Historical Events tagged with "science"

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

Asteroid 2005 YU55's Close Earth Encounter

November 8th, 2011 13 years ago

The asteroid 2005 YU55 made a close approach to Earth, coming within 0.85 lunar distances, equivalent to around 324,600 kilometers (201,700 miles). This significant event marked the closest known approach by a similarly bright asteroid since 1976 and offered scientists a valuable opportunity to study the object. Observations were made worldwide to analyze its characteristics and trajectory.

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Space Exploration

Final Landing of Space Shuttle Endeavour

June 1st, 2011 13 years ago

Space Shuttle Endeavour concluded its mission with a landing at the Kennedy Space Center, marking its 25th and last flight. Endeavour was launched on its final journey to the International Space Station (ISS) and completed various scientific missions during its service. This flight was significant for NASA and the future of human space exploration, highlighting the shuttle's achievements since its first flight in 1992.

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Space Exploration

Final Flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour

May 16th, 2011 13 years ago

This mission completed assembly work on the ISS by delivering the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 and Express Logistics Carrier-3. Launched from Kennedy Space Center, Endeavour's crew conducted various tasks, crucial for enhancing the station’s capabilities. Timed for a fifteen-day mission, it marked the end of Endeavour's service after a distinguished career spanning 25 years, making significant contributions to space exploration and research.

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Space Exploration

IKAROS Passes Near Venus

December 8th, 2010 14 years ago

The Japanese solar-sail spacecraft IKAROS successfully passed Venus at a distance of approximately 80,800 kilometers. Launched by JAXA in May 2010, IKAROS demonstrated solar sail technology, utilizing the pressure of sunlight for propulsion. During its flyby, the spacecraft collected valuable data about Venus, contributing to the understanding of the planet's atmosphere and environment. This mission marked a significant milestone in solar sailing.

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Space Exploration

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-129

November 16th, 2009 15 years ago

Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on Mission STS-129, aiming to deliver crucial components to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission commenced successfully from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, showcasing advanced technologies and international cooperation. With a crew of seven astronauts, Atlantis carried significant supplies and equipment necessary for the ISS's expansion and maintenance, emphasizing the importance of space exploration.

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Space Exploration

NASA's Lunar Impact Test Success

October 9th, 2009 15 years ago

NASA successfully conducted its Lunar Precursor Robotic Program, impacting the lunar surface with the LCROSS mission. The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) launched a projectile into the Moon's Cabeus crater to search for water ice. This mission was part of a broader initiative to prepare for future human exploration by gathering data about the Moon's resources.

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Space Exploration

NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery Launches STS-128

August 28th, 2009 15 years ago

NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off on mission STS-128, marking another significant milestone in the assembly and operation of the International Space Station (ISS). The launch took place from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission's primary objectives included delivering supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the ISS, as well as bringing back the previous crew. STS-128 was notably the first shuttle mission to utilize the new advanced equipment designed for greater efficiency in space operations.

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Space Exploration

Launch of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

June 18th, 2009 15 years ago

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) was launched by NASA as a robotic spacecraft intended to explore the Moon. Liftoff occurred at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The primary goal of the LRO was to survey the lunar surface, providing high-resolution images and data that would support future exploration, particularly the planning of lunar missions by astronauts. The mission is part of NASA's larger vision of human and robotic exploration of the Moon and beyond.

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Space Exploration

Final Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis

May 11th, 2009 15 years ago

Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched on its final mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, marking a significant milestone in the field of space exploration. The mission included a crew of six astronauts and focused on upgrading and repairing the telescope, which has been pivotal in astronomical discoveries since its launch in 1990. Atlantis ascended from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, showcasing NASA's legacy in space observation and scientific research. The crew performed critical tasks such as replacing gyroscopes and installing new instruments to enhance Hubble's capabilities, ensuring its operation for years to come.

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