On This Day in Tech History
Stories Published June 28 Throughout History
Historic Tech Events
Hughes Launches First Galaxy Satellite
1983
On June 28, 1983, Hughes Communications launched the first of its Galaxy series of communications satellites into orbit. The satellite, named Galaxy 1, was designed to provide high-quality voice, data, and video transmission services to customers in North America, and was considered a major advancement in satellite technology at the time. Galaxy 1 was placed in geostationary orbit, meaning it remained in a fixed position above the Earth's surface, allowing it to maintain constant contact with ground stations and providing uninterrupted communications coverage. The satellite was equipped with advanced technology, including transponders that could receive signals from Earth-based antennas and re-transmit them to other locations, as well as sophisticated solar panels and batteries to provide power to its systems.
First Private Atomic Reactor Opens in Chicago
1956
On June 28, 1956, the first private research atomic reactor was opened in Chicago, Illinois, US. The reactor, called the Illinois Institute of Technology Reactor (IITR), was built by Argonne National Laboratory and operated by the Illinois Institute of Technology. The IITR was a small reactor designed for research and educational purposes, and was not used for the production of electricity. Its main function was to provide a source of neutrons for scientific experiments, such as the study of radiation effects on materials and the production of medical isotopes.
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