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While John Glenn is usually given credit, as he was the first American to orbit the Earth, the first in space was actually Alan Shepard Jr. (1923-1998). Shepard, a US Navy pilot, became the first US astronaut in space on May 5, 1961, followed by fellow astronaut Gus Grissom on July 21. These were both sub-orbital flights of approximately 15 minutes each. John Glenn became the first US astronaut in orbit, making three orbits on February 20, 1962.
The first "man in space" was the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968), on April 12, 1961.
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When did the US first go into outer space?
The Americans went first in space if manned it was in 1961 and Alan. B. Shepherd was the astronaut.
In June of what year did the first us astronaut walk in space?
1965. The astronaut was Edward Higgins White II and the flight was Gemini 4.
Why do you think the first astronaut in space only orbited Earth instead of heading directly to the Moon?
Actually the first US astronaut in space (Alan Shepard) did NOT orbit--he only had a 15-minute sub-orbital flight. The first US astronaut to orbit Earth was John Glenn. In any event, neither of them could have gone to the moon because at that time we simply did not have the technology to send them there.
First astronaut in space?
The first astronaut in space was the Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in April of 1961. His flight lasted for 108 minutes in which he orbited Earth once. The first American in space was Alan Shepard in May of 1961.
What did valentia tereshkova do?
She was the first woman in space, in 1963.
Who was the first us astronaut?
Alan Shepard was the first US astronaut and the second person in space.
Who was the first us astronaut to space walk?
Ed White
Who was the first civilian astronaut launched into space by the US?
Neil Armstrong
Who was the first American astronaut to go into outer space?
Alan sheperd was the first astronaut in space.
When did the US first go into outer space?
The Americans went first in space if manned it was in 1961 and Alan. B. Shepherd was the astronaut.
When was the first US space shuttle lunched?
i believe they lunched in 1968, with astronaut food!
What is the name of the first astronaut that flew in space?
The name of the first astronaut to fly in space was Alan .b. Shepard.
Who was the first astronaut to walk in space?
Astronaut Yuri Gagarian
In June of what year did the first us astronaut walk in space?
1965. The astronaut was Edward Higgins White II and the flight was Gemini 4.
Who was the first Spanish astronaut to travel in a spaceship?
Pedro Duque was the first astronaut in space.
Who was the oldest US astronaut to go into space and what was his age?
Well, Neil Armstrong was the first to go on the moon.
Which US astronaut was the first American to walk in space and died in a fire in 1967?
Edward Higgins White
