This Day In History : March 23

1965 United States

Gemini 3 Launches, First U.S. Two-Man Space Flight

On March 23, 1965, NASA's Gemini 3 mission is launched, marking the first U.S. spaceflight with a two-man crew. Astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young complete their orbit around Earth, advancing U.S. space exploration capabilities. This mission is a crucial step in NASA's Gemini program, setting the stage for future space endeavors.

Also on This Day in History March 23

Discover what happened on March 23 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, March 23
  • 1937 Robert C. Gallo

    American scientist who co-discovered (1984) the virus responsible for AIDS - human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

  • 1881 Hermann Staudinger

    German chemist who received the 1953 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his discovery of the structure of polymers as long-chain molecules.

  • 1837 Richard Anthony Proctor

    English astronomer who first suggested (1873) that meteor impacts caused lunar craters, rather than volcanic action.

  • 1829 Norman Robert Pogson

    English astronomer who devised the magnitude scale of the brightness of stars (1850) now in use.

  • 1905 John Randall

    English physicist whose critical improvements to the cavity magnetron, the microwave-generating device used in radar, was a major contribution to winning WWII.

Deaths on This Day, March 23
  • 1924 Thomas Corwin Mendenhall

    American physicist and meteorologist who was the first to propose the use of a ring pendulum for measuring absolute gravity.

  • 1946 Gilbert Newton Lewis

    American chemist who collaborated with Irving Langmuir in developing an atomic theory.

  • 1984 Jean Prouvé

    French engineer and builder known particularly for his contributions to the art and technology of prefabricated metal construction.

  • 1993 Denis Burkitt

    Denis Parsons Burkitt was an Irish surgeon and medical researcher who first identified Burkitt's lymphoma.

  • 1849 Andrés Manuel Del Rio

    Spanish-American mineralogist who discovered (1801) a new element, later named vanadium.

2001

Mir destroyed

In 2001, the Russian space station, Mir, ended 15 years in orbit by burning up in Earth's atmosphere as the way chosen to end its life.
1983

Artificial heart

In 1983, Dr. Barney C. Clark (born 21 Jan 1921), the first recipient of a permanent artificial heart, died at the University of Utah's Medical Center after 112 days with the device.
1875

Mariana Trench discovery

In 1875, the first sounding of the Mariana Trench was made by the British survey ship, H.M.S. Challenger, during its first global oceanographic expedition, discovering part of the deepest known region of Earth’s oceans.
1956

Pakistan Becomes the First Islamic Republic

On March 23, 1956, Pakistan is declared the world's first Islamic republic. This historic change solidifies the country's identity as a sovereign state governed by Islamic principles. The move follows Pakistan's independence in 1947 and establishes its unique position among global nations.
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