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.
Related Topics: Stargazer Photos, SpaceKids, Space Books
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Latest about space history photos
On this day in space! Oct. 14, 1947: Chuck Yeager smashes the sound barrier.
By Hanneke Weitering published
On Oct. 14, 1947, Chuck Yeager smashed the sound barrier in the secret experimental X-1 aircraft.
20 trailblazing women in astronomy and astrophysics
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
From discovering planets to following comets, women all over the world play a crucial role in astronomy.
Solid rocket boosters for shuttle Endeavour exhibit capped with nose cones
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The work to stand up two rockets for the launchpad-like exhibit of NASA's retired space shuttle Endeavour has been capped, literally and figuratively, with the addition of two nose cones.
Mary Cleave, space shuttle astronaut who led NASA's science division, dies at 76
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Mary Cleave, who launched twice on the space shuttle before becoming the first woman to head NASA's science division, has died. Cleave was the 10th woman to fly in space and spent 11 days in orbit.
Astronaut Tom Jones' new book gathers 'Space Shuttle Stories' from fellow fliers
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Tom Jones has his share of space shuttle stories to tell. His new book includes some, but adds to his experiences through the accounts of more than 130 other shuttle astronauts.
New collectible pin buttons depict 'For All Mankind' space mission patches
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
With the return of 'For All Mankind quickly approaching, now is the time to 'button up' for the alternate space history series' journey to Mars. Fortunately, Icon Heroes has exactly what you need.
Not a fake, JFK 'choose the moon' lectern restored to public display
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
As it turns out, the lectern from which President John F. Kennedy proclaimed 'We choose to go to the moon' has been rightly on display for 30 years, contrary to a report that it was a fake.
Karol 'Bo' Bobko, former NASA astronaut who flew three shuttle missions, dies at 85
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Karol 'Bo' Bobko, who was the only NASA astronaut to fly on the first launch of two space shuttle orbiters, has died at the age of 85. In total, Bobko logged 16 days, 2 hours and 3 minutes in space.
Astronaut-artist Karen Nyberg unveils quilt portraits of first women to fly in space
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The 50th woman to fly into space, Karen Nyberg has paid tribute to the first woman and first American woman to do so with a pair of original works celebrating the first 60 years of women in space.
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