NASA
was first created in 1958 to get the US into space. In the early
1960's NASA started the Apollo
missions. These missions were carried out between the 1960's and
extended into the 1970's. The first Apollo mission focused on
sending humans into space. This launch date was scheduled for
January 27, 1967, after hours of delays and problems, a spark
inside the spacecraft went off and instantly engulfed the ship.
When rescuers went to pry open the hatch, the crew was dead.
Because of this, new precautions were taken to make space travel
safer and more reliable. After a series of successfull Apollo
missions sending men into space, the first lunar landing was
executed in Apollo 11. This was NASA's crowning achievement, and
gave NASA growing popularity in the public's eyes.
To learn more about NASA go to www.nasa.gov
