November 19

On November 19, 1969, NASA's Apollo 12 mission touched down in the Oceanus Procellarum region, completing the second human landing on the lunar surface. Astronauts Pete Conrad and Alan Bean became the third and fourth people to walk on the Moon, following the historic Apollo 11 mission. During their 31-hour lunar stay, they conducted geological surveys, collected rock samples and deployed scientific instruments to study the Moon's composition. The mission demonstrated a precision landing capability, touching down just 180 meters from the targeted site. Apollo 12's success bolstered confidence in NASA's crewed exploration program and informed planning for subsequent missions. The data and samples returned by Conrad and Bean continue to be studied by scientists today.

On November 19, 1996, NASA launched Space Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-80, marking the program’s longest flight at 17 days in orbit. The mission carried a suite of scientific experiments focused on microgravity research and satellite deployment. Veteran astronaut Story Musgrave logged the flight as his fifth and final shuttle mission, becoming the only person to have flown aboard all five orbiters. Crew members conducted the Wake Shield Facility experiment and deployed the ORFEUS ultraviolet telescope. The extended duration tested life support systems and long-term crew endurance. STS-80’s achievements contributed valuable data to both scientific communities and NASA’s understanding of extended spaceflight.

On November 19, 1997, Space Shuttle Columbia launched on mission STS-87, carrying a crew of seven on a complex scientific itinerary. The flight focused on microgravity experiments, solar observations, and the deployment of the Spartan satellite. Astronauts conducted an untethered spacewalk to test new EVA tools and procedures. The mission yielded important data on fluid physics in weightlessness and the behavior of plasmas. Despite challenges with satellite deployment, the crew successfully retrieved and refurbished Spartan for return. STS-87’s achievements added depth to NASA’s ongoing efforts to expand human knowledge of space environments and technology.

Shenzhou 1 was launched on November 19, 1999 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. It carried no crew and served as a test of China's developing spacecraft systems. The mission tested life support, avionics, and re-entry procedures. It orbited Earth for 21 orbits before safely returning. This marked a major milestone in China's space ambitions. The success paved the way for subsequent manned missions. It demonstrated China's growing capabilities in space technology. It laid the groundwork for future space station projects. China would go on to become the third nation to independently send humans into orbit.