March 20 in Universe History: Space Missions, Astronomy and Exploration
March 20, 2026
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.
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