On March 16, 1926, Robert H. Goddard launched his first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn, Massachusetts. Though his work went largely unrecognized during his lifetime, today he’s known as the father modern rocketry.
On January 7, 1785, mail was carried by an air vehicle for the first time.
On January 5, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed legislation authorizing the creation of America’s first space shuttle, the “world’s first reusable spacecraft.”
On December 23, 1986, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager completed the first non-stop flight around the world without refueling.
On December 20, 1941, the Flying Tigers engaged in their first battle.
Baseball legend Theodore Samuel Williams was born on August 30, 1918, in San Diego, California.
On June 16, 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space.
Scientist and mathematician Dr. Theodore von Kármán was born on May 11, 1881, in Budapest, Austria-Hungary.
On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger broke apart during the launch of its 10th mission.