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Space Missions

Space Stations

Did you know there are always humans in space? 

Since 1971, men and women have been living for months at a time on space stations. These are spacecraft large enough for several astronauts to live there at once. 

The International Space Station (ISS) is shown in orbit above Earth, with its distinctive structure including multiple modules and large solar arrays extending from either side, reflecting sunlight against the dark backdrop of space
This work by NASA/Crew of STS-132 is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal
International Space Station, as photographed by Space Shuttle Atlantis

Crewed Missions

Humans have been travelling to space since the 1950s. 

We have used telescopes to study space for centuries, but it was the invention of massive rockets which finally let us explore space in person. 

Astronaut performing a spacewalk attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm with Earth visible in the background
This work by NASA is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal
An astronaut on an EVA (extravehicular activity) on the International Space Station

Firsts in Space

The journey to space didn’t start with humans. Before astronauts, animals were sent to test if living things could survive the trip. From fruit flies to dogs, these animals played a key role in space exploration. Some, like Laika the dog, became famous for their bravery. 

An image showing an astronaut floating in space above Earth with the text 'Space Exploration' in blue and purple font at the top. The background is a black sky with the curvature of the Earth visible at the bottom
This work by NASA is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal