Spaceflight has become an incredible reality thanks to the scientists, engineers, and astronauts who have travelled to space and back in search of answers about our great, big universe
Space exploration, one of humanity's greatest accomplishments, has given us a glimpse of the cosmos for years. Every piece of information brought home by astronauts builds on the hope for a future where improved technology, multi-planetary civilisation, and ample knowledge of the universe is met. We've gone so far since Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin's flight on 12 April 1961, when he became the first man to reach space and orbit the earth.
The Apollo 11 landing that happened on 20 July 1969, where astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, and Michael Collins made history by stepping on the moon, was also unforgettable. But it's also incredible to know that over 500 astronauts have also been to space since the very first spaceship had launched.
Let's revisit five successful spaceflight missions over the years and honour mankind's world-changing achievement—human space travel:
1. The Suspenseful Accident Of Apollo 13
Several hours in, mankind would have returned to the moon for the third time. But nine minutes after a 49-minute TV broadcast of Apollo 13's crew, one of the oxygen tanks exploded, causing both tanks to fail. Electricity, light, and water were escaping in seconds—and the oxygen tank was next. What followed was a long and cold trip back home. On the upside—the crew successfully returned home safely.