What happened on July 10th?

Imagine a time when live transatlantic broadcasts were just science fiction. It’s hard to do in a world where we can talk to each other across the globe and watch live sports happening thousands of miles away. But this time also wasn’t that long ago.

On this day in 1962, Nasa launched Telstar 1, enabling the first live television images to be transmitted across the Atlantic. It was a giant leap forward, making real-time international communication possible for the first time. This pioneering communication satellite changed the world forever.

Here are other important events that happened on July 10:

🛰️ 1962: NASA Launched Telstar 1

On July 10, 1962, NASA launched Telstar 1, the world’s first active communications satellite. It was a collaborative effort between the United States and international partners, designed and built by Bell Telephone Laboratories for AT&T. The satellite, which was launched aboard a Delta rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, represented a significant technological advancement, as it was capable of relaying telephone, television, and data signals across the Atlantic Ocean.

Telstar 1 was a small, spherical satellite, weighing about 170 pounds and measuring roughly 34.5 inches in diameter. It was equipped with an array of solar cells to power its onboard systems and featured sophisticated transistors for its communication functions. Upon reaching its elliptical orbit, Telstar began relaying signals between ground stations in the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. The satellite's first transmission was a simple image of an American flag, but it quickly demonstrated its capabilities by transmitting live television signals, telephone calls, and data.

The launch of Telstar 1 marked the first time live television broadcasts were sent across the Atlantic, making history with events such as a live press conference by then-President John F. Kennedy and a segment from the Ed Sullivan Show. Telstar's ability to relay signals in real time also had profound implications for international telephone services, significantly improving the quality and reliability of transatlantic calls.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 1553: Lady Jane Grey Became the Queen of England

Lady Jane Grey, known as the "Nine Days' Queen," was declared queen of England after the death of Edward VI. Her reign was brief as she was deposed by Mary I, leading to her eventual execution. This tumultuous period was marked by political intrigue and religious conflict.

✝️ 1609: The Holy Roman Empire Formed the Catholic League

Catholic princes and nobles established The Catholic League in the Holy Roman Empire to counter the Protestant Union. This alliance played a significant role in the Thirty Years' War, aiming to restore Catholicism's dominance in the region.

1850: Millard Fillmore Sworn in as the 13th US President

Millard Fillmore became the 13th President of the United States following the death of President Zachary Taylor. During Fillmore's presidency, the Compromise of 1850 was passed, a series of laws attempting to address the sectional tensions between the North and South. Read more about this historic compromise.

⚖️ 1925: The Scopes Trial Began in Dayton, Tenessee

The Scopes Trial, also known as the "Monkey Trial," began in Dayton, Tennessee. John T. Scopes, a high school teacher, was accused of violating state law by teaching evolution. The trial resulted from the conflict between science and religion and garnered national attention.

⚔️ 1940: The Battle of Britain Began

The Battle of Britain, a major World War II air campaign, started as the German Luftwaffe launched attacks on British air defenses. This battle marked the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces and was crucial in preventing a German invasion of Britain. Read about other events of WWII in WW2 Timeline and Dates.

⚓ 1943: Allied Forces Landed on Sicily In World War II

Allied forces launched Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, during World War II. The invasion met with fierce resistance, ultimately succeeded after a month of intense fighting, leading to the collapse of Benito Mussolini's Fascist regime in Italy and the country's surrender to the Allies.  

📜 1952: The Constitution of Eritrea Was Adopted

The Eritrean Constitution was adopted, laying the foundation for Eritrea's future governance. This was part of the United Nations' resolution to federate Eritrea with Ethiopia, leading to conflicts and Eritrea's struggle for independence.

1973: The Bahamas Gained Independence from Britain

The Bahamas declared its independence from British colonial rule, transitioning from a British colony to a sovereign nation and becoming a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. This independence came after more than three centuries under British rule, with a gradual increase in self-governance that culminated in full sovereignty. The move was part of a broader decolonization trend in the Caribbean and marked a significant step in the nation's development.

⚓ 1985: French Forces Sank the Greenpeace Ship Rainbow Warrior

The Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace's flagship, was sunk by French agents in Auckland, New Zealand, resulting in the death of a crew member. This act of sabotage was part of France's effort to prevent protests against its nuclear testing in the Pacific.

🚗 2019: Volkswagen Ends Production of the Beetle

Volkswagen ceased production of the iconic Beetle. First introduced in the 1930s in Germany and designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the Beetle became widely popular worldwide for its unique design, affordability, and reliability. Over the decades, it became a cultural icon, featured in numerous films, and as a symbol of the 1960s counterculture. Read about the history and evolution of Volkswagen in Who Invented Volkswagen? Unveiling the Mastermind Behind the Iconic Brand.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1509: John Calvin, French Theologian

John Calvin was a leading figure in the Protestant Reformation, whose writings and teachings profoundly influenced the development of Reformed theology and Protestant churches.

1807: Solomon Northup, Farmer and Writer

Solomon Northup was an African American farmer and musician who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. His memoir, Twelve Years a Slave, provides a powerful account of his experiences and contributions to the abolitionist movement.

1972: Sofía Vergara, Actress

Sofía Vergara is a Colombian-American actress and model known for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the television series Modern Family. She has received numerous awards and nominations for her work.

💔 Died on This Day in History

138: Hadrian, Roman Emperor

Hadrian was a Roman Emperor known for his extensive building projects, including Hadrian's Wall in Britain, and his efforts to consolidate and strengthen the empire's borders. Read more in Hadrian: Life, Accomplishments, and Death of One of the Best Roman Emperors.

1946: Sidney Hillman, US Labour Leader

Sidney Hillman was a prominent labor leader who co-founded the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) and played a significant role in shaping labor policy and workers' rights in the United States.

Thanks again for tuning in!

Best,

Matt