June 1981 - June 1, 1981 (Monday)

June 1, 1981 (Monday)

• A mobile laser weapon, intended to destroy missiles in flight, failed in testing by the U.S. Air Force at the United States Naval Weapons Center at China Lake in California. The high-intensity laser had been fired, from a flying KC-135A Stratotanker (similar to a Boeing 707), at a Sidewinder missile that was moving at 2,000 miles per hour. "The test failed," said Colonel Bob O'Brien, "and we don't know why.".
• The first issue of China Daily, an English language newspaper operated by the Communist Party of China, was published. A sister paper to the official Chinese language People's Daily, the paper gave a nod to capitalism by carrying advertising.
• Born: Carlos Zambrano, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs and 3 time winner of Silver Slugger Award; in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela
• Died: Carl Vinson, 97, U.S. Congressman (D-Ga.) from 1914 to 1965