Space Exploration

Space exploration, one of the greatest technological achievements in human history, has included the Apollo missions, the launch of the Hubble Telescope and the Space Shuttle missions, among others. These endeavors have been carried out by determined and courageous men and women.

Featured Overview

Illustration by Eduardo Ramón Trejo. Photos from Getty Images.

Start Here

Yes, there was rocket science. But there were also extraordinary amounts of low-tech weaving, stitching and caulking.

These ground-breaking female mathematicians, engineers and scientists produced calculations crucial to the success of NASA's early space missions.

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

On January 28, 1986, seven lives were lost when safety concerns were not communicated amid pressure to proceed with the launch.

NASA’s Early Years

NASA's Early Years

In 1958, NASA was founded and quickly took up the goal of sending a man into Earth's orbit -- and safely returning him home. Seven men were chosen for Project Mercury, embarking on years of training to prepare for a journey no one had made before.

4:21m watch

Explore All Related Topics

Space Exploration

For decades, humanity has searched for signs of alien life, but many have been disproven or remain inconclusive.

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

The three stranded astronauts caught a free ride back to Earth using the moon's gravity.

NASA astronaut Bill Anders snapped the awe-inspiring view.

Advertisement
Space Exploration

Earthrise: The Photo That Energized Environmentalism and Inspired Earth Day

The famous Earthrise photo, taken during the 1968 Apollo 8 mission, is an image that very nearly didn’t exist. The circumstances that led to it were a feat of invention, innovation and human ingenuity.

Space Exploration

The Man Who Let Humans Touch the Moon

Dr. Farouk El-Baz, an Egyptian American scientist and geologist, played a crucial role in helping NASA plan the Apollo program.

1:00m watch

On January 28, 1986, seven lives were lost when safety concerns were not communicated amid pressure to proceed with the launch.

In 1960, Joe Kittinger ascended more than 19 miles above Earth—then leapt.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The famous comet only passes by the Earth roughly once every 76 years, but its appearances have often influenced historical events.

Apollo 13 was the seventh manned mission in the Apollo Space program (1961-1975) and the third lunar landing mission, though the three astronauts aboard never reached the moon and scrambled to survive what became a hair-raising rescue mission.

Our fascination with alien life on the red planet began long ago.

Space Exploration

The First Space Shuttle Flight

On April 12, 1981, NASA launched the first space shuttle into orbit.

3:22m watch
Advertisement

From lava fields in Idaho to deserts of Chile, NASA sought out some of Earth’s most extreme landscapes to simulate surfaces of other planets.

The Apollo program’s sixth human landing on the moon ended an epic chapter in space exploration.

It was supposed to be the third-ever moon landing. It turned into a rescue mission.

What was supposed to be the third space mission to land on the moon ended in disaster. But NASA learned from its mistakes.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement