Historical Events tagged with "space"
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.
China's Shenzhou 9 Launches with Liu Yang
The Shenzhou 9 spacecraft was launched by China, carrying three astronauts, including Liu Yang, the first female astronaut from China, to the Tiangong-1 space laboratory. The successful mission marked a significant step in China's space exploration efforts and highlighted advancements in its human spaceflight program.
Continue ReadingFinal Transit of Venus Until 2117
The last transit of Venus before 2117 captivated astronomers and skywatchers worldwide. On this day, Venus passed directly between the Earth and the Sun, creating a small silhouette that traversed the solar disk. This rare celestial alignment provided an extraordinary opportunity for scientists to study transits and better understand the distances between celestial bodies. Observers gathered in various locations, using telescopes and protective filters, to witness the delicate movement of Venus across the Sun, a sight not to be repeated for over a century.
Continue ReadingNASA's First Gravity Recovery Satellite Launched
NASA achieved a significant milestone by successfully placing the first of two Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) satellites into orbit around the Moon. This mission was designed to map the Moon's gravitational field in unprecedented detail, enhancing our understanding of the Moon's internal structure and geological history. The GRAIL spacecraft were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a mission that promised to provide valuable insights into planetary formation and evolution.
Continue ReadingCuriosity Rover's Historic Launch to Mars
The Mars Science Laboratory launched the Curiosity rover aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Launched to explore the Martian surface, Curiosity's mission is to investigate the planet's climate and geology, as well as the possibility of past microbial life. Notably, Curiosity carries an advanced suite of scientific instruments that will aid in its analysis of Martian soil and rock. This mission marks a significant step in NASA's ongoing exploration of Mars.
Continue ReadingAsteroid 2005 YU55's Close Earth Encounter
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.
Continue ReadingEnd of NASA's Space Shuttle Program
Space Shuttle Atlantis concluded NASA's Space Shuttle program with its final landing at Kennedy Space Center after mission STS-135. This mission marked the end of an era for human spaceflight in low Earth orbit, symbolizing a significant transition in America's approach to space exploration and highlighting the achievements of 30 years of shuttle flights. Atlantis carried supplies and equipment to the International Space Station, demonstrating both the success and future possibilities of international aerospace collaboration.
Continue ReadingSpace Shuttle Atlantis Completes Final Mission
The Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off on its final flight, STS-135, from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, lasting 13 days, focused on delivering supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). Atlantis's crew included four astronauts who conducted crucial tasks in space transportation and logistics, marking the culmination of the 30-year Space Shuttle program. This mission was vital for continuing support for the ISS and underscored the legacy of human spaceflight through NASA's shuttle era.
Continue ReadingFinal Landing of Space Shuttle Endeavour
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.
Continue ReadingFinal Flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour
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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