This Day In History : November 27

1963 United States

NASA Launches Explorer 18 Spacecraft

On November 26, 1963, NASA launched the Explorer 18 spacecraft to study Earth's magnetosphere and radiation belts. This mission provided vital insights into space weather and its effects on telecommunications. Explorer 18 contributed to advancements in understanding Earth's magnetic field and its interactions with solar activity.

Also on This Day in History November 27

Discover what happened on November 27 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, November 27
  • 1955 Bill Nye

    American engineer, educator, television host

  • 1940 Bruce Lee

    American actor, martial artist

  • 1701 Anders Celsius

    Swedish scientist who invented the centigrade temperature scale

  • 1913 Frances Swem Anderson

    American technologist who researched nuclear medicine

  • 1871 Giovanni Giorgi

    Italian physicist and electrical engineer (Giorgi system of measurement)

Deaths on This Day, November 27
  • 1975 Ross McWhirter

    English author who co-founded the Guinness Book of Records

  • 2007 Robert Cade

    American physician and inventor of Gatorade

  • 1852 Ada Lovelace

    English mathematician, First computer programmer

  • 1936 Edward Bach

    British bacteriologist, homeopathic doctor

  • 1893 Stephen Wilcox

    American inventor of steam generators for power stations and ships

1901

The U.S. Army War College Established

On November 27, 1901, the U.S. Army War College was established in Washington, D.C. This institution was created to provide advanced training and education for military officers, preparing them for strategic leadership roles and enhancing the Army's intellectual and operational capabilities.
1980

Soyuz T-3 Carries 3 Cosmonauts to Salyut 6 Space Station

On November 27, 1980, Soyuz T-3 was launched, carrying three cosmonauts to the Salyut 6 space station. This mission aimed to repair and upgrade the station, marking a successful collaboration in space engineering and expanding the capabilities of the Salyut 6 for future missions.
2013

"Frozen," the Highest-Grossing Animated Film of All Time, Released

On November 27, 2013, Disney's "Frozen," featuring the voices of Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell, was released. This animated film, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, captivating audiences worldwide with its music and story.
2005

World's First Successful Partial Face Transplant

On November 27, 2005, the world's first successful partial face transplant was performed in Amiens, France. Surgeons transplanted the nose, lips, and chin of a brain-dead donor to Isabelle Dinoire, who had been severely disfigured by a dog attack, marking a groundbreaking achievement in reconstructive surgery.
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