-science/resources/why-should-we-explore-space/ENaerospace.orgfirecrawl
# A Brief History of Space Exploration
The development of ballistic missiles, first used by Germany toward the end of World War II, paved the way for the launch vehicles that would fuel a space race between the Soviet Union and the United States. The space race was then followed by an era of space cooperation, highlighted by the International Space Station.
Humans have always looked up into the night sky and dreamed about space.
In the latter half of the 20th century, rockets were developed that were powerful enough to overcome the force of gravity to reach orbital velocities, paving the way for space exploration to become a reality.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Nazi Germany saw the possibilities of using long-distance rockets as weapons. Late in World War II, London was attacked by 200-mile-range V-2 missiles, which arched 60 miles high over the English Channel at more than 3,500 miles per hour. After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union created their own missile programs.
On Oct. 4, 1957, the Soviets launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, into space. Four years later on April 12, 1961, Russian Lt. Yuri Gagarin became the first human to orbit Earth in Vostok 1. His flight lasted 108 minutes, and Gagarin reached an altitude of 327 kilometers (about 202 miles).
The first U.S. satellite, Explorer 1, went into orbit on Jan. 31, 1958. In 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American to fly into space. On Feb. 20, 1962, John Glenn’s historic flight made him the first American to orbit Earth.
### Space Shuttle
In April 1981, the launch of the space shuttle Columbia ushered in a period of reliance on the reusable shuttle for most civilian and military space missions. Twenty-four successful shuttle launches fulfilled many scientific and military requirements until Jan. 28,1986, when just 73 seconds after liftoff, the space shuttle Challenger exploded. The crew of seven was killed, including Christa McAuliffe, a teacher from New Hampshire who would have been the first civilian in space.
The Space Shuttle was the first reusable spacecraft to carry people into orbit; launch, recover, and repair satellites; conduct cutting-edge research; and help build the International Space Station.
The Columbia disaster was the second shuttle tragedy. On Feb. 1, 2003, the shuttle broke apart while reentering the Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. The disaster occurred over Texas, and only minutes before it was scheduled to land at the Kennedy Space Center. An investigation determined the catastrophe was caused by a piece of foam insulation that broke off the shuttle’s propellant tank and damaged the edge of the shuttle’s left wing. It was the second loss of a shuttle in 113 shuttle flights. After each of the disasters, space shuttle flight operations were suspended for more than two years.
Discovery was the first of the three active space shuttles to be retired, completing its final mission on March 9, 2011; Endeavour did so on June 1. The final shuttle mission was completed with the landing of Atlantis on July 21, 2011, closing the 30-year space shuttle program.
The Gulf War proved the value of satellites in modern conflicts. During this war, allied forces were able to use their control of the “high ground” of space to achieve a decisive advantage. Satellites were used to provide information on enemy troop formations and movements, early warning of enemy missile attacks, and precise navigation in the featureless desert terrain. The advantages of satellites allowed the coalition forces to quickly bring the war to a conclusion, saving many lives.
Space systems continue to become more and more integral to homeland defense, weather surveillance, communication, navigation, imaging, and remote sensing for chemicals, fires, and other disasters.
### International Space Station
The International Space Station is a research laboratory in low Earth orbit. With many different partners contributing to its design and construction, this high-flying laboratory has become a symbol of cooperation in space exploration, with former competitors now working together.
The station has been continuously occupied since the arrival of Expedition 1 in November of 2000. The station is serviced by a variety of visiting spacecraft: the Russian Soyuz and Progress; the American Dragon and Cygnus; the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle; and formerly the Space Shuttle and the European Automated Transfer Vehicle. It has been visited by astronauts, cosmonauts, and space tourists from 17 different nations.
Most U.S. military and scientific satellites are launched into orbit by a family of expendable launch vehicles designed for a variety of missions.
### The Future Of Space Exploration
During Exploration Mission-1, Orion will venture thousands of miles beyond the Moon during an approximately three-week mission.
