Monday, September 29, 2025
On this date in 2001, NASA launched Kodiak Star carrying four satellites into Earth orbit. This was the first launch from the Kodiak Launch Complex on Kodiak Island in Alaska, now named the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (PSCA). This facility is one of the best locations in the world for polar launch operations.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
On this date in 1982, the first circumnavigation of the world in a helicopter was completed. The helicopter was a Bell 206L LongRanger II named the “Spirit of Texas.” Over a period of 29 days, the helicopter stopped to refuel 29 times while covering a distance of over 26,000 miles in 246.5 flight hours.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
On this date in 1958, NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) officially became NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). On that day William H. Dana reported to work as an engineer at the High-Speed Flight Station as the first NASA employee.
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Today, the dwarf planet Ceres reaches opposition. Opposition occurs when an astronomical body appears opposite the Sun in our sky as viewed from Earth. During opposition is typically the best time to view Ceres through a telescope as it is near its closest approach to Earth and appears at its brightest in the sky.
Friday, October 3, 2025
On this date in 1962, the Mercury spacecraft Sigma 7 was launched. Aboard the craft, Astronaut Walter M. “Wally” Schirra completed nearly six orbits of the Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean 9 hours, 13 minutes after liftoff. All Mercury capsules were built in St. Louis by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
On this date in 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite. The launch of Sputnik 1 marked the beginning of the space age and of the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 2025, over 12,000 active satellites are in orbit for the first time in history.
Sunday, October 5, 2025
On this date in 1984, Space Shuttle Challenger launched on the eight-day STS-41G mission. On this mission, Kathryn D. Sullivan became the first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk. The shuttle’s crew of seven was the largest ever to fly on a single spacecraft at that time. STS-41G completed 132 orbits of the Earth in 197.5 hours, before landing at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on October 13.
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