1959day.year
Discoverer 1, an American spy satellite that is the first object intended to achieve a polar orbit, is launched but fails to achieve orbit.
On February 28, 1959, the United States launched Discoverer 1, the first American attempt to place an object into polar orbit, but the satellite failed to achieve orbit.
Discoverer 1 marked the inaugural mission of the U.S. Corona reconnaissance program, aiming to test polar orbit insertion for global surveillance. Launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base aboard a Thor-Agena rocket, the satellite encountered a second-stage malfunction and never reached its intended trajectory. Although it reentered the atmosphere without returning any imagery, the mission provided crucial engineering data for future designs. Lessons learned from Discoverer 1 informed the success of later Corona flights, which ultimately revolutionized Cold War intelligence gathering. The program’s achievements laid the groundwork for modern satellite reconnaissance.
1959
Discoverer 1
spy satellite
polar orbit
1990day.year
Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on STS-36.
NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on STS-36 on February 28, 1990, carrying classified Department of Defense payloads and scientific experiments.
On February 28, 1990, Atlantis roared off the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center to begin the highly classified STS-36 mission. Operated primarily for the Department of Defense, its main payload remained undisclosed to the public. The mission also hosted a suite of microgravity research experiments and Earth observation equipment. Over the course of four days, Atlantis orbited the Earth multiple times, demonstrating the shuttle's precision and reliability. The flight underscored the unique role of reusable spacecraft in supporting national security objectives. Atlantis completed its mission with a successful landing at Edwards Air Force Base. STS-36 stands as a testament to the shuttle program's versatility and strategic importance.
1990
Space Shuttle Atlantis
STS-36
2024day.year
Prime Minister Modi of India inaugurated the 2nd Space Port of India - Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport, the nation's second spaceport, on February 28, 2024.
On February 28, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport, India's second dedicated launch facility. Located on the southern coast of Tamil Nadu, the spaceport offers modern infrastructure for small satellite deployments and research missions. The event underscored India's ambition to expand its commercial and scientific space activities. Key features include multiple launch pads, advanced tracking systems, and support for polar and equatorial orbits. The inauguration ceremony highlighted India's growing role in the global space industry and its commitment to innovation. Government and ISRO officials spoke about the facility's potential to boost economic growth and technological collaboration. With this new spaceport, India aims to increase its launch cadence and provide a competitive alternative in the international launch market. The project reflects a strategic vision to harness space technology for national development.
2024
Prime Minister
Modi
Space Port
Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport