History Bites presents: “Ohio in Space”.

Known for innovation and invention, it’s not surprising that numerous programs and inventions related to space exploration came from Ohio. In 1954, at Mound Laboratory in Miamisburg, Ohio, two scientists created a small steam engine powered by polonium-210. By 1959, they had patented their invention and were using the much longer half-life power of plutonium-238. Just a few years later in 1961, the United States launched the Transit IV-A, the first satellite to carry a radioisotope power system into space. Observatory Director, Dr. Paul Herget worked with Projects Vanguard and Mercury, as well as the Manhattan Project in early efforts of space exploration and established the Observatory as the Minor Planet Center in 1947.

“History Bites” noon-time lunch & learn talks are one in a series of history programs that includes “History Bites at Night” in-person evening events and “History at Home” virtual presentations.