Historical Events tagged with "astronaut"

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

Return of Scott Kelly and Mikhail Kornienko

March 31st, 2016 8 years ago

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and Roscosmos cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko returned to Earth after a yearlong stay at the International Space Station. Their mission was pivotal in studying the effects of long-term spaceflight on the human body, providing valuable data for future deep-space missions. The duo landed in Kazakhstan aboard a Soyuz spacecraft, greeted by a team of specialists ready to assist them after their extended mission.

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Space Exploration

China's Shenzhou 9 Launches with Liu Yang

June 16th, 2012 12 years ago

The Shenzhou 9 spacecraft was launched by China, carrying three astronauts, including Liu Yang, the first female astronaut from China, to the Tiangong-1 space laboratory. The successful mission marked a significant step in China's space exploration efforts and highlighted advancements in its human spaceflight program.

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Space Exploration

Zhai Zhigang's Historic Spacewalk

September 27th, 2008 16 years ago

Zhai Zhigang made history by becoming the first Chinese astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, performing extravehicular activity outside the Shenzhou 7 spacecraft. This remarkable event was part of China's third crewed space mission, which aimed to demonstrate and develop advanced space technologies. During the spacewalk, Zhai spent approximately 15 minutes outside the spacecraft, showcasing the capabilities of China's space program. His successful exit was an essential step in establishing China's future endeavors in space exploration.

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Space Exploration

First Malaysian in Space: Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor

October 10th, 2007 17 years ago

Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor flew to space aboard Soyuz TMA-11, becoming the first astronaut from Malaysia. He launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, marking a significant achievement for the nation. Shukor's mission was part of a project to send Malaysian scientists into space, emphasizing the country's commitment to scientific advancement. His journey inspired many Malaysians and showcased the potential of collaborations in aerospace exploration.

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Space Exploration

China's First Crewed Space Mission

October 15th, 2003 21 years ago

Shenzhou 5, carrying astronaut Yang Liwei, launched successfully, marking China’s entry into human space flight. The mission lasted 21 hours and orbited the Earth 14 times. Yang Liwei became the first Chinese national in space, fulfilling a significant national objective to establish a presence in space exploration. The launch was a culmination of years of technological development and ambition in the Chinese space program.

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Space Exploration

First American Astronaut on Russian Launch Vehicle

March 14th, 1995 30 years ago

Norman Thagard became the first American astronaut to launch into space aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. He flew from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan as part of the personal spaceflight arrangements between NASA and the Russian space agency. The flight marked a significant point in U.S.-Russian cooperation in space exploration, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

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Space Exploration

Discovery Launches with First Canadian Woman in Space

January 22nd, 1992 33 years ago

The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-42, carrying Dr. Roberta Bondar, who became the first Canadian woman and the first neurologist to travel to space. This mission marked a significant milestone in the representation of women in space exploration and highlighted advancements in biomedical research conducted in a microgravity environment. Launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission aimed to conduct scientific experiments, including studies in the fields of human physiology and materials science.

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Accidents & Tragedies

ASA EMB 120 Crash in Brunswick, Georgia

April 5th, 1991 33 years ago

An ASA EMB 120 aircraft crashed in Brunswick, Georgia, resulting in the deaths of all 23 individuals on board. Among the deceased were prominent figures, including Senator John Tower and NASA astronaut Sonny Carter. The aircraft encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff, leading to its tragic descent and subsequent impact.

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Space Exploration

First US-Soviet Crewed Spaceflight Collaboration

July 15th, 1975 49 years ago

The Apollo–Soyuz Test Project marked a significant milestone in space exploration, featuring a dual launch of an Apollo spacecraft by NASA and a Soyuz spacecraft by the Soviet space program. This collaboration represented the first-ever human-crewed flight between the two superpowers, occurring at a time of easing Cold War tensions. Astronauts Thomas Stafford, Vance Brand, and Donald Slayton flew the Apollo spacecraft, while cosmonauts Alexei Leonov and Valery Kubasov represented the Soviet Union. The mission highlighted not only scientific cooperation but also the potential for diplomatic relations in the realm of space technology.

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