September 11

On September 11, 1997, NASA's Mars Global Surveyor performed a successful orbital insertion maneuver around Mars after a seven-month cruise from Earth. The spacecraft began capturing high-resolution images of the Martian surface and studying the planet's topography, gravity field, and magnetic properties. Data from the orbiter revealed detailed information on potential water ice deposits, volcanic features, and ancient river channels. Mars Global Surveyor operated until November 2, 2006, providing the longest mission at that time around Mars and revolutionizing planetary science. Its findings laid the groundwork for future missions and greatly enhanced our understanding of Mars' geology and climate history.

On 11 September 2007, the Russian military conducted a test of the Aviation Thermobaric Bomb of Increased Power (ATBIP), nicknamed the 'Father of All Bombs' (FOAB). Designed as a massive fuel-air explosive, the FOAB produced a blast yield estimated at 44 tons of TNT equivalent. The detonation in the Kazakh test range generated an intense overpressure wave and incinerated the surrounding area. Russian officials described the test as a demonstration of strategic deterrence and defense capability. While non-nuclear, the bomb's destructive force surpassed that of the US GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB). The event sparked international debate over the ethics and proliferation risks of such high-yield conventional weapons.