Archive · 28 Sep 2025
First Flight Around World & SpaceX Orbit Milestone: Sept. 28th History
On September 28, 1924, the U.S. Army Air Service completed the first successful flight around the world, taking 175 days.
This journey proved long-distance air travel was possible.
Then, on September 28, 2008, SpaceX's Falcon 1 rocket became the first privately developed rocket to reach Earth's orbit.
This was a big achievement, as it showed that private companies could compete in space travel.
These two events, though decades apart, showcase human innovation and persistence.
The first successful flight around the world was completed on September 28, 1924.
The journey began on April 6, 1924, with four Douglas World Cruisers.
The trip took 175 days and covered over 26,000 miles.
SpaceX's Falcon 1 reached Earth's orbit on September 28, 2008.
This was the first successful orbital launch by a privately-developed liquid-fuel rocket.
- Who
- United States Army Air Service and SpaceX
- What
- First successful flight around the world and first privately developed rocket reaches orbit.
- When
- September 28, 1924, and September 28, 2008
- Where
- Worldwide for the flight; Earth's orbit for SpaceX
- Why
- To demonstrate the possibilities of long-distance air travel and to prove that private companies could launch rockets into orbit
- Event 1: First Flight
- Completed around the world on September 28, 1924
- Organizer
- United States Army Air Service
- Duration
- 175 days
- Event 2: SpaceX Launch
- Falcon 1 reached orbit on September 28, 2008
- Rocket
- Falcon 1
- Company
- SpaceX