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.
Discovery of Hottest White Dwarf Recorded
Within the constellation Ursa Minor, astronomers documented H1504+65, a white dwarf featuring the hottest known surface temperature in the universe, reaching an astonishing 200,000 K. This extreme temperature challenges existing theories about stellar evolution and provides insights into the lifecycle of stars. The findings were communicated through various astronomical journals and have sparked ongoing research into the properties of white dwarfs.
Continue ReadingIKAROS Passes Near Venus
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.
Continue ReadingJAXA's IKAROS Solar Sail Launch
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.
Continue ReadingSpace Shuttle Atlantis STS-132 Mission Launch
Space Shuttle Atlantis successfully launched on the STS-132 mission from Kennedy Space Center, marking a significant milestone in the International Space Station's construction. The shuttle delivered the Rassvet module, a Russian component that enhances ISS capabilities. The launch, characterized by careful planning and coordination, was one of the last missions for Atlantis before Congress approved an additional flight, STS-135. The mission's successful execution demonstrated international collaboration in space exploration.
Continue ReadingBoth a Blue Moon and Lunar Eclipse Occur
On the last night of the year, a rare celestial event graced the skies as both a blue moon and a lunar eclipse occurred simultaneously. A blue moon is defined as the second full moon in a calendar month, and this particular one was strikingly enhanced by the lunar eclipse. Many people across the globe gathered in various locations to observe this extraordinary event, sharing in a moment of awe as the moon turned shades of copper and red during the eclipse. The celestial display was a perfect way to end the year.
Continue ReadingLaunch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-129
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.
Continue ReadingNASA's Lunar Impact Test Success
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.
Continue ReadingNASA's Space Shuttle Discovery Launches STS-128
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.
Continue ReadingEndeavour Launches to Complete Kibō Module
The Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched on mission STS-127, aiming to enhance the International Space Station (ISS) with the completion of the Japanese Kibō module. This mission represented another crucial step in the assembly of the ISS, allowing for further scientific research in low Earth orbit. The Endeavour launched successfully from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying a seven-member crew including mission commander Mark Polansky and pilot Doug Hurley. This mission played a vital role in expanding the capabilities of the ISS.
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