November 22

René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle (1643–1687), was a French explorer renowned for his expeditions in North America. He led the first European voyage down the Mississippi River, reaching its delta and naming the region Louisiana in honor of King Louis XIV. La Salle established forts and trading posts and sought to expand French influence across the continent. His daring expeditions faced challenges including hostile terrain, supply shortages, and conflicts with indigenous peoples. In later ventures, he attempted to establish a colony at the mouth of the Mississippi but was killed by his own men in present-day Texas. La Salle's discoveries paved the way for future French colonization and his name endures in landmarks like La Salle County and De La Salle University. His adventurous spirit symbolizes the age of exploration.

Wiley Post was born in 1898 in Texas and rose from humble beginnings to become a celebrated pilot. In 1933, he completed the first solo flight around the world in just over seven days. Post developed and tested an early pressure suit, contributing to advancements in high-altitude and spaceflight technology. His record-setting flights demonstrated the possibilities of long-distance air travel and opened new frontiers for aviation. In 1931, he and navigator Harold Gatty set a world record for around-the-world flight with stops, showcasing precision navigation and endurance. Post's achievements earned him national acclaim and demonstrated the potential for using aircraft in scientific research. Tragically, he died in 1935 in a crash while testing a new rescue device. His innovations laid foundations for future aerospace developments.

Jerrie Mock was born on November 22, 1925, in Newark, Ohio. A licensed pilot since 1958 she set off in her Cessna 180, nicknamed 'Spirit of Columbus,' on a solo flight around the world from March to April 1964. Covering over 22,000 miles in 29 days she became the first woman to achieve this feat. Her journey captured international attention and inspired a generation of female aviators. Mock wrote about her experiences in the book 'Three-Eight Charlie.' She received numerous honors including the Louis Blériot medal from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Mock's pioneering spirit remains a milestone in aviation history. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 88.

Guion Bluford was born on November 22, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering before joining NASA in 1978. In 1983, Bluford flew aboard Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-8, becoming the first African American in space. He went on to complete three additional shuttle missions, contributing to satellite deployments and scientific experiments. After retiring from NASA, he worked in aerospace and served on various commercial space ventures. Bluford's achievements paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the U.S. space program.