2552

In 2552:

-The UNSC's premier military installation, on planet Reach, fell under a Covenant invasion force.

-Installation 04 was discovered by the UNSC Pillar of Autumn, which had escaped the destruction at Reach. It was destroyed by the Master Chief, who was traveling aboard vessel.

-The First Battle of Earth takes place this year, as a Covenant task force led by their High Prophet of Regret discover that Earth is in fact the human homeworld. While Regret escapes, the city of New Mombasa in former Kenya is destroyed in the process.

-The Second Battle of Earth also takes place this year, with a larger Covenant fleet wearing down the UNSC's defenses over Earth.