May 22

Halley’s Comet follows a roughly 76-year orbit, making its appearances significant milestones in astronomy. Observers in China, the Middle East, and Europe recorded the 760 sighting as an omen of change. These early records helped later astronomers like Edmond Halley predict its periodic return. The comet’s brightness and tail length varied depending on its distance from the Sun. Medieval scholars debated its meaning in astrological and scientific terms. The 760 perihelion reinforced the link between careful observation and celestial mechanics. It remains a celebrated chapter in the history of comet studies.

Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark launched the Corps of Discovery on May 22, 1804. Departing from St. Charles, Missouri, with a team of over 30 men, the expedition aimed to map the Louisiana Purchase and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, the explorers collected scientific data, documented new plant and animal species, and established relations with Native American tribes. The journey would last over two years, covering more than 8,000 miles. Their reports and specimens greatly expanded contemporary knowledge of the American West and laid the groundwork for future expansion.

On May 22, 1826, HMS Beagle set sail from Plymouth, England, marking the beginning of its maiden voyage. Originally commissioned for hydrographic surveying, the vessel would undertake extensive charting missions. This first expedition focused on mapping the south coast of South America and surrounding islands. Under the command of Captain Pringle Stokes and later Captain Philemon FitzRoy, the voyage lasted over a year. The charts produced would enhance naval navigation and contribute to future scientific exploration.

On May 22, 1849, Abraham Lincoln received U.S. Patent No. 6,469 for a flotation device to lift boats over shoals. Lincoln’s invention consisted of inflatable buoyancy chambers attached to boats to raise them in shallow waters. He detailed the design in sketches, emphasizing its potential use on the Sangamon River in Illinois. Although never commercialized, the patent reflects Lincoln’s inventive spirit and practical problem-solving. To this day, Lincoln remains the only American president to hold an official patent.

On May 22, 1906, Orville and Wilbur Wright were granted U.S. Patent No. 821,393 for their invention of the "Flying-Machine". The patent detailed the method of flight control using wing-warping and a movable rudder. This intellectual property victory protected their design from competitors and solidified their status as aviation pioneers. Their patent drawings showcased a biplane design with a forward elevator for pitch control. The legal recognition spurred further development of powered flight technology. The Wright brothers' patent became a cornerstone for the burgeoning aircraft industry in the 20th century.

Apollo 10 launched on May 18, 1969 as the fourth crewed mission in the Apollo program. Piloted by Thomas Stafford and Eugene Cernan, the Lunar Module Snoopy separated from the Command Module Charlie Brown on May 22. It descended to within 8.4 nautical miles (15.6 km) of the lunar surface, testing navigation and landing systems without touching down. This close approach validated procedures for the subsequent Apollo 11 landing. Command Module pilot John Young maintained orbit above, collecting photography and telemetry. Apollo 10's success paved the way for humanity's first steps on the Moon less than two months later. The mission remains one of the most critical tests in lunar landing history.

On May 22, 2012, SpaceX launched the Dragon capsule atop its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, achieving the historic first commercial flight to the International Space Station. The mission, known as COTS Demo Flight 2, was part of NASA's commercial resupply initiative to engage private companies in space transportation. After a flawless ascent, Dragon successfully rendezvoused and berthed with the ISS, delivering experiments and supplies. The achievement validated SpaceX's technology and paved the way for regular commercial cargo missions. It marked a significant milestone in the commercialization of low Earth orbit activities.