1987
Space milestones
The young Kayser consolidates its expertise
In its early years, Kayser develops instrumentation for testing, measurement and dataacquisition on cars, trains and aircraft. Its industrial story is still Earth-bound, but key skills arealready taking shape — electronics, measurement and reliability in challenging environments —that will become central to its subsequent move into space.
A supernova lights up the sky
On 23 February, SN 1987A is observed, the brightest supernova visible from Earth in over fourcenturies. For astronomers, it is an exceptional opportunity: a rare and relatively nearbyphenomenon that makes it possible to study the final stages of a star’s life almost in real time.
Mir begins to grow
The Kvant-1 module arrives at the Soviet station Mir. It marks the beginning of the expansion ofa truly modular station, designed for increasingly long stays in orbit. Mir will become one of themajor laboratories for microgravity research and pave the way for future international stations.
