Space exploration is the exploration of the solar system (and, theoretically, beyond) that involves actually going into space. Space exploration began with the launch of Sputnik, and unmanned space exploration began with the orbital flight of
Yuri Gagarin in April, 1961.
- Manned space missions
- Mercury program
- Gemini program
- Apollo program
- Unmanned space missions
- Astronauts
- Space stations