What Happened This Year 1985
Historical Events from This Year 1985
Sultan bin Salman Al Saud in Space
The Space Shuttle Discovery launched, carrying Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as a payload specialist. This marked a significant moment as he became the first Arab and first Muslim to travel to space. The mission, STS-51-G, aimed to deploy various satellites and conduct scientific experiments. Discovery lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, showcasing international cooperation in space exploration.
Continue ReadingRevolutionary Party Attack in Zona Rosa
Members of the Revolutionary Party of Central American Workers disguised themselves as Salvadoran soldiers and launched an attack on the Zona Rosa area of San Salvador. This event involved an explosion of violence in a prominent section of the capital, known for its vibrant nightlife and commercial activities. The attackers aimed to disrupt the perceived safety and security of the elite area, sending a powerful message during the ongoing civil conflict in El Salvador. The incident showcased the bold tactics of guerrilla forces in their struggle against the government.
Continue ReadingBraathens SAFE Flight 139 Hijacked Near Oslo
Braathens SAFE Flight 139, a domestic flight in Norway, was hijacked while approaching Oslo Airport, Fornebu. The hijacker, seeking to draw attention to a political issue, took control of the aircraft with a small number of passengers aboard. Norwegian special forces swiftly responded, surrounding the plane and executing a rescue operation. The incident concluded without any fatalities, showcasing the effectiveness of the emergency response teams.
Continue ReadingTerrorist Bombings at Narita and Air India Flight
A terrorist group launched two devastating bomb attacks on June 23, 1985. The first bomb exploded at Narita International Airport near Tokyo, resulting in two fatalities and four injuries. Approximately one hour later, a second bomb detonated aboard Air India Flight 182, leading to the crash of the Boeing 747 into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 passengers and crew members on board. These coordinated incidents underscored the threat of terrorism in aviation and prompted international security reactions.
Continue ReadingRelease of American Hostages from TWA Flight 847
Thirty-nine American hostages from TWA Flight 847 were released in Beirut after being held captive for 17 days. The flight was hijacked on June 14, 1985, by members of the Islamic Jihad Organization, who demanded the release of prisoners held in Israel. Under intense negotiations, the hostages' release represented a significant moment in U.S.-Middle Eastern relations during a tumultuous period marked by political tension and unresolved conflicts in the region.
Continue ReadingBoris Becker Wins Wimbledon at Age 17
Boris Becker achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Wimbledon men's singles title at just 17 years old. Competing against Kevin Curren in the final, Becker secured the championship after a closely contested match that concluded with a score of 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4. This victory marked his emergence as a dominant figure in tennis, showcasing exceptional talent and determination. The tournament took place at the All England Club in London, a historic venue known for its prestigious grass courts.
Continue ReadingBombing of Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior
In Auckland Harbour, the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior was bombed and sunk by French secret agents from the DGSE. This attack, carried out to prevent Greenpeace from disrupting nuclear tests, resulted in the death of photographer Fernando Pereira, who was onboard. The incident highlighted the lengths governments would go to silence opposition and sparked international outrage.
Continue ReadingSoviet Aeroflot Tu-154 Crash Kills 200
An Aeroflot Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft crashed near Uchkuduk, Uzbekistan, resulting in the deaths of all 200 individuals on board. The crash occurred during a domestic flight from Tashkent to Samarkand. Investigations later indicated that a stall during the flight led to the tragic accident, marking it as the deadliest in Soviet aviation history. The aircraft ultimately lost altitude and impacted the ground under unclear circumstances.
Continue ReadingGlobal Live Aid Concert Fundraises for Africa
The Live Aid benefit concert was a dual-venue event featuring performances by many iconic musicians. Held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the concert raised funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The event was organized by musicians Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, motivated by the 1984 Ethiopian famine. Live Aid drew an audience of over 1.5 billion viewers across more than 150 nations and showcased legendary acts like Queen, U2, and David Bowie.
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