November 03

American engineer William H. Dana was a pioneering test pilot and astronaut who played a key role in hypersonic research. He flew the North American X-15 rocket plane, reaching altitudes that earned him astronaut wings. Later he piloted and evaluated lifting-body aircraft, advancing understanding of spacecraft reentry and controlled landing. His work at NASA's Flight Research Center helped improve designs for future space vehicles. After his NASA career, he supported aerospace research as a consultant and mentor. Dana passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy in high-speed flight development.

Born in 1930, Tsutomu Seki is a renowned Japanese astronomer who has discovered several comets and asteroids. He co-discovered the spectacular Comet Ikeya–Seki in 1965, one of the brightest comets of the 20th century. Throughout his career, he identified and catalogued hundreds of minor planets, enriching our knowledge of the solar system. The asteroid 3426 Seki was named in his honor, recognizing his contributions to astronomy. He has authored numerous scientific papers on cometary and asteroidal dynamics. Seki remains active in promoting amateur astronomy and inspiring new generations of stargazers.

Reinhard Karl was a German climber and photographer born in Munich in 1946. He achieved first ascents in the Alps and was among the first Western alpinists to climb in the Himalayas. Karl's 1972 solo ascent of the North Face of the Eiger was a landmark achievement in mountaineering. An accomplished photographer, he documented his expeditions in vivid detail and published several accounts. His book 'Solo mit Seil' captured the imaginations of climbers worldwide. Karl died in a paragliding accident in 1982, but his legacy endures through his writings and photographs.

Dave Hahn holds the American record for the most successful summits of Mount Everest, having reached the peak over a dozen times. He began his climbing career in the Cascade Range before leading expeditions in the Himalayas. In addition to guiding climbers, Hahn has written articles and essays on mountaineering for various outdoor publications. He has also completed solo ascents of Denali and other major peaks in North America. His expertise, leadership, and storytelling have made him a respected figure in the international climbing community.

Born in the Basque Country, Alberto Iñurrategi is a celebrated mountaineer known for scaling the world's highest mountains. He achieved the feat of ascending all fourteen 8000m peaks without supplemental oxygen, demonstrating exceptional endurance and skill. Throughout his career, he led numerous expeditions in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. He has been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and mountain safety. His writings and lectures continue to inspire climbers around the globe.