This Day In History : February 22

1966 Russian Federation

Soviets Launch Kosmos 110 with First 2-Dog Crew

On February 22, 1966, the Soviet Union launches Kosmos 110, carrying Veterok and Ugolek, the first two-dog crew. This mission is significant in the history of space exploration, as the dogs remain in orbit for 22 days, setting a record for the longest spaceflight by dogs. Their journey provides valuable data on the effects of prolonged space travel on living organisms.

Also on This Day in History February 22

Discover what happened on February 22 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, February 22
  • 1857 Heinrich Hertz

    Heinrich Rudolf Hertz was a German physicist who was the first to broadcast and receive radio waves.

  • 1900 Paul Kollsman

    German-American engineer who invented the world's first accurate barometric altimeter (1928) that became vital to aviation safety.

  • 1903 Frank Plumpton Ramsey

    English mathematician, logician and philosopher who died at age 26, but had already made significant contributions to logic, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of language and decision theory.

  • 1785 Jean-Charles-Athanase Peltier

    French physicist who discovered the Peltier effect (1834), that at the junction of two dissimilar metals an electric current will produce heat or cold, depending on the direction of current flow.

  • 1902 Fritz Strassmann

    Friedrich Wilhelm Strassmann was a German chemist who, with Otto Hahn in December 1938, identified the element barium as a product of the bombardment of uranium with neutrons.

Deaths on This Day, February 22
  • 1949 Félix d’Hérelle

    Canadian-French bacteriologist who is generally known as the discoverer of the bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria.

  • 1925 Thomas Clifford Allbutt

    English physician who invented the short clinical thermometer (1866) to meet the need for a convenient method to follow the progress of a fever by temperature measurements at the bedside. 

  • 1944 Hugh Newall

    Hugh Frank Newall was an English astronomer and physicist who held the first chair of astrophysics at Cambridge University (1909-1928).

  • 1984 David Vetter

    American patient who lived his twelve years of life in a sterile plastic “bubble” to protect him from any chance of infection, because he was born with the a genetic disease, severe combined deficiency syndrome (SCID).

  • 1827 Charles Willson Peale

    American artist and naturalist who opened the first U.S. popular Museum of Natural Science and Art. Alongside fame as a portraitist, Peale maintained a diverse interest in science.

1996

STS-75 (Columbia 19) Launches into Orbit

On February 22, 1996, the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-75) is launched into orbit. The mission focuses on the Tethered Satellite System and other scientific experiments. Despite technical challenges, the mission provides valuable data on tethered satellite operations and space physics.
1979

St. Lucia Gains Independence from Britain

On February 22, 1979, St. Lucia achieves independence from Britain, becoming a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth. The new status brings a sense of national pride and the establishment of its own government and institutions. This day is celebrated annually as St. Lucia Independence Day.
1876

Johns Hopkins University Opens

On February 22, 1876, Johns Hopkins University opens in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded by philanthropist Johns Hopkins, it becomes the first research university in the United States. The institution is renowned for its rigorous academics and pioneering research, setting a new standard in higher education.
1920

First Artificial Rabbit Used at Dog Race Track

On February 22, 1920, the first artificial rabbit is used at a dog race track in Emeryville, California. This innovation transforms the sport, providing a consistent and humane lure for greyhound racing. The introduction of mechanical rabbits helps standardize races and improves the overall experience for both dogs and spectators.
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