SOLRAD 1 was a science and surveillance satellite launched into orbit
on June 22, 1960. Developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory, it was
the first satellite to successfully observe solar X-rays, the first to
conduct surveillance from orbit, and the first to be launched with
another instrumented satellite (the unrelated navigation satellite,
Transit 2A). The scientific mission was a success, sending data that
determined normal solar X-ray output and confirmed the connection
between increased solar X-ray activity and radio fade-outs. The Galactic
Radiation and Background electronic surveillance package on board had a
covert mission: mapping the Soviet Union's air defense radar network.
This mission was also successful, operating through September 22, 1960,
and revealing that the network was more extensive than had been
expected. SOLRAD 1 was switched off in April 1961, making it the first
satellite to be remotely deactivated.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOLRAD_1>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1807:
The British warship HMS Leopard pursued and attacked the
American frigate USS Chesapeake in the belief that the latter had
deserters from the Royal Navy.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake%E2%80%93Leopard_affair>
1911:
George V and Mary of Teck (both pictured) were crowned King and
Queen of the United Kingdom at Westminster Abbey in London.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_of_Teck>
1941:
World War II: As Axis troops began their invasion of the
Soviet Union, the Lithuanian Activist Front started an uprising to
liberate Lithuania from Soviet occupation.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Uprising_in_Lithuania>
2009:
Two Metro trains in Washington, D.C., collided, killing nine
people and injuring eighty others.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_2009_Washington_Metro_train_collision>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
smorgasbord:
1. A Swedish-style buffet comprising a variety of cold sandwiches and
other dishes; (by extension) any buffet with a wide selection of dishes.
2. (figuratively) An abundant and diverse collection of things.
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/smorgasbord>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
Every mission constitutes a pledge of duty. Every man is bound to
consecrate his every faculty to its fulfilment. He will derive his rule
of action from the profound conviction of that duty.
--Giuseppe Mazzini
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Giuseppe_Mazzini>