1969 in Science - Astronomy and Space Exploration

Astronomy and Space Exploration

  • January 15 - The Soviet Union launches Soyuz 5.
  • March 3 - Apollo program: NASA launches Apollo 9 to test the lunar module.
  • March 13 - Apollo program: Apollo 9 returns safely to Earth after testing the Lunar Module.
  • May 16 - Venera program: Venera 5, a Soviet spaceprobe, lands on Venus.
  • May 17 - Venera program: Soviet Venera 6 begins to descend into Venus', atmosphere sending back atmospheric data before being crushed by pressure.
  • May 18 - Apollo program: Apollo 10 launches.
  • May 22 - Apollo program: Apollo 10's lunar module flies within 15,400 m of the Moon's surface.
  • May 26 - Apollo program: Apollo 10 returns to Earth after a successful eight-day test of all the components needed for the upcoming first manned Moon landing.
  • July 20 - Apollo program: The human race, represented by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, lands on the Moon. Apollo 11 lifted off for the Moon on July 16 and returned safely on July 24.
  • August 5 - Mariner program: Mariner 7 makes its closest fly-by of Mars (3,524 kilometers).
  • November 14 - Apollo program: NASA launches Apollo 12, the second manned mission to the surface of the Moon (landed on the Moon on November 19).
  • November 19 - Apollo program: Apollo 12 astronauts Charles Conrad and Alan Bean land at Oceanus Procellarum ("Ocean of Storms") and become the third and fourth humans to walk on the Moon.

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