The British are the first to put an artificial satellite, Ariel 1, into orbit Despite the promising leads of nuclear weapon technology during WWII, its untested nature makes the British government reluctant to support it over proposals to instead focus on rocket science. This results in the first explorations of orbital launch devices, and the eventual orbital placement of Ariel 1, a very rudimentary, but the first artificial satellite.

Eric Brown, a British test-flight pilot, becomes the first man in space on the successful flight of Iris 1

Developed from successful sub-orbital test flights of the Megaroc project, designs for a launch vehicle and cockpit are further refined until it is believed that manned orbital flight is possible. Eric Brown, a highly-experienced test pilot is selected for the program and becomes the first man in space after launching from Australia.

USSR's Luna 3 satellite achieves the first circumlunar return

The Commonwealth of Nations Aerospace Research Agreement is signed

With Australia proving to be a crucial location for rocket launches for the British Aerospace program, an agreement is signed among all Commonwealth realms that facilitates greater scientific research and collaboration, as well as greater access to materials needed for nations to advance and develop aerospace innovations.

First spacewalk conducted by British test pilot, Jock Bryce

The establishment of the European Launcher Development Organisation, and the European Space Research Organisation

Following news of the CNARA negotiations beginning, there is great interest among western European scientists to come together as well to create their own unified approach to space-related research and technology development. This results in the founding of the ELDO and ESRO in March 1962.

Founding of the European and Commonwealth Space Agency

With the United Kingdom having entered the European Union in 1964, talks began regarding the unification of the ELDO and ESRO, as well as the folding in of the CNARA to facilitate a more global consolidation of Aerospace research among CoN members, and the European Community. This resulted in the foundation of the ECSA, with its first major project being further exploration of the BAC MUSTARD proposal in development among CNARA members.

Aleksei Leonov, Soviet cosmonaut, becomes the first human to set foot on the moon