Today in History – April 24: Space Explorations, Genocide Remembrance, and a Nation’s Birth
April 24 has seen awe-inspiring leaps in technology and heart-wrenching chapters of human suffering. It’s a day of launching new frontiers—on Earth and far beyond.
Let’s explore what happened on April 24 throughout history.
1990 – Hubble Space Telescope Is Launched
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope aboard the space shuttle Discovery. Positioned just outside Earth’s atmosphere, Hubble allowed scientists to capture incredibly detailed images of deep space.
Over three decades later, Hubble remains one of the most important scientific instruments ever built, revolutionizing our understanding of galaxies, stars, and the universe itself.
1915 – Armenian Genocide Begins
On April 24, 1915, Ottoman authorities arrested hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople, marking the start of what is widely recognized as the Armenian Genocide.
Over the next few years, an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed through deportations, mass executions, and forced marches. April 24 is now commemorated as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day around the world.
1800 – Library of Congress Is Established
The Library of Congress, the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States, was established on April 24, 1800, by an act of Congress signed by President John Adams.
Starting with just $5,000 in funding, it has grown into the largest library in the world, housing millions of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and recordings.
1967 – Soviet Cosmonaut Dies During Space Mission
On April 24, 1967, cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov became the first person to die during a space mission. His spacecraft, Soyuz 1, crashed during reentry due to a parachute failure.
Komarov’s death highlighted serious safety flaws in the Soviet space program and became a cautionary tale in the history of human spaceflight.
1970 – China Launches Its First Satellite
On this day, China launched its first satellite, Dong Fang Hong 1, into orbit. The satellite broadcast the patriotic song “The East is Red” and marked China’s official entry into the space race.
China became the fifth nation to send a satellite into space, cementing its future as a major player in space exploration.
Famous Birthdays on April 24
Barbra Streisand (1942) – American singer and actress
A legendary performer with multiple Grammys, Oscars, and Emmys, Streisand’s influence spans six decades.
Willem de Kooning (1904) – Dutch-American painter
A pioneer of abstract expressionism, de Kooning was a leading figure in post-war American art.
Kelly Clarkson (1982) – American singer and talk show host
Winner of the first American Idol, Clarkson became a chart-topping pop star and a beloved daytime TV personality.
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