Space Exploration — From Sputnik to Mars

Space exploration is the practical side of astronomy — actually sending instruments and humans beyond Earth. It tests materials, trains engineers and returns unique scientific data.

Milestones

• 1957 — Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite.
• 1969 — Apollo 11 Moon landing.
• 1977 — Voyager 1 and 2 begin the grand tour.
• 1998 — International Space Station assembly starts.
• 2012+ — Mars rovers (Curiosity, Perseverance) and sample-return missions.