Historical Events tagged with "edwards"

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.

Transportation & Infrastructure

First Non-Stop Round-The-World Flight Completed

December 23rd, 1986 38 years ago

Voyager, a custom-built aircraft piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, successfully completed its historic non-stop flight around the world, landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The flight took off on December 4 and lasted 9 days, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds, covering about 26,366 miles. This remarkable feat was accomplished without the need for aerial or ground refueling, showcasing advancements in engineering and aviation technology.

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Space Exploration

Discovery Completes Its First Successful Mission

September 5th, 1984 40 years ago

The Space Shuttle Discovery touched down at Edwards Air Force Base in California after its first flight, marking the shuttle's successful inaugural mission. This mission, designated STS-41-D, launched on August 30 and lasted for over five days. The flight deployed three satellites and conducted numerous experiments, showcasing the capabilities of the shuttle program. The landing concluded with a smooth touchdown, demonstrating the shuttle's design and engineering.

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Accidents & Tragedies

F-104 Starfighter and XB-70 Valkyrie Collision

June 8th, 1966 58 years ago

During a photo shoot near Edwards Air Force Base, an F-104 Starfighter collided with XB-70 Valkyrie prototype no. 2, leading to the destruction of both aircraft. The incident resulted in the fatalities of NASA test pilot Joseph A. Walker and USAF test pilot Carl Cross, highlighting the risks associated with experimental aviation and flight testing. This catastrophic event underscored the inherent dangers in aerospace testing during the Cold War era.

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Religion & Philosophy

Jonathan Edwards Delivers 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God'

July 8th, 1741 283 years ago

In Enfield, Connecticut, Jonathan Edwards preached his famous sermon, 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' which emphasized God's wrath towards sinners and the importance of salvation. The sermon stirred profound emotions among his congregation, leading to bursts of distress, crying, and conversions. Edwards's passionate delivery and vivid imagery underscored the urgency of repentance, making it a centerpiece of the First Great Awakening.

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