The events on this day in history for our heritage companies are noted below.
The earliest event was in 1962, the latest in 2004
Two events are milestone events (5 to 65+ years ago)
Human Spaceflight:
1962 – Statement of Work released for the procurement of MM Titan II launch vehicles for the Gemini program (NASA/USAF)
Military and Classified Programs:
1978 – Contract awarded by the USAF to Lockheed for the SIRF (Satellite Infrared Experiment) Program
Exploration and Interplanetary Programs:
1999 – LAUNCH: LM Mars Polar Lander, DS1A&B micro probes, Delta 7425-9.5, LC17B, CCAFS (MPL and Deep Space probes failed at Mars Entry/Descent/Landing) – MILESTONE: 25 years ago
2004 – LANDING: Mars Rover Spirit on Mars (using LM Aeroshell) – MILESTONE: 20 years ago
Earth-Monitoring and Civil Weather Satellite Programs:
NONE
Commercial Programs:
NONE
Test, ICBM and FBM programs:
NONE
Other:
NONE
Today’s photos are of two events. First, there is a photo of Mars Polar Lander just before encapsulation and the launch in 1999 (25 years ago). MPL and the DS1 A&B probes failed just before (most likely) or at Entry/Descent/Landing in December 1999.
The second photo is of the LM Aeroshell manufactured for Mars Rover Spirit, which landed on Mars on this day in 2004 (20 years ago). Spirit, with an original mission duration of 90 days, operated until March 22, 2010.
