1846day.year
Triton, the largest moon of the planet Neptune, is discovered by English astronomer William Lassell.
On October 10, 1846, English astronomer William Lassell discovered Triton, Neptune’s largest moon.
On October 10, 1846, English astronomer William Lassell discovered Triton, the largest moon of Neptune, from his Liverpool observatory.
Using a 24-inch reflector telescope, he identified the faint satellite just weeks after Neptune itself was first observed.
Triton's unusual retrograde orbit and icy surface composition puzzled astronomers and suggested a captured Kuiper Belt origin.
This discovery greatly expanded understanding of the outer solar system and its complex dynamics.
Triton remains the only large moon in the solar system with a retrograde orbit and is one of the coldest known planetary bodies.
Ongoing missions and observations continue to reveal its nitrogen geysers and seasonal frost cycles.
1846
Triton
Neptune
William Lassell
1964day.year
The Tokyo Summer Olympics opening ceremony is the first to be relayed live by satellites.
On October 10, 1964, the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Summer Olympics became the first global sporting event to be broadcast live via satellite, transforming media coverage.
Using the Syncom 3 satellite, NHK and NASA achieved real-time transmission of the ceremony to North America and beyond.
Millions watched as Emperor Hirohito declared the Games open from the newly constructed National Stadium.
This pioneering broadcast showcased Japan’s technological resurgence after World War II.
The success paved the way for live global telecasts of major events and revolutionized sports and news media.
It marked a milestone in the convergence of space technology and mass communication.
1964
Tokyo Summer Olympics
1967day.year
The Outer Space Treaty comes into force.
On October 10, 1967, the Outer Space Treaty took effect, setting foundational rules for the peaceful exploration and use of space by all nations.
Formally titled the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, it was signed by the US, USSR, and UK.
The agreement banned nuclear weapons in orbit, prohibited military bases on celestial bodies, and forbade national sovereignty claims in space.
It promoted international cooperation in scientific exploration and held states accountable for damages from their space activities.
Eventually ratified by over 100 countries, the treaty remains the cornerstone of international space law.
It enshrined space as a global commons and laid the groundwork for future space diplomacy.
1967
Outer Space Treaty
2007day.year
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor becomes the first Malaysian in space on board Soyuz TMA-11.
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor became the first Malaysian astronaut in space aboard Soyuz TMA-11 in 2007.
On October 10, 2007, Malaysian physician Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor launched aboard the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft bound for the International Space Station. As Malaysia’s inaugural astronaut, he conducted experiments in biotechnology and cellular research under microgravity conditions. His mission aimed to foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. During his stay on the ISS, Sheikh Muszaphar presented Malaysian cultural artifacts in orbit and engaged in educational outreach with students back home. The successful return of the crew after a ten-day mission marked Malaysia’s entry into human spaceflight. His voyage inspired national pride and spurred government investment in space science programs. Today, his legacy continues to motivate a new generation of Malaysian scientists and engineers.
2007
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor
Soyuz TMA-11