This Day In History : April 3

1965 United States

First Atomic-Powered Spacecraft Launched

On April 3, 1965, the United States launches SNAP-10A, the first atomic-powered spacecraft. Using a nuclear reactor for power, this innovative satellite represents a major advancement in space technology. The mission sets a precedent for future nuclear-powered space endeavors.

Also on This Day in History April 3

Discover what happened on April 3 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, April 3
  • 1715 William Watson

    English physician and scientist

  • 1911 Michael Woodruff

    English surgeon and scientist who researched in organ transplantation

  • 1934 Jane Goodall

    British primatologist (world's expert on chimpanzees), ethologist, anthropologist, and UN Messenger of Peace

  • 1926 Virgil Grissom

    NASA astronaut (Mercury-Redstone 4, Gemini 3, Apollo 1)

  • 1841 Hermann Carl Vogel

    German astronomer who discovered spectroscopic binaries

Deaths on This Day, April 3
  • 1997 Robert Wentorf Jr.

    American physicist and inventor who first synthesize diamonds as part of Project Super pressure

  • 1827 Ernst Chladni

    German physicist who discovered Chladni's law (estimated the speed of sound), instrument inventor and musician

  • 1994 Jerome Lejeune

    French geneticist who discovered chromosome responsible for Downs Syndrome

  • 1980 Edward Bullard

    English marine geophysicist

  • 2018 David Edgerton

    American entrepreneur and Founder of Burger King

1933

First Airplane Flight Over Mount Everest Achieved

On April 3, 1933, the first successful airplane flight over Mount Everest is completed, marking a pioneering achievement in aviation history. British pilots Lord Clydesdale and David McIntyre navigate the challenging conditions to capture unprecedented aerial photographs of the world's highest peak.
1973

First Public Mobile Telephone Call Made on Manhattan Sidewalk

On April 3, 1973, Martin Cooper of Motorola places the first public mobile telephone call from a Manhattan sidewalk. This groundbreaking moment marks the beginning of the mobile communications revolution, transforming how people connect globally.
1984

Soyuz T-11 Launches with Rakesh Sharma to Salyut 7

On April 3, 1984, the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft is launched, carrying three cosmonauts, including Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to travel to space. The mission aims to dock with the Salyut 7 space station, marking a significant milestone in international space exploration.
2009

Australia Adopts UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights

On April 3, 2009, Australia formally endorses the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This decision marks a significant step towards recognizing and upholding the rights and cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians.
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