Historical Events tagged with "launch"

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

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

Endeavour Launches with Expedition 6 Crew

November 23rd, 2002 22 years ago

Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission to transport the Expedition 6 crew to the International Space Station, carrying vital components including the P1 truss for expanded capabilities. The mission was part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the ISS’s infrastructure and support long-duration human spaceflight. With a launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Endeavour lifted off successfully, marking a significant milestone in international space collaboration.

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Space Exploration

Space Shuttle Atlantis Launches STS-112 Mission

October 7th, 2002 22 years ago

The Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off for STS-112, tasked with delivering the Harmony module to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission aimed to enhance the station's capabilities and support the construction of the ISS. Liftoff occurred from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a significant advancement in international space collaboration.

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Space Exploration

Founding of SpaceX by Elon Musk

May 6th, 2002 22 years ago

SpaceX was founded by Elon Musk to revolutionize space travel and reduce costs associated with launching payloads into orbit. Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, the company aimed to create a new era of aerospace advancement. Musk's vision was driven by a desire to make space exploration more affordable and accessible. He believed that through innovation and technology, commercial space travel could be transformed, ultimately making it possible for humans to inhabit other planets.

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Space Exploration

Endeavour launches with Expedition 4 crew

December 5th, 2001 23 years ago

Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on STS-108 to transport the Expedition 4 crew, comprising Commander Yury Onufrienko, Flight Engineer Carl Walz, and Mission Specialist Daniel Tani, to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, critical to the ongoing assembly and operation of the ISS, aimed to further expand research capabilities in orbit.

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Technology & Innovation

Microsoft's Xbox Console Launch

November 15th, 2001 23 years ago

Microsoft launched its first gaming console, the Xbox, in North America, aiming to compete with established brands like Sony's PlayStation 2 and Sega's Dreamcast. The launch was marked by anticipation and excitement among gaming enthusiasts. The console featured notable titles like Halo: Combat Evolved, which showcased advanced graphics and gameplay. This leap into console gaming allowed Microsoft to significantly influence the gaming industry and establish a unique brand identity.

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Space Exploration

Discovery Launches Expedition 3 to ISS

August 10th, 2001 23 years ago

The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station, carrying the Expedition 3 crew to replace Expedition 2. The mission aimed to further the assembly of the ISS and included important science experiments and cargo delivery.

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Space Exploration

Space Shuttle Endeavour Launches with Canadarm2

April 19th, 2001 23 years ago

The Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission designated STS-100, carrying the Canadarm2, a sophisticated robotic arm, to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission took place from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and was crucial for enhancing the ISS's capabilities for construction and maintenance. The crew of Endeavour included commander Kent Rominger and mission specialist Julie Payette, who played significant roles in the deployment of Canadarm2. This advancement marked a vital step in the evolution of the ISS, enabling more efficient assembly and operation in orbit.

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Space Exploration

NASA's Milestone: STS-92 Launch Success

October 11th, 2000 24 years ago

The STS-92 mission marked NASA's 100th Space Shuttle launch, successfully taking off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission's primary objective was to deliver and install the Z1 Truss and a Pressurized Mating Adapter to the International Space Station. Commander Jeffrey Ashby led a crew of seven, embarking on an 11-day journey that focused on critical assembly tasks for the orbiting lab. This mission was significant in showcasing NASA's continued commitment to human space exploration and laying the groundwork for future missions.

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