Space.comTopic:
Space History Photos
The history of space exploration is rich with photos from NASA that detail the history of space travel, breakthrough propulsion systems, groundbreaking astronauts and missions, and robotic exploration. Each weekday, SPACE.com looks back at the history of spaceflight, from the early days of the space race through the space shuttle era, from the years of the first rockets and satellites to the test-flight era that preceded human spaceflight, and of course beyond.
11
Deep Space 1, the first spacecraft to use ion propulsion as its main engine, being assembled.
A missile-like object, used to test air inlet efficiency, buried its nose in the ground.
Space Shuttle Columbia is prepared for an upcoming launch with its payload inside.
One of many space station concepts, the Manned Orbiting Laboratory was planned for launch in 1969.
Astronaut Mark Lee tests the SAFER system.
A plane was quickly marked with NASA information to back up a cover-up story was quickly released to explain the presence of an airplane over the Soviet Union.
Crew members participate in training for in-flight maintenance.
One of three concepts, the free-flying lunar lander became the most important simulator for the Moon missions.
The structure was designed to simulate and study human response in air traffic control towers.
A Titan rocket from the Gemini family prepares to deliver the Viking toward Mars.
Stennis Space Center stands where this sawmill once was.
The Puma Robotic Arm aided in the development and study of Virtual Reality.
The telescope is pictured during the second servicing mission in 1997.
Jerrie Cobb was first woman to pass all three phases of the Mercury Astronaut Program.
The station in movie was based on an actual model concept designed by Werner Von Braun.
The Thunderbolt was one of several high speed aircraft used in research by the NACA.
During the Apollo 15 mission, Astronaut David R. Scott explores the Hadley Delta.
11
