Chronology - Quarter 1 1956

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Previous Home Next 1956 January 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11M. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1956 January 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. Certification test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1956 January 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. Certification test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1956 January 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. Certification test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). The series of 5 launches began on 11 January 1956 with launch of a dummy warhead. References: 2. 1956 January 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. Certification test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1956 During the Year - Use of existing ballistic missiles for manned orbital space flight studied. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. Personnel of the NACA were studying the possibilities of utilizing existing ballistic missile boosters, which were then under development, for manned orbital space flight. References: 483. 1956 During the Year - Martian Piloted Complex (MPK) Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: MPK. This first serious examination in the Soviet Union of manned flight to Mars was initiated by M Tikhonravov's section of Korolev's OKB-1. The Martian Piloted Complex (MPK), would be assembled in low earth orbit. Using conventional liquid propellants, it would fly a Hohmann trajectory, enter Martian orbit, and a landing craft would descend to the surface. After just over a year of surface exploration, the crew would return to earth. It was calculated that the initial mass of the MPK would be 1,630 tonnes, and a re-entry vehicle of only 15 tonnes could be returned to earth at the end of the 30 month mission. At the planned N1 payload mass of 75 to 85 tonnes, it would take 20 to 25 N1 launches to assemble the MPK. 1956 During the Year - Launch Vehicle: Buran, Burya. Lavochkin begins construction of first Burya cruise missile. Nation: USSR. Program: Navaho. Myasishchev was just completing project design of his Buran design, while Lavochkin was already completing construction of the first Burya. 1956 January 5 - Institute of Mechanics founded in Beijing Nation: China. Tsien is director of the institute. It is equipped with mechanical desk calculators and only one telephone. Deputy Director is a Tsien protege, Dr Guo Yonghuai, who graduated with a doctorate in aeronatuical engineering from Caltech in 1946. The Director of Operations is Xu Guozhi, a systems analyst that Tsien met on the ship from America to China. 1956 January 10 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. First test of 400,000+ lb thrust engine. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. First U.S.-built complete liquid-rocket engine having a thrust in excess of 400,000 pounds was fired for the first time at Santa Susana, Calif. References: 17, 27. 1956 January 13 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1/2?. Launch Vehicle: Snark. Snark Missile test. Nation: USA. USAF Northrop Snark launched from Cape Canaveral on 2,000-mile flight. References: 17. 1956 January 19 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. Model: Sounding Rocket. LV Configuration: Sergeant 1. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi). References: 2. 1956 January 19 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11M. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1956 January 20 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 D-4. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi). References: 2. 1956 January 21 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 101. Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1956 January 24 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 465. FAILURE: Failure. Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2. 1956 January 26 - Satellite symposium. Nation: USA. Symposium on "The Scientific Uses of Earth Satellites" held at the University of Michigan under sponsorship of the Upper Atmosphere Rocket Research Panel, James A. Van Allen of the State University of Iowa, Chairman. References: 17. 1956 January 26 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Deacon. Model: Tandem Double Deacon. E15 Model test flight Nation: USA. Agency: NACA. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 2. 1956 January 30 - Development of first Sputnik authorised. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Sputnik 3. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 149882 'On creation of the Object D artificial satellite' was issued. References: 474. 1956 January 30 - Work began in the Soviet Union on military satellites. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Zenit. Design work starts on the Zenit, the first military photo-reconnaisance satellite. The necessary subsystems were defined incrementally throughout 1956 in a series of specification documents. In April the specifications for a redundant restartable engine and appropriate satellite guidance and control systems were released. In May the technical requirements document was issued for a satellite that could be oriented in orbit. In July tests began of appropriate heat shield materials. 1956 February 1 - USAF RFP - Manned Ballistic Rocket Research System Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. USAF issues request for industry proposals for Project 7969 Manned Ballistic Rocket Research System. Two year study period. References: 26. 1956 February 1 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter C. ABMA established. Nation: USA. Army activated the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala., to weaponize the Redstone and to develop the Jupiter IRBM. References: 17. 1956 February 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. LV Configuration: R-5M M-5RD. R-7 component test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1956 February 2 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. BAYKAL Nuclear test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). The R-5M successfully launched an 80 kiloton (300 kiloton according to some sources) warhead over a 1200 km range - from Kaputsin Yar Area 4N to a point near Priaralsk Karakum, 150 km north-east of the Aral Sea. References: 2. 1956 February 7 - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Loki. Model: Loki Dart. LV Configuration: Loki Dart WASP 1. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN ONR. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). References: 2. 1956 February 13 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 431. Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1956 February 14 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 453. Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1956 February 16 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. LV Configuration: R-5M M-5RD. R-7 component test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). The R-5RD or M5RD was flown to test subsystems for the R-7 ICBM. References: 2. 1956 February 17 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1. Plan for missile development proposed. Nation: China. Program: Long March. Tsien Hsue-shen submits a secret proposal to the State Council for ballistic missile development - 'Prospectus for Establishment of a National Defence Aviation Industry'. The proposal calls for the establishment of a research facility for aeronautics and missile development. References: 87. 