Space exploration is the study and travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere. It includes missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, planets, and deeper space. People involved in space exploration include astronauts, cosmonauts, taikonauts, scientists, and engineers. Space agencies organize and manage these activities.

Space exploration takes place in outer space using tools such as satellites, space stations, robotic probes, telescopes, and crewed spacecraft. Countries such as the United States, Russia, China, and others have led major programs, along with international partnerships.

Space exploration began in the 20th century, with the Space Age starting in 1957 after the launch of Sputnik 1. It has continued with missions to different parts of space. Today, space exploration remains an active area of research and travel.