1958 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1958 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 07 Feb DARPA established: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) was established on February 7, 1958, in response to the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik. Its mission is to develop advanced technologies for military use, significantly influencing various fields including computer science and robotics. source: britannica.com
- 09 Feb Major global magnetic storm: On February 9, 1958, a significant magnetic storm occurred, affecting radio communications and navigation systems worldwide. This event was part of a series of geomagnetic storms linked to solar activity. The storm had notable impacts on technology and communications during that period. source: nasa.gov
- 09 Mar Kanmon Roadway Tunnel opens under Kanmon Straits in Japan: On March 9, 1958, the Kanmon Roadway Tunnel, a 3.461 km undersea tunnel, opened, connecting the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu beneath the Kanmon Straits. At the time, it was the longest undersea highway tunnel in the world. source: britannica.com
- 08 Apr U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker sets unprecedented long-distance flight record: On April 8, 1958, the U.S. Air Force's KC-135 Stratotanker achieved a significant long-distance flight record, demonstrating its capabilities in aerial refueling operations. source: af.mil
- 11 May US nuclear test at Bikini Atoll: On May 11, 1958, the United States conducted a nuclear test named 'Fir' at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. This test was part of Operation Hardtack I, which aimed to evaluate the effects of nuclear explosions on various military equipment and structures. source: forthnews.com
- 12 May US nuclear test at Enewetak Atoll: On May 12, 1958, the United States conducted a nuclear test named 'Butternut' at Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. This test was part of Operation Hardtack I, which aimed to evaluate the effects of nuclear explosions on various military equipment and structures. source: forthnews.com
- 20 May US nuclear test at Enewetak: On May 20, 1958, the United States conducted a nuclear test at Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. This test was part of a series of atmospheric nuclear tests conducted during the Cold War, aimed at advancing military capabilities. source: britannica.com
- 22 May N.S. Savannah nuclear merchant ship construction begins: Construction of the N.S. Savannah, the world's first nuclear-powered merchant ship, commenced, marking a milestone in maritime technology. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Jun Nuclear criticality accident at Y-12: On June 16, 1958, a nuclear criticality accident occurred at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The incident involved the accidental assembly of a critical mass of uranium, leading to a brief but intense release of radiation. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but it raised significant safety concerns. source: nrc.gov
- 04 Jul First television transmission from aircraft: On July 4, 1958, KTLA in Los Angeles conducted the first television transmission from an aircraft, using a helicopter equipped with a television camera. This marked a significant advancement in mobile broadcasting techniques. source: brainyhistory.com
- 19 Jul Failed U.S. ICBM Test: On July 19, 1958, the United States conducted its first test of a three-engine intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The test failed due to a malfunction in the rate gyroscope of the SM-65 Atlas rocket. source: nytimes.com
- 05 Aug Keeling begins landmark CO2 measurements: On August 5, 1958, Charles David Keeling began his groundbreaking measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. This data collection has been crucial in understanding climate change and the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. source: noaa.gov
- 02 Sep Moon Phase Details: Astronomical observation of the moon on September 2, 1958, in New York City: 75% full, rising at 09:32 pm and setting at 11:25 am.
- 05 Sep First color video recording on magnetic tape: On September 5, 1958, the first successful color video recording on magnetic tape was achieved, marking a significant advancement in television technology and broadcasting. source: bbc.com
- 21 Sep Nuclear Test at Nevada Test Site: On September 21, 1958, the United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site as part of its ongoing nuclear weapons program. This test was part of a series of atmospheric tests that aimed to develop and refine nuclear capabilities during the Cold War. The test raised concerns about nuclear proliferation and environmental impacts. source: osti.gov
- 18 Oct First interactive computer game: Tennis for Two: On October 18, 1958, 'Tennis for Two' was created by physicist William Higinbotham, marking one of the earliest examples of an interactive computer game. It was designed to entertain visitors at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. source: brookhavenlab.gov
- 19 Nov Aer Lingus receives first F-27 Fokker Friendship aircraft: On November 19, 1958, Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland, took delivery of its first F-27 Fokker Friendship aircraft. This turboprop airliner was introduced to enhance the airline's regional services, offering improved efficiency and passenger comfort. The F-27 marked a significant advancement in Aer Lingus's fleet during the late 1950s. source: en.wikipedia.org
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