events
Discoverer 1, an American spy satellite that is the first object intended to achieve a polar orbit, is launched but fails to achieve orbit.
Related Wikipedia articles
Discoverer 1
American reconnaissance satellite launched in 1959; failed to achieve orbit
Discoverer 1 was the first of a series of satellites which were part of the CORONA reconnaissance satellite program. It was launched on a Thor-Agena A rocket on 28 February 1959 at 21:49:16 GMT from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It was a prototype of the KH-1…Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Reconnaissance satellite
Satellite that covertly collects data for intelligence or military applications
A reconnaissance satellite or intelligence satellite is an Earth observation satellite or communications satellite deployed for military or intelligence applications.Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Polar orbit
Satellite orbit with high inclination
A polar orbit is one in which a satellite passes above or nearly above both poles of the body being orbited on each revolution. It has an inclination of about 80–90 degrees to the body's equator.Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
February 28
Day of the year
February 28 is the 59th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 306 days remain until the end of the year.Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)