On This Day in Tech History

Stories Published|October 12|Throughout History

Historic Tech Events

First Successful Integrated Circuit Test

1958

Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments carried out the initial successful test of an integrated circuit on September 12, 1958. Kilby's invention combined all the electronic components of a circuit onto a single piece of semiconductor material, paving the way for the development of smaller, faster, and more powerful electronic devices. The integrated circuit revolutionized the electronics industry and played a crucial role in the development of modern technology, from computers and smartphones to medical devices and transportation systems

Sony Launches Data Discman

1991

On September 12, 1991, Sony introduced the Data Discman, a handheld computer that was designed to operate using small compact discs. The device was a portable CD-ROM player that had a small LCD screen and a built-in keypad. It was marketed as a device for business professionals and students who needed to access large amounts of data while on the go. However, the Data Discman was not a commercial success, in part due to its relatively high price and limited storage capacity. Despite its limited impact on the market, the Data Discman represented an important step in the development of portable computing and helped pave the way for later innovations such as the portable MP3 player and modern smartphones.

Soviet Union Launches Luna 16

1970

The Luna 16 spacecraft was launched by the Soviet Union on September 12 for a lunar mission. The mission was designed to collect and return soil samples from the Moon's surface, which would help scientists better understand the composition and history of the lunar landscape. Luna 16 successfully landed on the Moon on September 20, 1970, and used a robotic drilling system to collect a soil sample. The spacecraft then returned to Earth with the sample, making it the first successful automated sample return mission from the Moon. The Luna 16 mission was a significant achievement for the Soviet space program and helped pave the way for future lunar exploration effort

Khrushchev Elected First Secretary of the (CPSU)

1953

On September 12, 1953, Nikita Khrushchev was elected as the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU). Khrushchev was a key figure in the Soviet Union's political leadership during the mid-20th century, and his rise to power marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape. Khrushchev would go on to serve as the Premier of the Soviet Union from 1958 until 1964, overseeing a period of significant change and reform within the country. His leadership style and policies had a lasting impact on Soviet politics and continue to be studied by historians and political scientists today.

On This Day in Tech History

First Successful Integrated Circuit Test

Sony Launches Data Discman

Soviet Union Launches Luna 16

Khrushchev Elected First Secretary of the (CPSU)

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