Daily Facts about NASA

2009

NASA announces the discovery of water on the moon.

2006

NASA launches the New Horizons spacecraft, initiating a mission to explore Pluto and the Kuiper Belt in our solar system.

2000

The first long-term crew, Expedition 1, arrives at the International Space Station (ISS), marking the beginning of continuous human presence in space.

1999

NASA launches the Mars Polar Lander with the goal of exploring Mars, although the mission sadly fails to establish contact upon reaching the planet.

1986

The Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrates just 73 seconds after liftoff, leading to the tragic loss of all seven crew members on board.

1980

Voyager 1, the spacecraft, makes its closest approach to Saturn, capturing stunning images and conducting scientific observations.

1972

Apollo 17, the final mission of NASA's Apollo program and the last crewed lunar landing to date, launches from Kennedy Space Center.

1972

Astronaut Eugene Cernan becomes the last person to walk on the Moon during NASA's Apollo 17 mission, concluding the era of lunar exploration.

1972

NASA's Apollo 17 mission is launched, marking the final mission of the Apollo program and the last time humans walk on the Moon.

1971

Mariner 9, an American space probe, becomes the first spacecraft to successfully orbit the planet Mars.