Historical Events tagged with "experiment"

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

Space Shuttle Endeavour Continues ISS Assembly

November 14th, 2008 16 years ago

Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on STS-126 to contribute essential components to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, the shuttle's 26th flight, delivered the Japanese Kibo laboratory module and additional support equipment to enhance the station's capabilities. Liftoff occurred from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking another critical phase in the ongoing assembly of the ISS. The successful launch reaffirmed the shuttle program's vital role in establishing a permanent human presence in space.

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Science & Technology

First Direct Neural Communication Experiment

June 10th, 2002 22 years ago

Kevin Warwick, a professor at the University of Reading, conducted the world’s first direct electronic communication experiment between two human nervous systems. In this groundbreaking experiment, Warwick implanted a microelectrode array in his own arm and connected it to the internet, allowing him to send and receive signals from another participant in a different location. This significant advancement aimed to explore the connectivity of human nervous systems and set the stage for future research in cybernetics and neural interfaces.

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Space Exploration

Space Shuttle Atlantis Visits Mir Space Station

September 25th, 1997 27 years ago

NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on a mission to the Mir space station, marking a significant collaboration in human spaceflight. The mission, STS-86, was designed to facilitate the transfer of supplies, scientific equipment, and crew exchanges between the U.S. and Russian space programs. This mission highlighted international cooperation in space exploration, with Atlantis carrying a crew of seven astronauts, including the first woman to fly on a shuttle mission to work directly with Russian cosmonauts aboard Mir. Atlantis successfully docked with Mir, enabling a historic exchange of knowledge and research.

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Space Exploration

Space Shuttle Columbia launches on STS-73

October 20th, 1995 29 years ago

Space Shuttle Columbia launched on the STS-73 mission, focusing on scientific experiments in microgravity. The mission took off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and included a crew that conducted diverse research. Among the notable experiments were studies on the behavior of materials in low gravity and the effect of microgravity on combustion processes. The mission lasted for 16 days, demonstrating the potential for future scientific research in space.

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Space Exploration

Endeavour's Third Mission Launches Successfully

January 13th, 1993 32 years ago

Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on its STS-54 mission, carrying a diverse crew and several payloads, including experiments for scientific research. The launch took place from the Kennedy Space Center, marking a significant moment in shuttle operations. The mission aimed to advance knowledge in various fields and promote international cooperation in space exploration.

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Military & Warfare

Starfish Prime: Nuclear Test in Space

July 9th, 1962 62 years ago

Starfish Prime was a high-altitude nuclear test conducted over the Pacific Ocean by the United States. On July 9, 1962, a thermonuclear warhead was detonated approximately 400 kilometers above the Earth, creating an artificial aurora visible over a wide area and significantly impacting satellite operations. The test aimed to assess the effects of nuclear detonations at orbital altitudes on electronic equipment and communications.

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Science & Technology

Cloud Seeding in Hurricane Esther

September 16th, 1961 63 years ago

The United States National Hurricane Research Project conducted an experiment to modify Hurricane Esther by injecting eight cylinders of silver iodide into its eyewall. This operation aimed to reduce the hurricane's intensity, and remarkably, the wind speed decreased by 10%. This significant event marked a pivotal moment in meteorological research, prompting the initiation of Project Stormfury, which sought to explore weather modification techniques to mitigate hurricane damage.

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Science & Technology

Louis Slotin Fatally Irradiated at Los Alamos

May 21st, 1946 78 years ago

During an experiment with the demon core at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, physicist Louis Slotin was fatally irradiated due to a criticality incident. Using a meticulous manual method to approach critical mass, Slotin inadvertently caused a prompt critical reaction. This resulted in an intense burst of radiation exposure, which later proved to be fatal.

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Science & Technology

Benjamin Franklin's Lightning Experiment

June 15th, 1752 272 years ago

Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment to demonstrate the electrical nature of lightning. Utilizing a kite, a key, and a storm, he sought evidence that lightning is a form of electricity. The experiment took place in Pennsylvania, capturing the imagination of many and advancing the understanding of electricity.

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