What Happened This Year 1972

Historical Events from This Year 1972

Space Exploration

Final Attempt to Launch the N1 Rocket

November 23rd, 1972 52 years ago

The Soviet Union made its final attempt to launch the N1 rocket, a massive launch vehicle developed for its lunar program, which aimed to compete with the United States in space exploration. This launch occurred at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The N1 rocket was crucial for transporting cosmonauts and equipment to the Moon, but it suffered from multiple technical issues that plagued its development. Despite the ambition behind the program, this launch would ultimately mark the end of Soviet aspirations for a crewed lunar landing.

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Crime & Law

Final Guillotining in Paris History

November 28th, 1972 52 years ago

Claude Buffet and Roger Bontems were executed by guillotine on November 28, 1972, at La Santé Prison in Paris. Their executions came after being convicted in a notorious kidnapping and murder case, prompting widespread public and media attention. This marked the last use of the guillotine in France, symbolizing the end of an era in capital punishment practices within the country.

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Technology & Innovation

Atari Launches Pong, Gaming Revolution Begins

November 29th, 1972 52 years ago

Atari launched Pong, the first commercially successful video game, captivating players in arcade halls across the United States. Created by Nolan Bushnell and Al Alcorn, Pong simulated table tennis with simple graphics and sound effects. Its accessible gameplay invited players of all ages, garnering significant attention and revenue. The game was originally tested in a local bar and soon became a nationwide phenomenon, marking the birth of the video game industry.

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Politics & Government

Troop Withdrawal Announcements Cease

November 30th, 1972 52 years ago

Ron Ziegler, White House Press Secretary, announced that there will be no more public announcements regarding American troop withdrawals from Vietnam as troop levels have decreased to 27,000. This marked a significant moment in U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The announcement reflected a shift in administration strategy following negotiations aimed at ending U.S. military involvement.

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Politics & Government

Gough Whitlam's Victory in 1972 Elections

December 2nd, 1972 52 years ago

Gough Whitlam led the Australian Labor Party to victory over the incumbent Prime Minister William McMahon, marking a significant political shift after 23 years in opposition. The election, held in December, saw Whitlam's platform focus on reforms in health, education, and social welfare, appealing to a populace seeking change after decades of conservative rule. His leadership inspired hope for a new direction, mobilizing voters across Australia to support his vision.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Spantax Flight 275 Crashes at Tenerife Airport

December 3rd, 1972 52 years ago

Spantax Flight 275, a Douglas DC-8, crashed during takeoff from Tenerife North–Ciudad de La Laguna Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 155 people aboard. The aircraft experienced catastrophic failure shortly after becoming airborne, with debris indicating a loss of control. Despite efforts from the crew, the plane could not maintain altitude and ultimately crashed into a nearby agricultural area.

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Space Exploration

Apollo 17 Launches, Blue Marble Captured

December 7th, 1972 52 years ago

Apollo 17 was the final mission of NASA's Apollo program, marking the culmination of human exploration of the Moon. Launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission crew, consisting of Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ronald Evans, aimed to conduct extensive scientific exploration. Notably, as they departed Earth, the crew captured the iconic photograph known as 'The Blue Marble,' showcasing the vibrant, blue planet in the vastness of space. This photograph became one of the most famous images of Earth ever taken.

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Accidents & Tragedies

First Boeing 737 Crash at Chicago Midway Airport

December 8th, 1972 52 years ago

United Airlines Flight 553, operating a Boeing 737, crashed while attempting to land at Chicago Midway International Airport. After aborting its landing, the aircraft lost control and crashed into a residential area, resulting in 45 fatalities, including all 4 on board and 41 individuals on the ground. This incident marked the first-ever loss of a Boeing 737 in service.

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Space Exploration

Apollo 17 Completes Final Moon Landing Mission

December 11th, 1972 52 years ago

Apollo 17 marked the final lunar landing mission of NASA's Apollo program, which explored the Moon's surface and returned valuable data. Launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission was crewed by astronauts Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ronald Evans. Apollo 17 is particularly notable for being the only mission to include a scientist on board, with Schmitt being a qualified geologist. The mission lasted about 12 days, during which the lunar module landed in the Taurus-Littrow valley, allowing for extensive geological sampling and exploration. It concluded significant lunar research and achievements of the Apollo program.

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