February 07

On February 7, 1854, the Swiss Federal Assembly passed a law to establish the Eidgenössische Polytechnische Schule in Zurich. Lectures at the new institute began on October 16, 1855, focusing on engineering, architecture, and the natural sciences. ETH Zurich aimed to foster innovation and train professionals to support Switzerland's industrialization. The school quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence and cutting-edge research. Notable alumni and faculty would later include Albert Einstein and other Nobel laureates. ETH Zurich evolved into one of Europe's leading technical universities, shaping generations of scientists and engineers.

Discovered in 1930, Pluto follows a highly elliptical orbit that occasionally brings it closer to the Sun than Neptune. From February 7, 1979, until February 11, 1999, Pluto remained within Neptune's orbit, a predictable but rare celestial event. The crossing is a consequence of Pluto's orbital eccentricity and inclination relative to the ecliptic. Although the two worlds never approach each other closely, the event captured public and scientific interest. It highlighted the diversity of planetary motions within our solar system. The phenomenon resumed attention when Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. The 1979 transit remains a notable example of dynamic orbital mechanics.

On February 7, 1984, NASA astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart conducted the first untethered extravehicular activity (EVA) during the STS-41-B mission. Aboard Space Shuttle Challenger, they used the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU), a propulsion backpack, to move freely in orbit without tethering. This achievement represented a major leap in human mobility in space and opened possibilities for satellite retrieval and on-orbit servicing. The success of the MMU test validated its design and operational procedures, influencing future spacewalk techniques. Flight controllers closely monitored the astronauts as they navigated outside the shuttle, demonstrating precise control. The mission's outcomes contributed to the development of advanced EVA equipment for the International Space Station.

On February 7, 2001, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off on STS-98 from Kennedy Space Center, carrying the Destiny laboratory module to the International Space Station. The 12-day mission included three spacewalks during which astronauts installed and activated Destiny, the first U.S. science module on the station. Destiny expanded the ISS’s research capabilities, enabling experiments in microgravity across fields such as biology, materials science, and Earth observation. The successful integration of Destiny was a critical step in the station’s assembly sequence and long-term operations. Crew members tested laboratory systems, supported by ground controllers, to ensure flawless performance. STS-98 demonstrated international cooperation and advanced human spaceflight technology as parts of the broader ISS program.

On February 7, 2014, researchers announced that human ancestral footprints discovered on the Norfolk coast at Happisburgh have been dated to more than 800,000 years ago. These fossilized impressions represent the oldest known hominid footprints outside of Africa, pushing back the timeline of early human migration into Europe. The footprints were preserved in layers of sediment and exposed by coastal erosion before being excavated by a team of archaeologists. Scientists used a combination of sediment analysis and paleomagnetic dating to confirm their age with remarkable precision. The discovery challenged previous notions that Northern Europe was uninhabitable by early human species during colder periods. It provided crucial insights into ancient human behavior, ecology, and adaptability. The findings prompted renewed interest in European prehistory and inspired further fieldwork along the coast.

On February 7, 2016, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea successfully placed the Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 satellite into orbit using a long-range rocket. The launch violated multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions that prohibit North Korea from conducting ballistic missile or space launch activities. While Pyongyang claimed the mission was for peaceful space exploration and weather observation, many experts viewed it as a cover for advancing intercontinental ballistic missile technology. The test provoked immediate diplomatic protests and led to the imposition of fresh sanctions by the UN. Neighboring countries and global powers condemned the act as a threat to regional and international security. The launch underscored North Korea's growing capabilities in rocketry and its strategic use of space programs for geopolitical leverage. It also raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing non-proliferation measures.