John Glenn returns to space at age 77
October 29th, 1998
October 29th, 1998
How Long Ago?
26 years, 4 months, 15 days ago
Location
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- John Glenn
- C. Michael Foale
- Curtis Brown
- Stephen Robinson
- Pedro Duque
Links & References
Tags
John Glenn returns to space at age 77
Space Shuttle Discovery launched on its STS-95 mission, carrying a crew that included 77-year-old John Glenn, who made history as the oldest person to go into space. This mission marked Glenn's second journey into space, following his earlier flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The shuttle lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and was designed to conduct various scientific experiments in microgravity. Glenn's participation was not only a personal achievement but also highlighted the importance of experience in space exploration.
John Glenn was 77 years old at launch.
STS-95 involved scientific experiments in microgravity.
Discovery orbited Earth for nearly nine days.
Glenn's flight inspired future generations in space.
What Happened?
Space Shuttle Discovery embarked on mission STS-95, launching from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Among the crew was John Glenn, a former U.S. senator and astronaut, who at 77 became the oldest person to travel into space. Glenn had previously orbited Earth aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft in 1962, making him a significant figure in American space history. The STS-95 mission was multifaceted, involving a variety of scientific experiments aimed at studying the effects of microgravity on the human body and other physical phenomena.
The mission lasted nearly nine days, during which Glenn contributed to experiments involving the aging process, including studying the balance of fluids in the body and how it affects aging. The flight also included activities related to technology demonstrations and educational outreach, symbolizing the blend of scientific inquiry and public engagement that NASA aimed to achieve in the late 1990s. The crew conducted experiments in the Spacehab module, providing valuable data for future missions and space travel.
The successful completion of STS-95 showcased the viability of older astronauts participating in space missions, paving the way for broader inclusivity in the field of space exploration. Glenn's presence aboard the shuttle served as an inspirational message regarding the potential for exploration at any age, and it was celebrated widely, garnering media attention throughout the world. His legacy continued to influence perceptions of space travel and the potential contributions of older individuals to science and technology.
Why Does it Matter?
Glenn's flight as the oldest person in space challenged traditional notions about age and space travel, inspiring future generations and demonstrating the capabilities of older astronauts. It underscored the importance of lifelong learning and experience in fields such as science and technology. The mission also contributed to broader public interest in space exploration at a time when NASA was expanding its reach into diverse areas of research and education.
Discover More Historic Events from October 29th
Devastating Double Car Bombing in Mogadishu
In Mogadishu, Somalia, a coordinated double car bombing resulted in at least 100 fatalities and over 300 injuries. The bombings occurred in a busy area, where people were gathered, significantly impacting civilians. The Al-Shabaab militant group has been blamed for this attack, which aims to destabilize the region and promote their extremist agenda. Emergency services worked tirelessly to assist the injured and recover victims from the wreckage, highlighting the intense violence faced by the Somali population.
Continue ReadingDeadly crowd crush during Halloween celebrations
During the Halloween festivities, a large crowd gathered in the Itaewon district of Seoul, South Korea, leading to a tragic crowd crush. The incident was exacerbated by the narrow alleyways filled with revelers celebrating the holiday. Emergency responders reported at least 156 fatalities and numerous injuries as thousands celebrated in the streets. Eyewitnesses described a sudden rush of people that caused many to fall and become trapped, highlighting concerns over crowd safety regulation and management during large public events.
Continue ReadingJeremy Corbyn Suspended from Labour Party
Jeremy Corbyn, then leader of the Labour Party and the Opposition in the UK, was suspended from the Labour Party following his response to findings from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) regarding antisemitism allegations within the party. The EHRC's report highlighted instances of antisemitic behavior and the party's failure to address them adequately, leading to a significant controversy within the UK political landscape. Corbyn's suspension was met with mixed reactions from party members and the public, signaling a divide in opinions on the leadership's handling of anti-Jewish sentiment allegations.
Continue ReadingBoeing 737 MAX Crash in Jakarta
A Lion Air flight operating a Boeing 737 MAX crashed shortly after taking off from Jakarta, Indonesia, on a domestic route to Pangkal Pinang. The aircraft, carrying 189 people including passengers and crew, lost contact with air traffic control within minutes of takeoff. The crash site was located in the Java Sea, where search operations commenced swiftly but proved challenging due to adverse conditions.
Continue ReadingChina Ends One-Child Policy Quota
China officially announced the termination of its one-child policy, which had been in place for 35 years. The significant policy shift allows families to have two children, reflecting demographic concerns and the desire for a balanced population structure. Premier Li Keqiang revealed this change during a press conference, emphasizing the need to address declining birth rates and an aging population. The decision was influenced by economic forecasts and social stability considerations.
Continue ReadingDeadly landslide in Badulla, Sri Lanka
A massive landslide struck the Badulla district in south-central Sri Lanka, leading to the deaths of at least 16 people, with hundreds more missing. Heavy rainfall had saturated the soil, resulting in the tragic collapse of a hillside. Rescue operations were quickly initiated, with emergency teams confronting challenging conditions to search for survivors among the debris. The disaster captured national and international attention, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters.
Continue Reading