1947day.year
The North American F-86 Sabre flies for the first time.
On October 1, 1947, the North American F-86 Sabre, a groundbreaking jet fighter aircraft, took to the skies on its maiden flight.
Designed by North American Aviation, the F-86 Sabre represented a major advancement in jet propulsion and swept-wing design. Capturing speeds exceeding 600 mph, it demonstrated superior maneuverability and performance compared to earlier straight-wing jets. The maiden flight on October 1, 1947, marked the beginning of the Sabre's prolific production and operational service. Later, the aircraft would earn a formidable reputation during the Korean War, engaging Soviet-built MiG-15 fighters in air-to-air combat. Its innovative design influenced future jet fighters and cemented the F-86's place in aviation history.
1947
North American F-86 Sabre
1958day.year
The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics is replaced by NASA.
On October 1, 1958, NASA was established, replacing the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and launching the United States into the space age.
Responding to the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik, the US government reorganized its aerospace efforts to compete in the Cold War space race. The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, effective October 1, 1958, subsuming NACA along with various missile and space research programs. NASA inherited research centers, personnel, and assets, and set ambitious goals including human spaceflight and lunar exploration. The new agency coordinated civilian space efforts, leading to milestones like the Mercury program and the Apollo moon landings. NASA's formation signaled a shift in scientific priorities and national prestige, shaping decades of space exploration.
1958
National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics
1969day.year
Concorde breaks the sound barrier for the first time.
In 1969, the Concorde prototype surpassed the sound barrier for the first time, validating supersonic commercial flight design.
Built by a joint venture between Britain and France, the Concorde was designed to carry passengers at supersonic speeds. On October 1, 1969, the prototype achieved Mach 1 over the English Channel during test flights. This milestone proved the feasibility of sustained supersonic travel and solidified Concorde’s technical credentials. Engineers studied sonic boom effects, aerodynamic heating, and fuel efficiency during trials. The achievement paved the way for the airliner’s entry into service in 1976. Concorde would go on to operate transatlantic flights for nearly three decades, symbolizing the pinnacle of aviation innovation.
1969
Concorde
1971day.year
The first practical CT scanner is used to diagnose a patient.
The first practical CT scanner was used to diagnose a patient on October 1, 1971.
On October 1, 1971, a breakthrough in medical imaging occurred when the first practical computed tomography (CT) scanner was used to diagnose a patient. Developed by Godfrey Hounsfield and his team at EMI Laboratories in London, the CT scanner produced detailed cross-sectional images of the body. This technology combined X-ray measurements from multiple angles with computer processing to create clear internal views. The initial clinical application greatly improved the detection of brain tumors and other pathologies. Over time, CT scanning became a standard diagnostic tool worldwide, revolutionizing modern medicine. Today, CT scanners perform millions of scans annually and have saved countless lives through early and accurate diagnosis.
practical CT scanner
1982day.year
Sony and Phillips launch the compact disc in Japan; on the same day, Sony releases the model CDP-101 compact disc player, the first player of its kind.
Sony and Philips unveiled the compact disc format in Japan on October 1, 1982, alongside the first CD player.
On October 1, 1982, Sony and Philips jointly launched the compact disc (CD) format in Japan alongside Sony's CDP-101, the first commercial CD player. The digital audio medium offered clearer sound reproduction, longer playing times, and durability compared to vinyl records and cassette tapes. Early CD releases included classical and pop albums that showcased the format's high fidelity. The standardization of CD technology paved the way for the global music industry to transition to digital media. Sales soared as consumers adopted the player, marking the dawn of the digital audio era. The compact disc remained a dominant format for over two decades before the rise of digital downloads and streaming.
compact disc
CDP-101
2001day.year
3G wireless technology first becomes available when it is adopted by Japanese telecommunications company NTT Docomo.
NTT Docomo launches the world's first commercial 3G network, introducing high-speed wireless internet and multimedia services.
On October 1, 2001, Japanese telecommunications company NTT Docomo launched the first commercial third-generation (3G) wireless network. Offering data speeds up to 384 kbps, the service enabled video calls, mobile internet browsing, and multimedia messaging on compatible handsets. This technological leap transformed mobile communications by prioritizing data over voice and paved the way for the smartphone era. Other carriers worldwide soon followed, racing to upgrade their networks to 3G standards. The launch catalyzed the development of new applications and services, from mobile email to streaming media. It marked a turning point in the evolution of global telecommunications infrastructure.
3G
adopted
NTT Docomo