If you have ever visited Fondren Library, you most likely have seen a small section featuring NASA and President John F Kennedy's speech “We choose to go to the Moon”. (Fun fact: We also have a small piece of the moon!). If you have ever wanted to learn more about space, keep reading to find more information.
Timeline
1958-1963 Project Mercury:
This was the nation’s “first human spaceflight” program. Six days after the establishment of NASA, 7 men were chosen as astronauts (the first time that term was used). They completed 6 missions with the goals to explore space and gather information for future missions.
[Source of the Image: NASA, In the Beginning: Project Mercury]
1964-1966 Project Gemini:
Days after Alan Shepard flew into space, President John F. Kennedy announced in his speech the goal for an American to walk on the moon. With 12 missions, the goal of Project Gemini was to work on the technology and exploration to achieve Kennedy’s statement.
[Source of the Image: NASA, Gemini I]
1962-1972 Project Apollo:
In 1966 on Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong became the first man to step on the moon. With 17 total missions, 6 of them were lunar landings to explore ways to prepare for future space exploration. The first lunar rover was also used in this project by Alfred M. Worden.
[Source of the Image: NASA, In the Beginning: Project Mercury]
1981-2011 Space Shuttle:
The first reusable spacecraft flew 135 missions. It behaved like a rocket, spacecraft, and airplane. It has managed satellites, conducted research, and built the largest structure in space.
[Source of the Image: NASA, Space Shuttle]
1990 - Present Hubble Space Telescope:
Still being actively used, this telescope further space exploration by its high-resolution images of objects such as star constellations and dark matter.
For America250, you can search up your birthday here to view a collection of pictures that were taken that day by the telescope.
[Source of the Image: NASA, Great Observatories: Hubble Space Telescope]
2022 - Present Artemis Program:
With a current plan of 5 missions, the main goal is to launch future missions at a quicker pace, determine what is needed for Mars landing, and further advance space exploration. The picture below features the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket configuration.
[Source of the Image: NASA, Moon to Mars | NASA's Artemis Program]
All the information above has been gathered from the NASA website. Feel free to check it out for further details on their missions. If you need assistance, just ask: email govhelp@rice.edu or visit Kelley Center information desk in the library basement.
🕵️ Continue Your Journey
Visit our joint exhibit, "One Giant Leap: NASA Collections at the Woodson Research Center and Kelley Center," located in the Rice University Student Center. The exhibit highlights unique NASA-related collections preserved by both the Woodson Research Center and the Kelley Center, showcasing the history of space exploration, scientific discovery, and innovation.
We also invite you to visit the Kelley Center for Government Information and Civic Engagement. Our staff can help you discover additional NASA and other government agencies' publications, educational materials, and multimedia collections to continue your exploration of space and beyond.
Additionally, be sure to watch for upcoming programs and events that explore how space exploration has shaped America's legacy of discovery, innovation, and scientific achievement. You may be interested in attending the monthly NASA speaker series at the Ion to hear from NASA scientists, engineers, and industry experts about the latest developments in space exploration.
About the Author
Daira Posada is Kelley Center student staff, an undergraduate student in Computer Science at Rice University. This post was written as part of the 2026 America250@Fondren program.
