December 18 in American History

December 18, 1958 — the first voice broadcast from space

The American SCORE satellite relayed a recorded Christmas message from President Eisenhower — "peace on earth, good will toward men" — the first human voice ever broadcast from orbit. Just over a year after Sputnik, America was answering back, and the space age had found its voice.

Common Questions

What happened on December 18 in American history?

In 1958: the first voice broadcast from space. The American SCORE satellite relayed a recorded Christmas message from President Eisenhower — "peace on earth, good will toward men" — the first human voice ever broadcast from orbit.

Why is December 18 significant?

The American SCORE satellite relayed a recorded Christmas message from President Eisenhower — "peace on earth, good will toward men" — the first human voice ever broadcast from orbit. Just over a year after Sputnik, America was answering back, and the space age had found its voice.

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