1956 February 20 - Launch Vehicle: Navaho. North American proposes Navaho acceleration Nation: USA. Program: Navaho. Facing being surpassed by the fast development of the Atlas ICBM, North American proposes Project Broomstick. This would accelerate Navaho G-26 inertial-navigation-equipped dive-in flights to October 1956. This would make the vehicle expendable, removing all the likely problems in developing a recoverable vehicle that was in any case not applicable to production. Deletion of the landing gear and parachutes would also allow greater range to be demonstrated. Altogether it was believed the change would allow G-38 full-scale vehicle flights to start in June 1958 and deployment of the operational Navaho in 1960. References: 221. 1956 February 24 - Nikita Khrushchev, First Secretary of U.S.S.R. Communist Party, denounces Stalin's excesses Nation: USSR. 1956 February 27 - Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2, R-1, R-2, R-5, Soyuz. Soviet Leadership tours Korolev's design bureau Nation: USSR. Khrushchev, Molotov, Bulganin, and other leaders are given a tour of Korolev’s OKB-1 in Kaliningrad. They are shown the R-1, R-2 and R-5 missiles as well as a mock-up of the R-7 and are awed. Ustinov reports that only five warheads would be needed to destroy Britain, and seven to nine for France. The need for the R-12 was discussed - the longer range was essential so that the missiles could be based farther from NATO’s borders (the experience of the German invasion and quick destruction of forward-based units and equipment was on everyone’s minds). References: 539. 1956 March 1 - Hywards development plan. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar, Bomi, Hywards. The Research and Target Systems Division of ARDC headquarters completed an abbreviated development plan for a glide-rocket, research system, designated Hywards. 1956 March 1 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1. 12 year plan for Chinese aerospace Nation: China. Spacecraft: Project 581. Hundreds of Soviet and Chinese scientists put together the technology portion of China's 12 year plan. Missile development is emphasized in the plan at the expense of the aircraft industry. 1956 March 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. LV Configuration: R-5M M-5RD. R-7 component test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1956 March 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. LV Configuration: R-5M M-5RD. R-7 component test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1956 March - Manned Ballistic Rocket Research System Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Project 7969. Project 7969, entitled 'Manned Ballistic Rocket Research System,' was initiated by the Air Force with a stated task of recovering a manned capsule from orbital conditions. By December of that year, proposal studies were received from two companies, and the Air Force eventually received some 11 proposals. The basis for the program was to start with small recoverable satellites and work up to larger versions. The Air Force Discoverer firings, which effected a successful recovery in January 1960, could be considered as the first phase of the proposed program. The Air Force program was based upon a requirement that forces no higher than 12g be imposed upon the occupant of the capsule. This concept required an additional stage on the basic or 'bare' Atlas, and the Hustler, now known as the Agena, was contemplated. It was proposed that the spacecraft be designed to remain forward during all phases of the flight, requiring a gimballed seat for the pilot. Although the Air Force effort in manned orbital flight during the period 1956-58 was a study project without an approved program leading to the design of hardware, the effort contributed to manned space flight. Their sponsored studies on such items as the life-support system were used by companies submitting proposals for the Mercury spacecraft design and development program. Also, during the 2-year study, there was a considerable interchange of information between the NACA and the Air Force. References: 483. 1956 March 5 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 D-5. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi). References: 2. 1956 March 9 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: HJ Nike T40 T55. FAILURE: Failure. Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: NACA. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). References: 2. 1956 March 14 - 08:45 GMT - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee RTV-A-1a. LV Configuration: Aerobee RTV-A-1a USAF 63. Release (NO) Ionosphere / aeronomy / chemica mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 106 km (65 mi). Nitric oxide attempt to recombine atomic oxygen research. Launched at 0145 local time. Reached 106.2 km. References: 2. 1956 March 15 - 00:36 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter A. LV Configuration: Jupiter A RS-18. FAILURE: Early cut-off caused by Incorrect guidance cut-off equation pre-setting. ST-80 gyro spilled at 310 sec. Jupiter A Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). The first Jupiter A launching, by ABMA at Cape Canaveral. RS-18 was launched at 1936 hours EST from AMR. The flight was successful. The scheduled launching date of this missile was 13 March. Three holds were called because of LOX difficulties, telemetry difficulties, and replacement of a gate valve. The actual range was 133.58 nm; 10.3 nm under; and 5.66 nm right of the intended impact point. Separation occurred before the missile gained its correct velocity. Improper assumption of propellant flow for the trajectory calculation was primarily responsible for the incorrect cut-off. The primary test objectives were to test the complete guidance and control system to establish the performance qualities of the complete missile system. Missed aimpoint by 19,100 m. References: 2. 1956 March 20 - Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. R-7 flight test authorised. Nation: USSR. Decree 'On means to ensure testing or the R-7' was issued. References: 474. 1956 March 20 - Brass Bell. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar, Bomi, Brass Bell. The Air Force and Bell Aircraft Company completed negotiations for a study contract involving Reconnaissance System 459L, Brass Bell. 1956 March 23 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. LV Configuration: R-5M M-5RD. R-7 component test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1956 March 24 - X-2 Flight 6 Nation: USA. Payload: X-2 # 1 flight 6. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-2 . Crew: Everest. Second powered flight, mach 0.91. References: 49, 97. 1956 March 26 - Launch Vehicle: Navaho. Model: Navaho G-26. First Navaho G-26 flight booster delivered to Cape Canaveral Nation: USA. Program: Navaho. References: 221. 1956 March 28 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 0316. Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. Previous Home Next Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments. Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site.. To contact astronauts or cosmonauts. © Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.