1977day.year
The first prototype of the Mikoyan MiG-29, designated 9-01, makes its maiden flight.
The first prototype of the Soviet MiG-29 fighter jet took to the skies on its maiden flight, showcasing a new generation of agile air superiority aircraft.
On October 6, 1977, the Mikoyan design bureau flew the maiden flight of the MiG-29 prototype (designated 9-01) at Sokol Aircraft Plant in the Soviet Union. Developed in response to advanced Western fighters such as the F-15 and F-16, the MiG-29 featured exceptional agility, powerful engines, and modern avionics. The successful test flight marked a significant achievement in Soviet aerospace engineering during the Cold War. The MiG-29 would go on to serve as a frontline air superiority fighter for the Soviet Air Force and its allies. Its introduction prompted further innovation in both Eastern and Western fighter design. The jet remains in service with several air forces around the world, testament to its enduring legacy.
1977
Mikoyan MiG-29
1990day.year
Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on STS-41, and deploys the Ulysses space probe to study the Sun's polar regions.
Space Shuttle Discovery launched the Ulysses probe on STS-41, embarking on a pioneering mission to study the Sun's polar regions.
On October 6, 1990, NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off on mission STS-41, carrying the Ulysses probe for the first spacecraft investigation of the Sun's polar regions. Developed in partnership between NASA and the European Space Agency, Ulysses deployed from Discovery into a trajectory that would take it out of the ecliptic plane. Following its launch, the shuttle crew released the probe and continued scientific experiments aboard Discovery. Ulysses later used a gravity assist from Jupiter to achieve the necessary inclination to pass over the Sun's poles. The mission provided unprecedented data on solar winds, magnetic fields, and the heliosphere. Ulysses' findings advanced our understanding of solar dynamics and space weather, influencing future heliophysics research.
1990
Space Shuttle Discovery
STS-41
Ulysses
Sun
1995day.year
The first planet orbiting another sun, 51 Pegasi b, is discovered.
In 1995, the exoplanet 51 Pegasi b was discovered, marking the first planet found orbiting a Sun-like star and opening a new era in the search for worlds beyond our solar system.
In 1995, astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz announced the discovery of 51 Pegasi b at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence in France. Using the radial velocity method, they detected the planet’s gravitational influence on its host star. This marked the first confirmed detection of an exoplanet orbiting a Sun-like star outside our solar system. The find challenged existing models of planetary formation by revealing 'hot Jupiters' close to their stars. It opened a new era of exoplanet research, inspiring dedicated telescopes and missions. Today, thousands of exoplanets have been identified, building on the pioneering work of this discovery. The detection of 51 Pegasi b remains a milestone in astronomy.
1995
51 Pegasi b