This Day In History : February 21

1996 Russian Federation

Soyuz TM-23 Launched into Orbit

On February 21, 1996, the Soyuz TM-23 spacecraft is launched into orbit. This mission, part of Russia's ongoing space station program, plays a critical role in maintaining the operation and crew of the Mir space station. The successful launch underscores the continued advancement of Russian space exploration.

Also on This Day in History February 21

Discover what happened on February 21 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, February 21
  • 1791 John Mercer

    English chemist and industrialist who invented the mercerisation process for treating cotton which is still in use today and was a pioneer in colour photography.

  • 1866 August von Wassermann

    German bacteriologist whose discovery of a universal blood-serum test (1906) for syphilis helped extend the basic tenets of immunology to diagnosis.

  • 1895 Carl Peter Henrik Dam

    Danish biochemist who shared (with Edward A. Doisy) the 1943 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for research into antihemorrhagic substances and the discovery of vitamin K (1939).

  • 1892 Harry Stack Sullivan

    American psychiatrist who developed a theory of psychiatry based on interpersonal relationships.

  • 1849 Édouard Gaston Deville

    French-born Canadian surveyor of Canadian lands (1875-1924) who perfected the first practical method of photogrammetry, or the making of maps based on photography.

Deaths on This Day, February 21
  • 1993 Inge Lehmann

    Danish seismologist and geophysicist who was the first person in that field in her home country, and the first true female geophysicist in the world.

  • 1926 Heike Kamerlingh Onnes

    Dutch physicist who was awarded the 1913 Nobel Prize for Physics for his work on low-temperature physics in which he liquified hydrogen and helium.

  • 1938 George Ellery Hale

    American astronomer known for his development of important astronomical instruments

  • 1938 Nathan Pritikin

    American scientist, inventor and nutritionist. Pritikin believed that moderate exercise combined with a diet low in fat and high in unrefined carbohydrates reversed his own heart disease discovered in the late 1950's.

  • 1912 Osborne Reynolds

    British engineer, physicist, and educator best known for his work in hydraulics and hydrodynamics.

1878

First Telephone Book Issued in New Haven

On February 21, 1878, the world's first telephone book is issued in New Haven, Connecticut. This pioneering directory lists the names and numbers of early telephone users, marking a significant development in communication infrastructure. The publication represents the beginning of organized telephone listings.
1804

The World's First Railway Journey Takes Place in Wales

On February 21, 1804, the world's first railway journey occurs in Wales. The locomotive, designed by Richard Trevithick, travels from Penydarren Ironworks to Abercynon, marking a pivotal moment in transportation history. This journey demonstrates the potential of steam-powered railways.
1948

The NASCAR Incorporated

On February 21, 1948, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is officially incorporated. Founded by Bill France Sr., NASCAR quickly becomes a major force in American motorsports. The incorporation marks the beginning of a significant chapter in racing history.
1979

Japan Launches Hakucho X-Ray Satellite and Corsa-B

On February 21, 1979, Japan successfully launches the Hakucho X-ray satellite and the Corsa-B into orbit at altitudes of 550 to 580 km. The Hakucho satellite is dedicated to studying X-rays from celestial sources, contributing valuable data to the field of X-ray astronomy. This mission represents a significant advancement in space research.
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