1979 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1979 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 09 Mar France conducts nuclear test at Mururoa Atoll: On March 9, 1979, France conducted a nuclear test at Mururoa Atoll in the South Pacific. This test was part of a series of underground nuclear tests carried out by France at Mururoa Atoll between 1966 and 1996. The tests were conducted to develop and refine nuclear weapons technology. The French government has acknowledged the tests and their environmental impact, including radioactive fallout affecting the surrounding regions. source: britannica.com
- 29 Apr First manned flight of the Mauro Solar Riser: On April 29, 1979, the Mauro Solar Riser, piloted by Larry Mauro, achieved the first manned flight of a solar-powered aircraft at Flabob Airport in Riverside, California. The aircraft, a converted UFM Easy Riser hang glider, utilized photovoltaic cells to charge a battery that powered its electric motor. The flight lasted approximately five minutes, reaching a maximum altitude of about 40 feet and covering a distance of half a mile. source: guinnessworldrecords.com
- 12 Jun First human-powered flight across the English Channel: On June 12, 1979, Bryan Allen piloted the Gossamer Albatross, a human-powered aircraft designed by Paul MacCready, across the English Channel from Folkestone, England, to Cap Gris-Nez, France. The 22.26-mile journey took 2 hours and 49 minutes, earning Allen the £100,000 Kremer Prize for this achievement. source: washingtonpost.com
- 16 Sep Soviet Union conducts underground nuclear test in Ukraine: On September 16, 1979, the Soviet Union conducted an underground nuclear test in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. The test, known as "Klivazh," aimed to alleviate gas pressure in the Yunkom coal mine by detonating a 0.2–0.3 kiloton nuclear device. The explosion was intended to reduce the risk of coal and gas outbursts, thereby enhancing mining safety. The event was initially classified, and miners returned to work the following day without knowledge of the detonation. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Oct Hong Kong's first MTR line opens to the public amid 'chaos and kinks': On October 1, 1979, Hong Kong's first Mass Transit Railway (MTR) line, the Kwun Tong Line, commenced public service. The line, running from Shek Kip Mei to Kwun Tong, experienced significant passenger congestion and operational challenges on its opening day, with approximately 230,000 people using the system, leading to massive queues and system breakdowns. source: scmp.com
- 17 Oct VisiCalc released for Apple II: VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program for personal computers, was released for the Apple II on October 17, 1979. Developed by Software Arts and published by VisiCorp, it transformed the Apple II into a serious business tool and sold over 700,000 copies in six years. source: britannica.com
- 17 Dec Stuntman Stan Barrett breaks the sound barrier, unofficially: On December 17, 1979, Hollywood stuntman Stan Barrett drove the Budweiser Rocket, a rocket- and missile-powered car, across a dry lakebed at California’s Edwards Air Force Base, reportedly reaching a top speed of 739.666 miles per hour. However, due to equipment malfunctions and the lack of a second run, this achievement was not officially recognized as a land speed record. source: history.com
What happened in 1979?
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