Today in History
Historical Events
Shenzhou 5, China's first human space flight mission launched. Launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the middle of the Gobi desert in northern China, this launch brought the Chinese into the exclusive club of countries who have achieved manned space flight. The other countries are the USA and the Soviet Union/Russia.
Mikhail Gorbachev is Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The then President of the Soviet Union received the prestigious award given out by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, for his role in lessening tensions during the Cold War.
Thomas Sankara killed. Thomas Sankara, the President of Burkina Faso, was killed during a coup led by Blaise Compaoré.
I Love Lucy Airs for the First Time. The American sitcom aired on CBS and featured real-life couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The popular show lasted for 6 years and it had several spin-offs after it went off air.
World’s First Manned Balloon Flight. Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier, a teacher from France, spent about 4 minutes in the air in a balloon made by flight pioneers Joseph-Michael and Jacques-Ètienne Montgolfier. The Montgolfier brothers were responsible for the world’s first balloon flight and for sending the first living being – a duck – on a balloon.
Famous Births
Born on this day

Fela Kuti
1938
Nigerian singer-songwriter, musician, activist

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
1931
Indian scientist, politician, 11th President of India

Michel Foucault
1926
French philosopher

P. G. Wodehouse
1881
English author

Friedrich Nietzsche
1844
German philosopher
Famous Deaths
Died on this day

Cole Porter
1964
American composer

Stepan Bandera
1959
Ukrainian politician

Hermann Göring
1946
German military leader, politician, Minister President of Prussia

Mata Hari
1917
Dutch spy

Tadeusz Kościuszko
1817
Polish/American general