Modern space exploration is reaching areas once only dreamed about. Mars is focal point of modern space exploration, and manned Mars exploration is a long-term goal of the
NASA is on a journey to Mars, with a goal of sending humans to the Red Planet in the 2030s.
NASA and its partners have sent orbiters, landers, and rovers, increasing our knowledge about the planet. The Curiosity Rover has gathered radiation data to protect astronauts, and the MARS 2020 Rover will study the availability of oxygen and other Martian resources.
https://aerospace.org/article/brief-history-space-explorationENeducation.nationalgeographic.orgfirecrawl
# The History of the Space Race
During the time that has passed since the launching of the first artificial satellite in 1957, astronauts have traveled to the moon, probes have explored the solar system, and instruments in space have discovered thousands of planets around other stars.
### Subjects
##### Apollo 11 Astronauts on Moon
###### Articles & Profiles
[Key dates in history of space exploration](https://phys.org/news/2012-08-key-dates-history-space-exploration.html) [NASA: 60 Years of Space Exploration](https://www.space.com/38700-nasa-history.html)
exploration
### Related Resources
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Sending humans to the moon is celebrated as the ultimate crewed space mission, but it was not the end of human space efforts.\
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https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/history-space-exploration/ENwww.planetary.orgfirecrawl
## FLASH MATCH OPPORTUNITY!
NASA, the world's space agencies, and other groups explore our solar system and beyond with space missions.
# Moon
### In Progress
- China's [Queqiao-2](https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/queqiao-2-chinas-bridge-for-lunar-exploration) lunar communications relay satellite launched on March 19, 2024. Also riding to lunar orbit were Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2, a pair of experimental lunar communications satellites.
- NASA's [CAPSTONE spacecraft](https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/small_spacecraft/capstone) launched in July 2022 to explore the fuel-saving lunar orbit that the Gateway space station will use later this decade.
# Mars
### In Progress
- NASA's [Curiosity](https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/curiosity) rover explores an ancient lake bed that once had conditions that could have supported life.
- The NASA-funded [ESCAPADE](https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/robert-lillis-escapade-mars) twin orbiters launched in 2025 to explore how the solar wind strips away Mars' atmosphere.
# Small Worlds
### In Progress
- NASA's [New Horizons](https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/new-horizons), launched in 2006, is exploring a region of the Solar System called the Kuiper Belt.
- NASA's [OSIRIS-REx](https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/osiris-rex), launched in 2016, returned a sample of asteroid Bennu to Earth in September 2023. It is now traveling to asteroid Apophis as part of the [OSIRIS-APEX](https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/osiris-apex) mission.
- NASA's [Lucy](https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/lucy) mission launched in 2021 to explore asteroids that share Jupiter's orbit.
- ESA's [Hera](https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/hera) spacecraft launched in 2024 to study the asteroid that NASA's [DART](https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/dart) mission impacted in 2022.
# Neptune
- NASA's [Voyager 2](https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/voyager) is the only spacecraft to have visited Neptune. It flew past the planet in 1989, and is now exploring interstellar space.
# Solar System and Beyond
### In Progress
- NASA's [TESS](https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/tess) hunts for exoplanets around bright, nearby stars.
### Coming Soon
- ESA's [PLATO](https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Plato) mission will search for planets around other stars, especially Earth-like planets that could potentially host liquid water on their surfaces. It is slated to launch in 2026.
https://www.planetary.org/space-missionsENwww.youtube.comfirecrawl
Exploring Mars has been apart of our story for decades, from helping land Viking 1 on the Red Planet to supporting NASA's next generation of ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qDaEdGWY64ENwww.space.comfirecrawl
The latest Space Exploration breaking news, comment, reviews and features from the experts at Space Exploration Coverage.
https://www.space.com/space-explorationENwww.space.comfirecrawl
Get the latest space exploration, innovation and astronomy news. Space.com celebrates humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier.
https://www.space.com/