This Day In History : February 3

1966 United States

First Operational Weather Satellite Launched

On February 3, 1966, the United States launched ESSA-1, the first operational weather satellite. ESSA-1 marked a significant advancement in meteorological observation, providing real-time weather data from space to improve forecasting and understanding of global weather patterns.

Also on This Day in History February 3

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

Births on This Day, February 3
  • 1821 Elizabeth Blackwell

    English-American physician who became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States

  • 1920 George A. Miller

    American cognitive psychologist (the magical number seven)

  • 1914 George Nissen

    American inventor who created the trampoline

  • 1905 Arne Beurling

    American mathematician

  • 1882 Trijntje Jansma-Boskma

    Oldest person in the Netherlands

Deaths on This Day, February 3
  • 1975 William D. Coolidge

    American physicist and inventor (modern x-ray tube)

  • 1468 Johannes Gutenberg

    German inventor who invented movable printing press

  • 2005 Ernst Mayr

    German-American biologist (evolutionary theory)

  • 1919 Edward Charles Pickering

    American astronomer and American spectroscopist

  • 1935 Hugo Junkers

    German engineer and aircraft designer

1815

World's First Commercial Cheese Factory Established

In 1815, the world's first commercial cheese factory was established in Switzerland. This pioneering venture marked a significant advancement in the dairy industry, allowing for the mass production and consistent quality of cheese, which would eventually lead to widespread commercial success and innovation in cheese-making techniques.
1969

Ibuprofen Launched as Prescription Medicine in the UK

In 1969, ibuprofen was launched in the UK under the brand name Brufen as a prescription medicine. It has since become the world's most popular anti-inflammatory painkiller, widely used for its effectiveness in reducing pain, inflammation, and fever.
1995

Astronaut Eileen Collins becomes the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle as mission STS-63

In 1995, astronaut Eileen Collins made history as the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle. The mission, STS-63, launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, symbolizing a major milestone in space exploration and gender equality in aviation. Collins' achievement paved the way for future female astronauts and highlighted NASA's commitment to diversity in its space missions.
1984

Challenger 4 Launches on 10th NASA Space Shuttle Mission (STS-41B)

In 1984, the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger embarked on its 10th mission, known as STS-41B, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission, led by Commander Vance Brand, saw the deployment of two communication satellites and included significant spacewalk activities. Challenger's successful launch and operations contributed to advancing satellite technology and furthering NASA's space exploration goals during the early years of the Space Shuttle program.
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