May 25 in Space History
29 events
Kennedy sets a lunar-landing goal
President John F. Kennedy called for a crewed lunar landing and safe return before the decade ended.
- NASA — 60 moments in NASA history (opens in a new tab) — Factual summary; source attribution retained.
AS-108/Pegasus 2 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: AS-108/Pegasus 2
Saturn I (Blk2) launched on the AS-108/Pegasus 2 flight from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida, pad LC37B. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Kosmos-67 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Kosmos-67
Voskhod 11A57 launched on the Kosmos-67 flight from NIIP-5, Baykonur, Kazakstan, pad LC31. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Explorer 32 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Explorer 32
Thor Delta C1 launched on the Explorer 32 flight from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida, pad LC17B. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Kosmos-491 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Kosmos-491
Voskhod 11A57 launched on the Kosmos-491 flight from NIIP-5, Baykonur, Kazakstan, pad LC31. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
CORONA 145/1117 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: CORONA 145/1117
Thorad SLV-2H Agena D launched on the CORONA 145/1117 flight from South Vandenberg AFB, California, pad SLC3W. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Skylab 2 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Skylab 2
Saturn IB launched on the Skylab 2 flight from NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida, pad LC39B. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Kosmos-561 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Kosmos-561
Voskhod 11A57 launched on the Kosmos-561 flight from 53-y Nauchno-Issledovatelskiy Ispitatelniy Poligon, pad LC43/4. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Zaliv — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Zaliv
Kosmos 11K65M launched on the Zaliv flight from 53-y Nauchno-Issledovatelskiy Ispitatelniy Poligon, pad LC132/1. Launch failure.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Kosmos-911 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Kosmos-911
Kosmos 11K65M launched on the Kosmos-911 flight from 53-y Nauchno-Issledovatelskiy Ispitatelniy Poligon, pad LC132/2. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Star Wars — film release
Category: Science FictionType: Science fiction film release
Star Wars (Film) by George LucasAFI's 10 Top 10: Science Fiction, rank 2; AFI official Letterboxd list, consulted 2026-10-29.
Star Wars — film release (1977-05-25).
- Lucasfilm: Star Wars (opens in a new tab) — Factual summary based on Lucasfilm: Star Wars. Original source retains its rights.
- Online Film Critics Society: 2002 Top 100 Sci-Fi Films (opens in a new tab)
- AFI official Letterboxd: 10 Top 10 Science Fiction (opens in a new tab) — Ranking attributed to the American Film Institute.
Kosmos-1012 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Kosmos-1012
Soyuz-U launched on the Kosmos-1012 flight from 53-y Nauchno-Issledovatelskiy Ispitatelniy Poligon, pad LC43/3. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Kosmos-1102 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Kosmos-1102
Soyuz-U launched on the Kosmos-1102 flight from 53-y Nauchno-Issledovatelskiy Ispitatelniy Poligon, pad LC41/1. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Alien: film release
Category: Science FictionType: Science fiction film release
Alien (Film) by Ridley ScottAFI's 10 Top 10: Science Fiction, rank 7; AFI official Letterboxd list, consulted 2026-10-29.
Alien: film release.
- 20th Century Studios (opens in a new tab) — Factual summary based on 20th Century Studios. Original source retains its rights.
- AFI official Letterboxd: 10 Top 10 Science Fiction (opens in a new tab) — Ranking attributed to the American Film Institute.
Kosmos-1369 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Kosmos-1369
Soyuz-U launched on the Kosmos-1369 flight from 53-y Nauchno-Issledovatelskiy Ispitatelniy Poligon, pad LC43/3. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Kosmos-1558 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Kosmos-1558
Soyuz-U launched on the Kosmos-1558 flight from 53-y Nauchno-Issledovatelskiy Ispitatelniy Poligon, pad LC16/2. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Resurs-F — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Resurs-F
Soyuz-U-PVB launched on the Resurs-F flight from 53-y Nauchno-Issledovatelskiy Ispitatelniy Poligon, pad LC43/3. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Tselina-D — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Tselina-D
Tsiklon-3 launched on the Tselina-D flight from GNIIP, VKS section, Plesetsk, Rossiya, pad LC32/2. Launch failure.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Gorizont — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Gorizont
Proton-K/DM-2 launched on the Gorizont flight from GIK-5, Baykonur, Kazakstan, pad LC200/39. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Progress M-49 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Progress M-49
Soyuz-U-PVB launched on the Progress M-49 flight from GIK-5, Baykonur, Kazakstan, pad LC1. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Yaogan 2 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Yaogan 2
Chang Zheng 2D launched on the Yaogan 2 flight from Jiuquan Space Center, Nei Monggol Zizhiqu, China, pad LC603. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Dragon makes the first commercial ISS berthing
Category: Mission Operations and MilestonesType: Docking or berthing
Mission: Dragon C2+
Station: International Space Station
SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft was berthed to the International Space Station.
- NASA — First commercial berthing at ISS (opens in a new tab) — Original factual summary; retain attribution to NASA.
WGS 5 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: WGS 5
Delta 4M+(5,4) launched on the WGS 5 flight from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida, pad SLC37B. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Kosmos-2518 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Kosmos-2518
Soyuz-2-1B (Fregat) launched on the Kosmos-2518 flight from 1-y Gosudarstvenniy Ispitatelniy Kosmodrom MO RF, pad LC43/4. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
It's A Test — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: It's A Test
Electron launched on the It's A Test flight from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Onenui Station, Mahia Peninsula, pad LC1A. Launch failure.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Transporter-5 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Transporter-5
Falcon 9 (FT5) launched on the Transporter-5 flight from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida, pad LC40. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Unity 25 — private and commercial crew participation
Category: Human Spaceflight ActivitiesType: Private astronaut or space tourist flight
Mission: Unity 25 · Programme: Virgin Galactic
Role: Commercial astronaut
6 participants; see description and linked people.
- Virgin Galactic (opens in a new tab) — Factual summary based on Virgin Galactic. Original source retains its rights.
Ready, Aim, Prefire — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Ready, Aim, Prefire
Electron launched on the Ready, Aim, Prefire flight from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Onenui Station, Mahia Peninsula, pad LC1B. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)
Starlink-391 — launch
Category: Launches and Flight TestsType: Orbital launch
Mission: Starlink-391
Falcon 9 (FT5) launched on the Starlink-391 flight from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida, pad LC40. Launch vehicle success.
- Jonathan McDowell — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (opens in a new tab) — Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0. Adapted into anniversary records. (CC BY 4.0)