Historical Events tagged with "rocket"

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

SpaceX's Starship Rocket Launches and Explodes

April 20th, 2023 1 years ago

SpaceX launched its Starship rocket for the first time, achieving liftoff at Boca Chica, Texas. This rocket, heralded as the largest and most powerful ever constructed, aimed to demonstrate its capabilities for future crewed missions to Mars and beyond. During its ascent, the rocket experienced a loss of control approximately four minutes into flight, resulting in an explosion. Despite the destruction, SpaceX hailed the launch as a valuable test for future developments in space travel.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Explosion at Russian Navy Testing Range

August 8th, 2019 5 years ago

An explosion occurred at the State Central Navy Testing Range in Nyonoksa, Russia, resulting in the deaths of five personnel involved. The incident took place during testing procedures and led to a significant fire, prompting emergency responders to rush to the scene. The area is noted for its military importance, and the explosion highlights potential safety issues in high-risk testing environments.

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Space Exploration

Naro-1 Launches South Korea's Space Ambitions

January 30th, 2013 12 years ago

Naro-1, South Korea's first carrier rocket, successfully launched on a mission to place a scientific satellite into orbit. The launch occurred from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, aimed at enhancing South Korea's capabilities in space exploration and technology. This event marked a significant milestone in South Korea's efforts to establish itself as a player in the space industry, demonstrating the country’s commitment to advancing its scientific research and technological innovation.

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Space Exploration

JAXA's IKAROS Solar Sail Launch

May 21st, 2010 14 years ago

JAXA successfully launched the solar-sail spacecraft IKAROS aboard an H-IIA rocket from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. IKAROS, which stands for Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun, is notable for being the first spacecraft to demonstrate solar sail propulsion. After its launch, IKAROS was set to perform a flyby of Venus later that year, showcasing unique space exploration capabilities and advancing solar sail technology.

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Space Exploration

First Crewed Rocket Aircraft Mail Delivery

December 3rd, 2005 19 years ago

XCOR Aerospace successfully delivered U.S. mail using their crewed rocket aircraft, marking a significant milestone in commercial aerospace endeavors. The delivery took place in Kern County, California. With this innovative flight, XCOR showcased the potential for private aerospace companies to engage in mail transport, expanding the role of commercial space ventures. This event highlighted the intersection of aerospace technology and postal services, opening conversations about future collaborations in space logistics.

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Space Exploration

Boeing Delta III Rocket Failure

August 26th, 1998 26 years ago

The Boeing Delta III rocket's maiden flight ended catastrophically when it lost stability just 75 seconds after launch, resulting in the loss of the Galaxy X communications satellite. The launch, which took place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, aimed to demonstrate the rocket's advanced capabilities for delivering payloads into orbit. As the Delta III ascended, it experienced a series of anomalies, leading to a destructive shutdown and failure.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Vostok-2M Rocket Explosion at Plesetsk

March 18th, 1980 44 years ago

During a fueling operation at Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43, a Vostok-2M rocket exploded, leading to the deaths of 48 personnel. The explosion occurred in the cold of March, resulting in significant impact on Soviet space programs. The cause was later attributed to a fueling mishap, which underscored the dangers of rocket launch preparations.

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Space Exploration

Prospero: First British Satellite from British Rocket

October 28th, 1971 53 years ago

Prospero, a British satellite, achieved notable success when it was launched aboard a British-designed and built Black Arrow rocket. This milestone marked a significant accomplishment for the UK’s space program, demonstrating the capabilities of homegrown technology. The launch occurred from the Woomera Test Range in Australia, a remote area used for various aerospace operations. The achievement served to enhance Britain's status in the emerging field of space exploration, showcasing its increasing technological prowess and independence.

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Space Exploration

Apollo 13 Crew Returns After Critical Malfunction

April 17th, 1970 54 years ago

Apollo 13 successfully returned to Earth after an oxygen tank explosion severely damaged the spacecraft during its mission to the Moon. Launching on April 11, 1970, the mission's objectives were quickly compromised when the explosion occurred on April 13. With life-support systems failing and limited power, the crew, consisting of Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise, collaborated with Mission Control to develop critical procedures for their safe return. On April 17, the lunar module's descent engine provided the necessary thrust to navigate back safely, leading to a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

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