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Major Space Events

Group 1- 1957

First Satellite to Orbit Earth

October 4, 1957
The Soviet Union launches the first artificial satellite. Called Sputnik, a combination of words
meaning "fellow-traveler of Earth," it weighs about 184 pounds. Sputnik circles the globe
beeping radio signals, demonstrating that the Soviets have rockets that could send warheads
anywhere on Earth. This event triggers the space race between the United States and the
Soviet Union.

Group 2- 1969

First Moon Landing

July 20, 1969

During the flight of Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong becomes the first man to walk on the moon.
Buzz Aldrin is the second. Armstrong says, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap
for mankind." Millions of people watch live on television.

Group 3- 1983

First American Woman in Space

June, 18, 1983

Sally Ride is part of the crew for the seventh space shuttle flight, STS-7. The first AfricanAmerican astronaut, Guion Bluford, follows on the next flight on August 30.

Group 4- 2004

First Spacecraft to Orbit Saturn

July 1, 2004
Cassini-Huygens became the first spacecraft to go into orbit around Saturn. Later in the
year the spacecraft flew within 800 miles of Saturns largest moon, Titan. Titan is also the
only moon in our solar system with an atmosphere.

Name:

Date:

Directions: Please cut pictures of each space event on the next page and glue in
chronological order on this page

1957

1983

1969

2004

Directions: Cut these images out and glue on previous page in chronological order.