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D. Scott and J. Irwin land on the Moon with the first Lunar Rover

Apollo 15 was the 9th manned mission in the US Apollo program, the 4th to land on the Moon, and the 8th successful manned mission. It was the first of what were termed "J missions", long stays on the Moon, with a greater focus on science than had been possible on previous missions. It was also the first mission on which the Lunar Roving Vehicle was used.

American inventor Jacob Perkins dies

He invented many useful devices: a machine for cutting and heading nails, heat pipe, bathometer and piezometer. He is, however, most known for his refrigerator. Perkins also experimented with the steam power and advanced the art of engraving and platemaking for bank notes. He held twenty-nine American patents.

James Cook returns from his second voyage

His ship, HMS Resolution, anchored at Spithead, the traditional anchorage of the British Navy, after three years at sea. The main goal of the journey was to determine whether there was any great southern landmass, called Terra Australis. Cook proved that this landmass is a myth but predicted the existence of Antarctic land beyond the ice barrier.

Anniversaries of the (in)famous