868day.year
A copy of the Diamond Sūtra is published, the earliest dated and printed book known.
The Diamond Sūtra, the world’s oldest dated printed book, was published in China using woodblock printing.
In 868, during the Tang dynasty, Chinese artisans printed the Diamond Sūtra using woodblock technology.
This Buddhist scripture is the oldest surviving dated printed book, providing a timestamp for early printing.
The Diamond Sūtra block bears the date of May 11, marking it as a milestone in the history of typography.
Its production reflects advanced craftsmanship and the spread of Buddhism in medieval China.
The text’s preservation offers valuable insights into religious, cultural, and technological practices of the era.
Today, surviving copies are treasured as UNESCO Memory of the World artifacts, symbolizing humanity’s printing heritage.
868
Diamond Sūtra
1997day.year
Deep Blue, a chess-playing supercomputer, defeats Garry Kasparov in the last game of the rematch, becoming the first computer to beat a world-champion chess player in a classic match format.
On May 11, 1997, IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov in Game 6 of their rematch. The victory marked the first time a machine beat a reigning champion in a standard match.
After narrowly losing their initial encounters, Deep Blue engineers made hardware and algorithmic improvements for the 1997 rematch against Garry Kasparov. In the decisive sixth game, the supercomputer executed a series of tactical sacrifices to seize the initiative. Kasparov, under intense pressure, miscalculated a key variation and resigned after 45 moves. Deep Blue’s 3.5–2.5 match victory stunned both the chess community and the broader public. IBM hailed the outcome as a breakthrough in parallel computing and artificial intelligence. The match sparked widespread debate about the future of AI, ethics, and the potential for computers to master creative tasks. Today, the Deep Blue triumph is seen as a foundational moment in the evolution of machine learning and computational strategy.
1997
Deep Blue
Garry Kasparov
last game
2009day.year
Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on the final mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope.
Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on its final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.
On May 11, 2009, Atlantis lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-125, the last shuttle flight to repair Hubble.
The crew of seven astronauts carried advanced instruments and replacement parts to extend the telescope’s lifespan.
Over five spacewalks, they upgraded gyroscopes, batteries, and installed a new camera and spectrograph.
The mission restored Hubble’s imaging capabilities, enabling fresh views of deep-space phenomena.
It marked the final shuttle-based maintenance of the orbiting observatory.
The successful flight showcased human ingenuity and international scientific collaboration.
Atlantis returned safely on May 24, closing a chapter in NASA’s manned space programs.
Space Shuttle Atlantis
final mission
Hubble Space Telescope