March 20 in Universe History: Space Missions, Astronomy and Exploration

1996

On March 20, 1996, the first launch attempt for Space Shuttle Atlantis mission STS-76 was scrubbed before cryogenic tanking began because of high-wind concerns at Kennedy Space Center. Managers then recycled the countdown and launched successfully on March 22, enabling the third Shuttle–Mir docking and transfer of astronaut Shannon Lucid for a long-duration stay aboard Mir.

2000

On March 20, 2000, the Dumsat payload flew on a Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome as part of early operational use of the Fregat upper stage, an engineering step toward more flexible multi-burn injection profiles. The flight helped validate Fregat’s restartable capabilities.

2000

On March 20, 2000, International Gemini Observatory announced that an 8.1-meter primary mirror had arrived safely at the Gemini South site on Cerro Pachón after a long transport. The mirror’s arrival marked a major step toward first light later in 2000, as the telescope approached operations with advanced optical and infrared imaging capabilities.