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History Today: When USS Nautilus became the first submarine to travel under the North Pole

US nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN‑571), became the first vessel to cross the North Pole fully submerged on August 3, 1958. It was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. Codenamed Operation Sunshine, the mission aimed to test the feasibility of navigating beneath the polar ice cap read more the USS Nautilus became the first submarine to travel beneath the North Pole. Wikimedia Commons It was on August 3, 1958, that the US nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN‑571), became the first vessel in history to cross the geographic North Pole entirely submerged. Operated by the United States Navy, the Nautilus was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine, and its journey under the Arctic ice proved both its endurance and strategic potential. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1492, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain's Palos de la Frontera on a voyage that would change the course of world history. Here is all that happened on this day. Nautilus submarine travels under the North Pole On this day in 1958, the USS Nautilus became the first submarine to travel beneath the North Pole. Operated by the United States Navy, the Nautilus was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine, and its journey under the Arctic ice proved both its endurance and strategic potential. Codenamed Operation Sunshine, the mission aimed to test the feasibility of navigating beneath the polar ice cap, something no vessel had ever attempted before. Departing from Pearl Harbour in July 1958, Nautilus and her crew travelled submerged for nearly 1,400 miles under the Arctic Ocean, completely hidden beneath the thick ice sheet above. The USS Nautilus permanently docked at the US Submarine Force Museum and Library, Groton. Wikimedia Commons On August 3, at 11:15 pm Eastern Daylight Time, the submarine passed directly under the geographic North Pole, transmitting the message, 'Nautilus 90 North'. It was a powerful symbolic and strategic message to the world, especially during the intense geopolitical rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union. The success of the mission demonstrated that nuclear-powered submarines could travel silently and indefinitely underwater, without the need to surface or refuel. This had vast implications for global naval strategy, especially in a potential nuclear age. Columbus set sail from Spain On this day in 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on his momentous first transatlantic voyage, setting sail from Spain's Palos de la Frontera. His expedition, which was financed by the Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, had a clear objective - to find a westward sea route to Asia, specifically the lucrative spice islands of the East Indies. Commanding three ships namely the Niña, the Pinta, and the flagship Santa María, Columbus and his crew of about 90 men embarked on what was considered a bold and risky journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Most European navigators at the time believed the westward route to Asia was either impossible or far longer than Columbus estimated. He, however, believed that Asia could be reached quickly by sailing west, not realising that the Americas lay between Europe and his destination. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A painting of Spanish explorer Christoper Columbus setting off on his first voyage. Wikimedia Commons For weeks, the fleet sailed into uncharted waters. Morale waned, and at times the crew feared they would never see land again. But Columbus pressed on, driven by ambition and a strong belief in his calculations. Though he never reached Asia, on October 12, 1492, Columbus and his crew landed on what is now known as the Bahamas, marking the first known European contact with the Caribbean islands. Believing he had reached the outskirts of the East Indies, he referred to the indigenous people as 'Indians.' The voyage of Columbus would lead to more expeditions and ultimately usher in centuries of European exploration and colonisation of the Americas. This Day, That Year The Republic of Niger gained its independence from France on this day in 1960. In 1949, the National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed. Lithuania was 'accepted' into the USSR following the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states in 1940.