This Day In History : March 31

1966 Russian Federation

USSR Launches Luna 10, First Lunar Orbiter

On March 31, 1966, the USSR launches Luna 10, the first spacecraft to orbit the Moon. This mission provides valuable data and advances space exploration, setting the stage for future lunar research. Luna 10 demonstrates the progress made in space technology during the space race.

Also on This Day in History March 31

Discover what happened on March 31 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, March 31
  • 1847 Yegor Ivanovich Zolotarev

    Russian mathematician (analysis and number theory)

  • 1854 Dugald Clerk

    Scottish engineer and inventor of 1st 2-stroke motorcycle engine

  • 1840 Benjamin Baker

    English civil engineer who designed the bridge over the Firth of Forth, Scotland and the London underground

  • 1860 Isidor Traube

    German chemist who founded capillary chemistry and researched liquids on osmosis, surface tension

  • 1905 Gerald Pearson

    American physicist and inventor of the solar cell

Deaths on This Day, March 31
  • 1978 Charles Best

    American-Canadian medical scientist who co-discovered insulin

  • 1996 Dante Giacosa

    Italian engineer and automobile designer

  • 1727 Isaac Newton

    English physicist, mathematician and astronomer who discovered Gravity, Laws of Motion

  • 1547 Francis I of France

    King of France (1515-47)

  • 1913 J. P. Morgan

    American financier and banker (General Electric; US Steel; AT&T)

1921

The Royal Australian Air Force Formed

On March 31, 1921, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is officially established. The formation of the RAAF marks the beginning of a dedicated air service for Australia, enhancing the country's military capabilities and contributing to its defense strategy. The RAAF plays a crucial role in Australian and global aviation history.
1932

Ford Unveils Revolutionary V-8 Engine

On March 31, 1932, Ford introduces its V-8 engine, a groundbreaking development in automotive technology. This new engine design offers improved performance and power, setting a new standard for the industry. The V-8 engine becomes a key innovation, driving Ford's success and influencing future engine designs.
1880

Wabash, Indiana, First U.S. Town to Replace Gas Lamps with Electric Street Lighting

On March 31, 1880, Wabash, Indiana, becomes the first town in the United States to completely replace gas lamps with electric street lighting. This pioneering move enhances urban safety and efficiency, marking a significant shift in public illumination technology. Wabash’s adoption of electric lighting sets a precedent for future cities.
1906

Intercollegiate Athletic Association Founded, Later Becomes NCAA

On March 31, 1906, the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States is established to create and enforce rules for amateur sports. The organization evolves and is renamed the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 1910, becoming a major governing body for collegiate athletics in the United States.
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