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30th Anniversary of The Planetary Society

Space Topics

Planetary Exploration Timelines

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Humans have been exploring space ever since they first noticed the wandering planets moving against the background of fixed stars. Since then, discoveries about the planets have stimulated further research, the development of new technologies, and the ability to launch into space. The planets have also stimulated human creativity, with the planets entering popular culture as the home of alien civilizations.

These timelines were originally compiled by A. J. S. Rayl, Melanie Melton, and Emily Lakdawalla, and were revised and expanded by Courtney Dressing.

Space Exploration from prehistory to 1698 »
A Mars Timeline from 1700 to 1959 »
A Mars timeline from 1960 through 2005 »

Other timelines are in progress.

Recent Headlines

04 Feb 10 Hubble Photos Reveal "Dramatic" Surface Changes on Pluto

31 Jan 10 Mars Exploration Rovers Update: Robots Pass 6-Year Milestone as Spirit Halts Extrication, Opportunity Cruises to New Crater

21 Jan 10 BLOG: Your Chance to Shoot Your Own Image of Mars

11 Jan 10 Results from the Rosetta Encounter with Asteroid 2867 Steins

07 Jan 10 BLOG: 400 Years of the Galilean Satellites

04 Jan 10 What's Up in the Solar System in January 2010

31 Dec 09 Mars Exploration Rovers Update: Spirit Perseveres Struggles, Opportunity Digs Marquette Island and We Look Back

31 Dec 09 The Year in Pictures: 2009

13 Nov 09 LCROSS Lunar Impactor Mission: "Yes, We Found Water!"

18 Jun 09 Blog: LRO and LCROSS Launch!