1939day.year
First flight of the turbojet-powered Heinkel He 178, the world's first jet aircraft.
In 1939, Germany's Heinkel He 178 completed its maiden flight as the world's first turbojet-powered airplane.
Designed by Hans von Ohain and built by Ernst Heinkel, the He 178 introduced jet propulsion to aviation.
On August 27, 1939, test pilot Erich Warsitz flew for 10 minutes, reaching speeds up to 550 km/h.
The aircraft featured a Heinkel HeS 3b turbojet engine, marking a breakthrough in aeronautical engineering.
Though never used in combat, the He 178 paved the way for the development of modern jet fighters and airliners.
Its successful flight demonstrated the potential of jet propulsion for higher speeds and altitudes.
The He 178's legacy endures as the starting point of the jet age in aviation history.
1939
turbojet
Heinkel He 178
jet aircraft
1956day.year
The nuclear power station at Calder Hall in the United Kingdom was connected to the national power grid becoming the world's first commercial nuclear power station to generate electricity on an industrial scale.
In 1956, the Calder Hall nuclear power station in the UK began feeding electricity into the national grid as the first commercial nuclear plant.
Commissioned by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Calder Hall featured Magnox reactors producing 50 MW each.
On August 27, 1956, the station delivered its first electricity for industrial and civilian use.
It signified the practical application of nuclear fission for large-scale power generation.
Calder Hall operated reliably for nearly five decades, demonstrating the viability of nuclear energy.
Its success influenced nuclear policy, energy security, and global reactor development.
The project also prompted debates on safety protocols, waste management, and environmental impact.
1956
Calder Hall
1962day.year
The Mariner 2 unmanned space mission is launched to Venus by NASA.
In 1962, NASA launched Mariner 2, the first spacecraft to successfully fly by Venus and return scientific data.
Mariner 2 was part of the Mariner program aimed at exploring the inner planets of the solar system.
It carried instruments to measure magnetic fields, cosmic dust, and atmospheric composition.
On December 14, 1962, the probe passed within 34,000 kilometers of Venus, confirming surface temperatures above 500°C.
Data revealed Venus's dense atmosphere and high surface pressure, reshaping our understanding of the planet.
Mariner 2 also provided valuable information on solar wind and interplanetary space conditions.
Its success demonstrated the capabilities of remote scientific observation and deep-space communication.
1962
Mariner 2
Venus
NASA
1985day.year
Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on STS-51-I to deploy three communication satellites and repair a fourth malfunctioning one.
Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-51-I on August 27, 1985, to deploy and repair communication satellites.
On August 27, 1985, NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off on mission STS-51-I with a crew of seven astronauts. The primary objectives were to deploy three communication satellites and repair a fourth satellite that had malfunctioned in orbit. The mission showcased the shuttle’s versatility in both satellite deployment and in-flight repair operations. Discovery’s crew successfully captured the troubled satellite using the shuttle’s robotic arm and restored its functionality during extravehicular activities. STS-51-I further demonstrated the importance of reusable spacecraft in maintaining and expanding global communication networks.
Space Shuttle Discovery
STS-51-I
communication satellites
2003day.year
Mars makes its closest approach to Earth in nearly 60,000 years, passing 34,646,418 miles (55,758,005 km) distant.
On August 27, 2003, Mars made its closest approach to Earth in nearly 60,000 years, coming within approximately 34.6 million miles.
On August 27, 2003, the Red Planet Mars passed just 34,646,418 miles (55,758,005 km) from Earth, marking the closest encounter since 57,617 BCE.
The rare celestial event fascinated astronomers, skywatchers, and the general public worldwide.
Mars shone brightly in the night sky, offering clear views even without telescopes under dark conditions.
Scientists used the opportunity to study Mars' surface and atmosphere with enhanced resolution from ground-based telescopes.
Media outlets featured extensive coverage, highlighting the planet's distinct reddish hue and promoting public stargazing events.
This close approach will not be surpassed until the year 2287, making the 2003 event a once-in-a-millennium spectacle.
The phenomenon renewed global interest in Mars exploration and planetary science.
2003
Mars