Historical Events tagged with "NASA"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Space Exploration

NASA Successfully Deploys Mars Global Surveyor

November 7th, 1996 28 years ago

NASA launched the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This mission aimed to map the Martian surface and improve understanding of Mars' topography and geology. With sophisticated imaging technology and high-resolution cameras, it provided essential data about the planet's atmosphere, climate, and potential for past water. The mission significantly advanced Mars exploration and laid groundwork for future missions to the Red Planet.

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Space Exploration

USA Asteroid Orbiter Images Comet Hyakutake

April 4th, 1996 28 years ago

The USA's Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous captured stunning images of Comet Hyakutake in 1996. This landmark event marked a significant achievement in space exploration, showcasing advanced imaging technology and the potential for studying celestial objects up close. As the comet passed near Earth, the NEAR spacecraft was able to gather valuable data, allowing scientists to analyze the structure and composition of the comet. This event highlighted the collaboration between space agencies and the growing interest in studying comets and asteroids.

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Space Exploration

NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis Launches STS-76 Mission

March 22nd, 1996 28 years ago

NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched on its 16th mission, STS-76, on March 22, 1996. This mission included a rendezvous with the Russian space station Mir and featured the first American woman, Dr. Linda M. Godwin, to spend extended time aboard Mir. Atlantis lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a significant step in U.S.-Russian cooperation in space exploration. The mission focused on science experiments and docked with Mir for the exchange of crew and supplies.

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Space Exploration

Discovery Launches TDRS-7 Satellite into Orbit

July 13th, 1995 29 years ago

The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on the STS-70 mission from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission successfully deployed the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-7), which enhanced NASA's communications capabilities with spacecraft in low Earth orbit. The launch was notable for its flawless execution and the role it played in maintaining the TDRS constellation, vital for supporting future missions.

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Science & Technology

Launch of Astronomy Picture of the Day Website

June 16th, 1995 29 years ago

The Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) website was launched by Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell, serving as a daily source of astronomical images and educational commentary. It quickly gained popularity among both amateur and professional astronomers, showcasing breathtaking visuals of the universe and fostering a deeper interest in space science. The website aimed to inspire and educate people about astronomy and related topics, becoming a go-to resource for sky enthusiasts and educators alike.

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Space Exploration

Space Shuttle Atlantis Launches on STS-66

November 3rd, 1994 30 years ago

On November 3, 1994, the Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on the STS-66 mission from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission was notable for its role in conducting research for NASA and included the deployment of the European Space Agency’s ATLAS-3 payload. The mission aimed to gather information on the Earth's atmosphere, solar radiation, and various scientific experiments conducted in microgravity, making it a crucial venture in the understanding of space science.

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Space Exploration

Magellan Spacecraft's Fiery End in Venus Atmosphere

October 12th, 1994 30 years ago

The Magellan spacecraft, launched by NASA, majestically concluded its mission by entering the atmosphere of Venus. After successfully mapping 98% of the planet's surface with radar, it met its demise upon reentry, providing scientists with valuable atmospheric data. This controlled descent was a planned termination of the mission following its fruitful exploration of Venus, allowing researchers to glean further insights into the planet's complex weather patterns and surface conditions.

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Space Exploration

Launch of Space Shuttle Columbia on STS-62

March 4th, 1994 31 years ago

The Space Shuttle Columbia was successfully launched on STS-62, marking its 18th mission. The launch took place from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission focused on various scientific investigations, including material science and fluid mechanics. The crew included expert astronauts who conducted extensive research in microgravity, making significant contributions to our understanding of materials and processes in space.

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Space Exploration

Launch of STS-60 with Sergei Krikalev

February 3rd, 1994 31 years ago

The Space Shuttle STS-60 launched from Kennedy Space Center, featuring the first Russian cosmonaut, Sergei Krikalev. Onboard, Krikalev participated in the science and technology mission with a diverse crew, which included American astronauts. This mission marked a significant collaboration between the United States and Russia in human spaceflight post-Cold War.

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