Birth of the Space Shuttle Program
On January 5, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed legislation authorizing the creation of America’s first space shuttle, the “world’s first reusable spacecraft.”
Flight
First Non-Stop Non-Refueled Flight Around the Globe
On December 23, 1986, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager completed the first non-stop flight around the world without refueling.
Flying Tigers First Combat
On December 20, 1941, the Flying Tigers engaged in their first battle.
Happy Birthday, Ted Williams
Baseball legend Theodore Samuel Williams was born on August 30, 1918, in San Diego, California.
First Woman in Space
On June 16, 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space.
Birth of Dr. Theodore von Kármán
Scientist and mathematician Dr. Theodore von Kármán was born on May 11, 1881, in Budapest, Austria-Hungary.
The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger broke apart during the launch of its 10th mission.
The International Civil Aeronautics Conference
On December 12, 1928, the International Civil Aeronautics Conference opened in Washington, DC.
First Helicopter Airmail Flight
On October 1, 1947, the first official Airmail service flown by helicopter was inaugurated in Los Angeles.