This Month in Exploration - November Visit "This Month in
Exploration" every month to find out how aviation and space
exploration have changed throughout the years, improving life
for humans on Earth and in space. While reflecting on the events
that led to NASA's formation and its rich history of
accomplishments, "This Month in Exploration" will reveal where
the agency is leading us -- to the moon, Mars and beyond. 100
Years Ago November 5, 1908: The Aéro Club of France awarded
Wilbur Wright the Grand Gold Medal for his significant
accomplishments in aviation. 75 Years Ago November 20, 1933:
Lieutenant Commander Thomas. G. W. Settle and Major Chester L.
Fordney reached the stratosphere at an altitude of 61,237 feet
in their hot air balloon over Akron, Ohio. 50 Years Ago November
8, 1958: NASA launched Pioneer 2, however, the space probe
experienced a launch failure and never reached its destination
of the moon. 45 Years Ago November 27, 1963: NASA completed its
first successful launch of the Atlas-Centaur roc