No single country "discovered" space. Space has always existed. However, the Soviet Union (now Russia) was the first nation to launch a satellite into space, Sputnik 1, on October 4, 1957, marking a significant milestone in humanity's exploration of the cosmos. This achievement initiated the Space Race, a period of intense competition between the Soviet Union and the United States in space exploration.
Key Milestones in Space Exploration:
- 1957: The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite.
- 1961: The Soviet Union sent Yuri Gagarin into orbit around Earth, making him the first human in space.
- Multiple Nations' Contributions: The International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative project involving astronauts and cosmonauts from over 20 countries. This highlights the international nature of space exploration, with many countries contributing to scientific discoveries and technological advancements in space. Examples include:
- The discovery of new lunar minerals by Chinese scientists in samples from the moon.
- Numerous nations sending astronauts and cosmonauts to the ISS.
- The discovery of the Van Allen radiation belt as a result of experiments conducted during early space missions.
The provided references showcase various nations' involvement in space exploration, from launching the first satellites to discovering new celestial bodies and developing advanced space technologies. No single country can claim to have solely "discovered" space, as it's an infinite expanse that continues to be explored collaboratively by multiple nations.