Space History Explorer
This Day in Space History
Today is July 7 — discover what happened on this date in the history of space exploration.
1998Mars
Japan launches Nozomi to Mars
Japan launched the Nozomi spacecraft toward Mars to study its upper atmosphere. Thruster problems prevented it from entering orbit.
2003Mars
Opportunity launched to Mars
NASA launched the Opportunity rover (MER-B) on a Delta II rocket toward Mars, where it would operate for nearly 15 years.
Data sourced from NASA, ESA, and other space agencies. Events are curated highlights — not exhaustive.