Space exploration: How far have we traveled in space?

Did You Know: Space – How far have we traveled in space?

Humans have sent spacecraft to visit every planet in the solar system, as well as the dwarf planet, Pluto.

We have also visited the asteroid belt, landed on a comet, and seen the moons of other planets up close.

Jupiter

Several spacecraft have visited the gas giant Jupiter.

They have studied its Great Red Spot, or storm, photographed its many moons, and helped us understand more about this huge planet.

Mars

This planet is populated by robots! These roving robots, sent there by us, are looking for signs that there was once life on Mars.

Pluto

New Horizons is the only spacecraft to have visited Pluto. It discovered a world of ice volcanoes.

There may also be a liquid ocean hidden below its surface.

The moon

Humans have walked on the moon and driven rovers across its surface. We have also sent many spacecraft there to find out more about it.

Beyond the solar system

The Voyager 1 spacecraft has traveled so far through space that it has now left our solar system. It is still sending information back to scientists.

Can spacecraft get lost?

Yes, and sometimes found again!

Contact with the lander Philae was lost after it landed on a comet. However, scientists later found it hidden in the shadow of a cliff on the comet.