1990 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1990 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 28 Jan Bell Labs announces first digital optical processor: On January 28, 1990, AT&T Bell Laboratories announced the development of the world's first digital optical processor, utilizing light instead of electricity to transmit and process information. This experimental processor employed lasers and optical devices to handle data, marking a significant milestone toward optical computing. Researchers, including Alan Huang, noted that while the prototype was modest in power, it laid the groundwork for future optical computers potentially operating 1,000 times faster than existing supercomputers. source: upi.com
- 15 Feb IBM introduces RS/6000 RISC System/6000: On February 15, 1990, IBM announced the RISC System/6000 (RS/6000), a family of RISC-based servers, workstations, and supercomputers. This line replaced the IBM RT PC and was the first to utilize IBM's POWER and PowerPC microprocessors. The RS/6000 series was discontinued in October 2000 for servers and in 2002 for workstations. source: computinghistory.org.uk
- 10 May French TGV train reaches 510.6 km/h on May 10, 1990: On May 10, 1990, during high-speed testing on the TGV Atlantique line, a French TGV train achieved a speed of 510.6 km/h (317.3 mph). This was part of a series of tests conducted by SNCF to push the limits of high-speed rail technology. The official world speed record of 515.3 km/h (320.3 mph) was set on May 18, 1990, during the same testing campaign. source: liquisearch.com
- 18 May TGV train sets world speed record: On May 18, 1990, the French high-speed train TGV Atlantique achieved a world speed record of 515.3 km/h (320.3 mph) during a test run on the TGV Atlantique line near Vendôme, France. This record-breaking run was part of a series of high-speed tests conducted by SNCF between November 1989 and May 1990, culminating in this achievement. The previous record was set in 1981 at 380 km/h (236 mph). source: bbc.co.uk
- 26 May China conducts underground nuclear test at Lop Nor: On May 26, 1990, China conducted an underground nuclear test at the Lop Nor test site in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The test was part of a series of nuclear explosions conducted by China at this site between 1964 and 1996. The specific yield and details of this particular test are not publicly disclosed. source: globalsecurity.org
- 22 Jun Ilya Frank, Nobel Prize Physicist, Dies at 81: Ilya Mikhailovich Frank, a Soviet physicist renowned for his work on Cherenkov radiation, passed away on June 22, 1990, in Moscow at the age of 81. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1958 for his contributions to the understanding of Cherenkov radiation. source: britannica.com
- 25 Jul U.S. conducts nuclear tests at Nevada Test Site on July 25, 1990: On July 25, 1990, the United States conducted two underground nuclear tests, codenamed Mineral Quarry and Randsburg, at the Nevada Test Site. These tests were part of Operation Aqueduct, a series of eleven nuclear tests conducted between 1989 and 1990. The tests involved simultaneous detonations of different bombs in separate tunnels, each with yields less than 20 kilotons. The exact details of these tests are documented in the U.S. Department of Energy's publication 'United States Nuclear Tests – July 1945 through September 1992'. source: osti.gov
- 20 Sep U.S. conducts nuclear test at Nevada Test Site on September 20, 1990: On September 20, 1990, the United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site. This test was part of the Operation Aqueduct series, which included 10 nuclear tests conducted between 1989 and 1990. The test series aimed to advance nuclear weapons development and was conducted underground to contain radioactive fallout. The last U.S. nuclear test occurred on September 23, 1992, marking the conclusion of the nation's nuclear testing program. source: osti.gov
- 29 Sep YF-22 prototype's first flight: On September 29, 1990, the Lockheed/Boeing/General Dynamics YF-22 prototype made its maiden flight from Palmdale, California. During the 18-minute flight, piloted by Dave Ferguson, the aircraft reached a maximum speed of 250 knots and an altitude of 12,500 feet before landing at Edwards Air Force Base. This flight marked the beginning of the YF-22's flight test program, which demonstrated its maneuverability and supercruise capabilities. source: aviationweek.com
- 10 Nov World Wide Web proposal submitted by Tim Berners-Lee: On November 10, 1990, Tim Berners-Lee submitted a proposal for the World Wide Web, outlining a system for information sharing over the internet. This proposal laid the groundwork for the development of the web as we know it today. source: britannica.com
- 12 Nov World Wide Web proposal further developed: On November 12, 1990, Tim Berners-Lee continued to develop the World Wide Web proposal, refining the concepts that would lead to the creation of the first web browser and web server. This work was crucial in the evolution of the internet. source: britannica.com
- 17 Nov Super Famicom launches in Japan: The Super Famicom, known as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System outside Japan, was released on November 17, 1990, revolutionizing the gaming industry with its advanced graphics and gameplay. source: nintendo.com
- 12 Dec Pakistan's Antarctic Expedition: In December 1990, Pakistan launched an expedition to Antarctica, marking a significant step in the country's scientific exploration efforts. The mission aimed to conduct research in various scientific fields, contributing to global knowledge and enhancing Pakistan's presence in international scientific communities. source: en.wikipedia.org
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