12 Questions About the History of Space Exploration Answered: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos

Space shuttle launch

Ares I-X test rocket; Constellation program

Labeled diagram of a U.S. space shuttle showing its three main components: the winged orbiter with cargo bay and crew area, a large external liquid-propellant tank, and two solid-fuel rocket boosters, with key parts and systems identified.

Hubble Space Telescope

Yuri Gagarin in a spacesuit and helmet sits in preparation for the first manned space flight in 1961, with two uniformed men standing behind him.

Valentina Tereshkova wearing a Soviet space suit and helmet with CCCP lettering, standing in front of a spacecraft hatch.

See All Images →

Topics

space exploration 5 Unforgettable Moments in the History of Spaceflight and Space Exploration spaceflight How long would it take to get to Mars?Laika astronaut Moon exploration space law How One Shrimp Used Its Survival Skills to Become Both Best-Selling Pet and Astronaut Today in History—January 16: “Thirty-Five New Guys”—Six of Whom Were Women Who was the first cat in space?