On This Day in Tech History

In 1978, James W. Christy, an American astronomer, discovered Charon, the first known natural satellite of the dwarf planet Pluto. Christy made the discovery while working at the United States Naval Observatory. Charon is an icy, rocky object that is approximately half the size of Pluto. Its discovery revolutionized our understanding of the Pluto system, and it led to new questions about the origins and evolution of the outer solar system. Prior to the discovery of Charon, Pluto was thought to be a solitary planetoid, but the presence of a moon suggested that there might be more objects in the area. The discovery of additional moons and other objects in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the outer solar system that extends beyond Neptune, confirmed this suspicion and provided new insights into the formation and history of our solar system.

Virgin Atlantic, a British airline founded by Richard Branson, launched its first flight on June 22, 1984, from London to Newark. The airline was established in response to Branson's dissatisfaction with existing airline service, and his desire to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable flying experience for passengers. The inaugural flight was operated using a leased Boeing 747-200, which had been painted in the distinctive red and white livery of Virgin Atlantic. The flight was well-received by passengers, who appreciated the airline's focus on comfort, entertainment, and customer service. Over the years, Virgin Atlantic has expanded its route network to include destinations in North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. The airline has also introduced a variety of innovative features, such as the "Upper Class" cabin, which includes fully flat beds and a private bar, and the "Premium Economy" cabin, which offers extra legroom and other amenities.

In 1832, John Howe, an American inventor, received a patent for his revolutionary pin manufacturing machine. The machine was designed to automate the process of making straight pins, which were in high demand at the time for use in sewing and other applications. Prior to Howe's invention, pins were made by hand, a labor-intensive process that involved cutting and shaping wire using pliers and other tools. This made pins expensive and difficult to produce in large quantities. Howe's machine changed all of that. It was capable of producing hundreds of pins per minute, using a system of rollers, cutters, and other mechanical components. The pins produced by the machine were of consistent quality and uniform size, making them ideal for use in mass-produced clothing and other products.

On June 22, 1973, the three astronauts of the Skylab 2 mission returned to Earth after spending nearly a month in space. Skylab was the first United States space station, and the Skylab 2 mission was its first manned mission. The crew consisted of Charles "Pete" Conrad, Paul J. Weitz, and Joseph P. Kerwin. During their 28-day mission, they conducted numerous scientific experiments, including studies of the Earth's atmosphere, the effects of prolonged weightlessness on the human body, and observations of the sun. After completing their mission, the astronauts returned to Earth in the Apollo spacecraft, which splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. They were greeted by a recovery team from the USS Ticonderoga.