Tech & Science · 1968
1968: Earthrise, Microchips, and the Digital Dawn
In 1968, humanity breached the cradle of Earth to orbit the Moon while revolutionizing life back on the ground through computing breakthroughs. Against a turbulent global backdrop, science and technology pushed beyond known limits, laying the foundation for the modern digital and aerospace eras.
- Dec 24, 1968 | Space Exploration
Apollo 8 Earthrise
Astronaut William Anders captures the iconic 'Earthrise' photograph as Apollo 8 becomes the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon.
- Dec 9, 1968 | Computing
The Mother of All Demos
Douglas Engelbart publicly unveils the computer mouse, hypertext, video conferencing, and real-time collaboration in San Francisco.
- Feb 24, 1968 | Astrophysics
Discovery of Pulsars Published
Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Antony Hewish publish the discovery of rapidly spinning neutron stars emitting precise radio pulses.
- July 18, 1968 | Semiconductors
Founding of Intel
Semiconductor pioneers Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore incorporate NM Electronics, quickly renaming the firm Intel.
- Sept 30, 1968 | Aviation
Boeing 747 Rollout
Boeing unveils the massive 747 'Jumbo Jet' in Everett, Washington, transforming long-haul commercial air travel.
- Dec 31, 1968 | Aviation
Tupolev Tu-144 Maiden Flight
The Soviet Union launches the Tu-144, making it the world's first supersonic transport aircraft to fly, beating Concorde into the air.
- Aug 1968 | Geology
Glomar Challenger Drilling Expedition
The Deep Sea Drilling Project begins ocean core sampling, producing definitive empirical evidence supporting plate tectonics.
- 1968 | Computing
Data General Nova Minicomputer
Data General introduces the Nova, a groundbreaking 16-bit minicomputer offering unprecedented performance in a compact chassis.
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