September 30

On 30 September 1882, Thomas Edison inaugurated the first commercial hydroelectric power plant in Appleton, Wisconsin, which would later be known as the Appleton Edison Light Company. The facility utilized the water flow of the nearby Fox River to drive electrical generators, showcasing the potential of renewable energy sources. This innovation extended Edison's legacy beyond direct current lighting into large-scale power generation. The plant supplied electricity to local factories and homes, demonstrating the feasibility of hydroelectric power for urban and industrial needs. It paved the way for the widespread adoption of hydroelectric dams and utilities across the United States. Edison's blend of engineering ingenuity and entrepreneurial vision helped establish the modern electrical power industry. Today, hydroelectric power remains a key component of global renewable energy strategies.

Developed under the leadership of Admiral Hyman Rickover, USS Nautilus was launched on January 21, 1954, and commissioned on September 30 of the same year. Powered by a pressurized-water reactor, it could operate submerged for extended periods without surfacing. The submarine’s nuclear propulsion vastly increased underwater endurance and speed compared to diesel-electric vessels. Its first mission demonstrated the feasibility of nuclear power for naval applications and opened a new era in submarine design. Nautilus later completed the first under-ice transit of the North Pole in 1958, showcasing its strategic capabilities. Its groundbreaking technology paved the way for future generations of nuclear-powered warships and submarines.

Designed by Boeing to meet the growing demand for long-range, high-capacity air travel, the 747 project began in the mid-1960s. On September 30, 1968, the first 747 airframe was unveiled at Boeing's Everett assembly plant in Washington. Nicknamed the 'Queen of the Skies', the 747 could carry over 400 passengers, far exceeding previous airliner capacities. Its distinctive hump and upper deck lounge became symbols of the jet age's luxury and scale. The 747 revolutionized international travel by reducing per-passenger costs on long-haul routes. It remained in commercial service for decades and cemented Boeing's reputation as an aerospace leader.

In the late 1970s, Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center developed Ethernet as a method for linking computers over coaxial cable. To promote widespread adoption, Xerox collaborated with Intel and Digital Equipment Corporation to formalize the technology. On September 30, 1980, the consortium released the first Ethernet specification, detailing frame format, collision detection, and data rates. This open standard allowed vendors to build compatible network interfaces and switches, sparking a networking revolution. Ethernet rapidly became the dominant technology for local area networks (LANs) in offices and universities worldwide. Its scalability and flexibility laid the foundation for modern high-speed networking and the growth of the internet.

On September 30, 1994, NASA's Space Shuttle Endeavour lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-68. The flight carried the Space Radar Laboratory-2 (SRL-2), focused on studying Earth's environment and topography. Over 11 days, the crew conducted radar imaging experiments to map terrain and monitor environmental changes. The mission enhanced understanding of natural resources, deforestation, and volcanic activity. Endeavour completed 183 Earth orbits before returning to a safe landing at Edwards Air Force Base. STS-68 contributed valuable data to Earth science research.