May 10

In 28 BC, court astronomers of China's Han dynasty recorded a dark spot on the sun, noting its size and duration. This observation took place under Emperor Cheng, reflecting the advanced state of Chinese astronomy. At a time when celestial phenomena were closely linked to omens and imperial legitimacy, detailed records were meticulously kept. The sighting is one of the earliest dated sunspot observations in history, offering modern scientists valuable data on solar activity. Han astronomers used simple instruments and naked-eye observations, showcasing their careful astronomical practices. These records contribute to long-term studies of solar variation and its impact on Earth's climate. Today, historians view this observation as a testament to early scientific inquiry in ancient China.

On May 10, 1946, engineers at White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico achieved their first successful launch of a German-built V-2 rocket, captured at the end of World War II. As part of Operation Paperclip, former Nazi rocket scientists oversaw tests to advance American rocketry. This landmark flight reached altitudes above 50 miles, providing critical data for propulsion, guidance, and high-altitude research. The event laid the groundwork for the U.S. missile program and eventual space exploration achievements.

On May 10, 1967, the Northrop M2-F2, a wingless lifting-body research aircraft jointly developed by NASA and Northrop, suffered a severe loss of control during a landing approach at Edwards Air Force Base. The pilot, Bruce Peterson, ejected just before the aircraft cartwheeled and crashed on Rogers Dry Lakebed. Peterson survived with injuries, and the dramatic footage of the crash was widely circulated. Author Martin Caidin used the incident as a basis for his 1972 novel Cyborg, envisioning a bionic test pilot. This novel later became the foundation for the popular 1970s TV series The Six Million Dollar Man starring Lee Majors. The M2-F2 program highlighted stability challenges in lifting-body designs, leading to modifications and the M2-F3 variant with improved control surfaces. Despite the accident, NASA continued research into lifting bodies, paving the way for future reusable spacecraft concepts.