NASA has been exploring space for over 60 years, beginning with early satellites in the 1950s and 1960s. Major milestones include the first American in space (Alan Shepard in 1961), the first moon landing (Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969), the Space Shuttle program from 1981-2011, and ongoing space station operations. Current and future missions include exploring Mars, studying asteroids and other planets, and continuing private sector partnerships for space exploration.