SOLRAD 2 was a surveillance and scientific satellite developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Like the similar SOLRAD 1 satellite (model pictured), it was intended to measure solar X-rays and ultraviolet radiation while conducting a covert surveillance mission, mapping the Soviet Union's air defense radar network with its onboard Galactic Radiation and Background electronic surveillance package. SOLRAD 1, launched in June 1960, had been the first satellite to observe solar X-rays, confirming the connection between increased solar X-ray activity and radio fade-outs, and the first to conduct surveillance from orbit, revealing a Soviet network that was more extensive than had been expected. SOLRAD 2 was launched along with the Transit 3A satellite atop a Thor DM-21 Ablestar rocket on November 30, 1960, but both satellites failed to reach orbit when the booster flew off course and was destroyed. Debris rained down over Cuba, prompting protests from the Cuban government.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOLRAD_2

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1775:

Ethan Allen and a small force of American and Quebec militia failed in their attempt to capture Montreal from British forces. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Longue-Pointe

1944:

Second World War: British troops began their withdrawal from the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands, ending the Allies' Operation Market Garden in defeat. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Arnhem

1964:

Unrest and frustration amongst many indigenous Mozambican populations against Portuguese rule erupted in a war for independence that lasted ten years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozambican_War_of_Independence

1996:

The last Irish Magdalene asylum (example pictured), an institution to rehabilitate so-called "fallen women", was closed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdalene_asylum

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

jovial: 1. (comparable) Cheerful and good-humoured; jolly, merry. 2. (not comparable, astrology, obsolete) Pertaining to the astrological influence of the planet Jupiter; having the characteristics of a person under such influence (see sense 1). https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/jovial

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

The actions of the Trump Presidency revealed the dishonorable fact of the President's betrayal of his oath of office, betrayal of our national security, and betrayal of the integrity of our elections. Therefore, today, I am announcing the House of Representatives is moving forward with an official impeachment inquiry. I am directing our six Committees to proceed with their investigations under that umbrella of impeachment inquiry. The President must be held accountable. No one is above the law.   --Nancy Pelosi https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Nancy_Pelosi