Here are significant technology events that occurred on May 9th:
1. On May 9, 1965, the Soviet Union launched Luna 5, an uncrewed spacecraft intended to achieve the first soft landing on the Moon. Although it ultimately crashed onto the lunar surface, the mission provided valuable data for future successful landings.
2. The Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa began its return journey to Earth from the asteroid 25143 Itokawa on May 9, 2007. This marked a crucial phase in the first mission to land on, collect samples from, and return from an asteroid.
3. The first production model of the Russian Beriev Be-200 Altair multirole amphibious aircraft conducted its maiden flight on May 9, 2003. This aircraft is designed for firefighting, search and rescue, maritime patrol, and cargo transport.