A free space & Earth-science library
A clear way to learn what’s happening above us.
Skypedia is a quiet corner of the internet where kids, families, and teachers can follow space weather, missions, and the deep history of how we got off this planet — using the same public data NASA and NOAA publish every day. No accounts. No ads. No tracking.
Back to the Moon’s south pole
The next round of lunar missions is aimed at a place humans have never landed: the Moon’s south polar region. Permanently shadowed craters there are thought to hold water ice, which one day could supply drinking water, breathable oxygen, and rocket fuel for crews staying longer than a few days.
Robotic landers and instruments are mapping the terrain now. Crewed missions follow, with international partners sharing the science. We’ll keep This Week in Space and Launches updated as each flight gets a date.
Featured event
First Moon Landing
Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon while Michael Collins orbited above.
One of humanity's greatest achievements, demonstrating our capability to explore beyond Earth.
Start exploring
This Week in Space
Live space-weather alerts from NOAA plus the asteroids passing closest to Earth this week.
Space History
Sputnik, Apollo, the Hubble repairs, the rovers — the moments that shaped how we explore space.
Space Weather
How the Sun reaches across 93 million miles to light up auroras and rattle radios on Earth.
Missions & Objects
A searchable index of planets, moons, spacecraft, rovers, telescopes, and the people who flew them.
Earth in 3D
Spin a real-time Earth model and see the atmosphere, city lights, and the layers that protect us.
For Schools
A teacher quick-start, age-band guidance, NGSS alignment, and printable lesson plans.
Camps & STEM
Real space camps, online courses, and student competitions to keep the spark alive.
History highlights
View all →- 1957· Space Exploration
Sputnik 1 Launched
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth. This 58-cm diameter sphere transmitted radio signals for 21 days and orbited Earth every 96 minutes.
- 1961· Space Exploration
First Human in Space
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey into outer space aboard Vostok 1. His single orbit lasted 108 minutes.
- 1969· Moon Exploration
First Moon Landing
Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon while Michael Collins orbited above.
- 1971· Mars Exploration
First Mars Orbit
Mariner 9 became the first spacecraft to orbit another planet when it arrived at Mars. It mapped 85% of the Martian surface.
For teachers & schools
Built to drop straight into a classroom.
Every page is free, ad-free, and works without student accounts. The For Schools section has a one-page teacher quick-start, age-band guidance, NGSS alignment notes, and printable lesson plans you can use Monday morning.