You likely do not know that, because they do not study non-US space exploration in US schools, nor american media likes to mention the fact that "commies" had beaten "free US" in space exploration all over.

Russians were first. They launched first Earth orbiting satellite called "Sputnik" on Oct 4, 1957.

Who sent first living creature into space? Again russians. On Nov 3, 1958 they launched dog "Laika" with first space life support system on Earth orbit.

Who launched first space lab (satellite with various devices to investigate Earth's magnetic field, Earth's ionosphere composition, primary cosmic rays composition, etc.)? Again russians - on May 15, 1958.

First Lunar probe? Russians (Luna 1, Jan 2, 1959). First spacecraft landed on Moon? Russians, Sep 12, 1959 (Luna-2).

First Lunar satellite (took first puctures of back side of Moon)? Russian - Luna 3 (Oct 4, 1989.

First interplanetary probe? Russians (Venus probe Sputnik 8, Feb 12, 1961).

First probe to Mars? Also russians.

Now, who was the first man in space, may I ask you? Russian. Communist. His name is Yourii Gagarin. Made first orbital flight on April 12, 1961.

First woman in space? Russian too. Valentina Tershkova. Commie.

First docking in space? Russians. First walk in space? Russians. Commies. First Space station? Commies.

• Russians are people too - harvey1 - December 10, 2001 - 14:13 UTC
• well, at least you are giving me an honorary Russian name - carefuluniverse - December 11, 2001 - 23:29 UTC