Inventors who died on January 30

Take a focused look at the inventors who passed away on January 30. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1948 Orville Wright

  Orville Wright was an American aviation pioneer, best known as one half of the Wright brothers, who are credited with inventing, building, and flying the world's first successful motor-operated airplane. On December 17, 1903, Orville piloted the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. [bio]

• 2015 Carl Djerassi

  Carl Djerassi was a renowned Austrian-American chemist, inventor, and author, best known for his pioneering role in developing norethindrone, a key component of the first oral contraceptive pill. His scientific achievements revolutionized reproductive health and had a major impact on women's rights and society worldwide. [bio]