The US Congress was spurred to create the federal agency by the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik, the first orbital satellite. Two of the goals were to expand human knowledge of the Earth’s atmosphere and space, and the improvement of space vehicles. Three of NASA’s most impressive achievements have been the Apollo Moon landing, the Skylab space station, and the Space Shuttle reusable rocket. Diana first met Charles, Prince of Wales, the Queen’s eldest son and heir apparent, while she was 16 and he was 29 and dating her older sister. 3 years later she watched him play polo and he took a serious interest in her as a potential bride.