February 14

Katherine Stinson soared to fame in the early 1910s as the fourth woman in the United States to earn a pilot's license. Known as the 'Flying Schoolgirl', she performed daring exhibition flights across the country, introducing aviation to new audiences. Stinson set an endurance record and was among the first women to execute aerobatic maneuvers in a plane. During World War I, she carried air mail and trained military pilots, breaking gender barriers in aviation. Her company, the Stinson School of Flying, trained hundreds of pilots and advanced flight instruction. Stinson's pioneering spirit inspired generations of women to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.

Bill Tilman was a pioneering British mountaineer and explorer renowned for his lightweight, small-team expeditions. He made notable reconnaissance trips to Mount Everest in 1930 and led first ascents in the Karakoram range. During World War II, he served with distinction in the Royal Navy. After the war, he explored remote regions of the Arctic and South America, chronicling his journeys in acclaimed books. Tilman combined a scientific approach with a spirit of adventure, influencing generations of climbers and explorers. He disappeared in 1977 during an expedition on the Ganges Delta, cementing his legacy as an intrepid explorer.

Tibor Sekelj was a multifaceted Hungarian explorer and writer who traveled extensively across remote regions of South America. As a seasoned adventurer, he documented his journeys through the Andes and the Amazon basin in vivid travelogues. Sekelj was also a passionate advocate for Esperanto, serving as president of the Universal Esperanto Association and promoting the language worldwide. His books and lectures introduced diverse audiences to indigenous cultures and emphasized the importance of cultural understanding. Sekelj's unique blend of legal expertise, storytelling, and linguistic activism inspired generations of travelers and linguists. He remains a revered figure among explorers and the Esperanto community.

Born in 1947, Phạm Tuân began his career as a fighter pilot in the Vietnam People's Air Force. In 1980, he was selected as part of the Soviet Intercosmos program and flew aboard Soyuz 37 to the Salyut 6 space station, becoming the first Vietnamese and the first Asian in space. During his mission, he conducted scientific experiments and plant germination studies under microgravity conditions. Phạm’s flight was a milestone in Vietnamese aerospace history and strengthened ties between Vietnam and the Soviet Union. After returning to Earth, he continued to serve in the air force and contributed to Vietnam’s aviation development. He remains celebrated as a national hero and pioneering figure in space exploration.