Tech & Science · 1959
1959: Reaching the Moon and Microchip Dawn
The Space Race accelerates as humanity touches the lunar surface and glimpses the far side of the Moon for the first time. Simultaneously, groundbreaking innovations in computing and automotive safety set the stage for the modern digital and industrial era.
- September 14, 1959 | Soviet Union
Luna 2 Lunar Impact
The Soviet space probe Luna 2 becomes the first human-made object to reach the Moon, crashing onto the lunar surface.
- October 7, 1959 | Soviet Union
Luna 3 Far Side Photos
Luna 3 transmits the first ever photographs of the hidden far side of the Moon, revealing rugged terrain to Earth scientists.
- September 16, 1959 | Haloid Xerox
Xerox 914 Office Copier
Haloid Xerox introduces the Xerox 914, the first commercially successful plain-paper photocopier, revolutionizing paper management.
- August 13, 1959 | Volvo
Volvo Three-Point Seat Belt
Engineer Nils Bohlin debuts the three-point seat belt in a Volvo vehicle, introducing a life-saving standard for automotive safety.
- July 30, 1959 | Fairchild
Planar Integrated Circuit Patent
Robert Noyce files a landmark patent for the silicon planar integrated circuit, paving the way for commercial microchip fabrication.
- May 1959 | CODASYL
Creation of COBOL
Computer scientists convene as CODASYL to specify COBOL, establishing a universal programming language tailored for business systems.
- August 7, 1959 | NASA
Explorer 6 First Earth Image
NASA launches Explorer 6, a satellite that transmits the very first photograph of Earth taken from orbit.
- April 9, 1959 | NASA
Mercury Seven Selection
NASA introduces the 'Mercury Seven,' America's first group of astronauts chosen to pioneer human spaceflight.
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