Historical Events tagged with "satellite 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

North Korea's Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2 Launch

December 12th, 2012 12 years ago

North Korea successfully launched the Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2 satellite on December 12, 2012, from its west coast. This event marked North Korea's ambition to join the ranks of space-faring nations. The launch was seen as a demonstration of technological advancement and a source of national pride, despite international concerns regarding potential military applications. The satellite was intended to provide earth observation capabilities and scientific data.

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Space Exploration

First Launch of the European Vega Rocket

February 13th, 2012 13 years ago

The European Space Agency successfully launched the Vega rocket from Kourou, French Guiana, marking a significant milestone in European access to space. The flight demonstrated Vega's capabilities to carry small payloads into low Earth orbit, thereby providing a new option for satellite launches. Designed primarily for small satellites, Vega has a payload capacity of up to 1,500 kg to a 700 km polar orbit. The launch was an essential step in enhancing Europe’s independent access to space and boosting its competitive edge in the global space market.

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Space Exploration

Delta II Rocket Explodes After Launch

January 17th, 1997 28 years ago

A Delta II rocket carrying the GPS IIR-1 satellite experienced a catastrophic failure just 13 seconds after liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The explosion scattered around 250 tons of burning rocket debris in the vicinity of the launch pad, highlighting the risks associated with space launches. The Delta II mission aimed to enhance the capabilities of the Global Positioning System, emphasizing the importance of satellite technology for navigation and military applications.

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Space Exploration

NASA's Return to Space with STS-26

September 29th, 1988 36 years ago

NASA launched the Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-26 mission, marking its first mission since the Challenger accident in 1986. The flight took off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida and lasted approximately five days. The mission's primary objective was to deploy the TDRS-3 communication satellite into orbit, enhancing communication capabilities for future shuttle missions. This successful launch restored public confidence in NASA's shuttle program and celebrated the resilience of the agency and its personnel.

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Space Exploration

First Operational Mission of Space Shuttle Program

November 11th, 1982 42 years ago

Space Shuttle Columbia launched on STS-5 from Kennedy Space Center, marking the first operational flight of the Space Shuttle program. This mission carried two commercial payloads, demonstrating the shuttle's capabilities for launching satellites into orbit. The successful launch paved the way for future missions and commercial ventures in space exploration. The astronauts aboard included John Young, the commander, and Robert Crippen, the pilot, showcasing NASA's commitment to expanding human presence in space.

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