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  3. Space Exploration

Space Exploration

Space exploration, one of the greatest technological achievements in human history, includes the Apollo missions, the Space Shuttles Columbia and Challenger, and people like Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.

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Apollo 11

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1969 Moon Landing

JFK’s Pledge Leads to Start of Apollo Program The American effort to send astronauts to the moon had its origins in an appeal President Kennedy made to a special joint session of Congress on May 25, 1961: “I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing […]

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Astronaut Neil Armstrong, Commander of NASA's Apollo 11 lunar landing mission, photographed at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) in Houston, Texas, July 1969.

Neil Armstrong

Military Service Astronaut, military pilot, educator. Born on August 5, 1930, near Wapakoneta, Ohio. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong made history by becoming the first man to walk on the moon. He developed a fascination with flight at an early age and earned his student pilot’s license when he was 16. In 1947, Armstrong […]

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HISTORY: Apollo 13

Apollo 13

Apollo 13’s Mission On April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. On board were astronauts James Lovell, John “Jack” Swigert and Fred Haise. Their mission was to reach the Fra Mauro highlands of the moon and explore the Imbrium Basin, conducting geological experiments along the way. WATCH: Apollo 13: Modern Marvels on […]

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Astronaut Buzz Aldrin inside the Apollo 11 prior to the lunar landing on July 20, 1969. (Credit: NASA)

Buzz Aldrin

Buzz Aldrin’s Early Life Born Edwin Eugene “Buzz” Aldrin, Jr. on January 20, 1930, in Montclair, New Jersey. The nickname “Buzz” originated in childhood: his little sister mispronounced the word “brother” as “buzzer.” His family shortened the nickname to “Buzz.” Aldrin would make it his legal first name in 1988. His mother, Marion Moon, was […]

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Our Changing View of Earth from Space: Photos

Since the Apollo missions began, space programs have offered a unique perspective on our home planet.

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Little-Known Facts About the Moon Landing

8 Little-Known Facts About the Moon Landing

When Neil Armstrong stepped down a ladder and onto the moon on July 20, 1969, the nation achieved an audacious vision. But there were surprising moments along the way and not everything went as expected.

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See Photos of How Astronauts Trained for the Apollo Moon Missions

NASA created simulations that mimicked everything from the moon’s gravity to its landscape.

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History of Homework

How the Cold War Space Race Led to US Students Doing Tons of Homework

In the first half of the 20th century, U.S. educators shunned homework. The Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik 1 changed that.

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This Day in History: 10/04/1957 – Sputnik Launched

Space Exploration

This Day in History: 07/20/1969 – Armstrong Walks on Moon

Space Exploration

This Day in History: 10/29/1998 – John Glenn Returns to Space

Space Exploration

This Day in History: 07/29/1958 – NASA Created

Space Exploration

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2006

Pluto is demoted

Space Exploration
1990

“Pale Blue Dot” photo of Earth is taken

Space Exploration
1993

Astronaut Ellen Ochoa becomes the first Hispanic woman in space

Space Exploration
2004

The Mars Exploration Rover “Spirit” safely lands on the Red Planet

Space Exploration
2000

First residential crew arrives aboard the International Space Station

Space Exploration
2011

NASA’s final space shuttle mission comes to an end

Space Exploration
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