Chronology - Quarter 3 1957 home
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1957 July 1 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • First Atlas wing activated at Cooke AFB. Nation: USA. Air Research and Development Command activated the 704th Strategic Missile Wing (Atlas) at Cooke AFB. References: 88, 278.
1957 July 1 - Launch Vehicle: Aerobee.
  • Aerobee completes 165th flight. Nation: USA. Aerobee upper air research rocket developed by the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins, and first fired on September 25, 1947, completed 165 successful firings to date. References: 17.
1957 July - Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout A.
  • Beginning of the Scout launch vehicle concept. Nation: USA. A study was initiated by the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory on the use of solid-fuel upper stages to achieve a payload orbit with as simple a launch vehicle as possible. This was the beginning of the Scout test-vehicle concept. References: 483.
1957 July 2 - Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7A.
  • Tikhonravov defined the development tasks for the Zenit reconnaissance satellite. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Zenit. These included development of a three stage version of R-7, development of satellite guidance and control systems of the precision required for photography from orbit, satellite control equipment, ELINT sensors, guidance systems, film cassette return systems, and tracking systems for recovery of the re-entry vehicle with the film cassette.
1957 July 3 - 09:28 GMT - Launch Site: San Nicolas. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Deacon. Model: Nike Deacon. LV Configuration: Nike Deacon NN7.38F.
  • NRL NN7.38F Solar ultraviolet and x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 113 km (70 mi). References: 2.
1957 July 4 - 17:15 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi NN3.08F.
  • NRL NN3.08F Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 237 km (147 mi). References: 2.
1957 July 11 -
  • X-1B Flight 20 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1B flight 20. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1B. Crew: McKay. NACA flight 10. Aborted after launch, indication of open landing-gear door. Propellants jettisoned, completed as a glide flight. References: 49, 97.
1957 July 12 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter A. LV Configuration: Jupiter A CC-35. FAILURE: Control system malfunction at re-entry.
  • Jupiter A Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Launched at 0130 hours EST from AMR. The primary test objective was to test the accuracy of the guidance system. The flight was successful. Actual range was 130.125 nm; 0.15 nm over; and 285 meters left of the intended impact point. All missions were successfully accomplished. The missile followed the predicted trajectory very closely. Survey of the impact crater indicated a miss distance of 50 meters over and 284 meters to the left of the predicted impact point, giving a radial miss distance of 389.5 meters. Missed aimpoint by 289 m. References: 2.
1957 July 12 - 12:53 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 No. 7. FAILURE: Failure of the control system due to a short circuit of the battery. Rapid roll developed, resulting in all four strap-on boosters flying away from the core at 33 seconds in the flight.
  • M1-7 (I-2) test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). R-7 test flight. (M1-7 (I-2)) References: 2.
1957 July 13 - Launch Vehicle: Navaho.
  • USAF cancels the Navaho program. Nation: USA. Program: Navaho. The supersonic intercontinental cruise missile had been made obsolete by the Atlas ICBM. 4,705 employees were laid off the day the termination notice was received via an announcement over the public address system to "stop what you are doing, proceed to the nearest exit, and deposit your badge in the bin indicated". By the end of the month the total laid off at North American alone amounted to 15 ,600 employees. However engineering staff was kept on to launch the five completed G-26 missiles, at a total cost of $4.9 million.

    At the time the program was cancelled full-range G-38 missiles were in fabrication with first flight test planned by the end of 1958. The engines, missile frame manufacturing techniques, inertial and stellar navigation equipment, and telemetry/guidance techniques developed for Navaho established the technical basis for many subsequent US rocket developments. References: 221.

1957 July 16 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 4-204-2.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1957 July 16 - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee.
  • Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1957 July 17 -
  • Qian Weichang denounced. Nation: China. Tsien denounces his former colleague Qian Weichang.
1957 July 18 - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee.
  • Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1957 July 19 -
  • X-1B Flight 21 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1B flight 21. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1B. Crew: McKay. NACA flight 11. Mach 1.65 at 18,300 m. Control pulses, sideslips, and 2 g wind-up turn. References: 49, 97.
1957 July 19 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 3-204-1.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1957 July 22 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 R-26.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi). References: 2.
1957 July 23 - 16:29 GMT - Launch Site: San Nicolas. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Deacon. Model: Nike Deacon. LV Configuration: Nike Deacon NN7.40F.
  • NRL NN7.40F Solar ultraviolet and x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1957 July 26 - Launch Site: Akita. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 3. LV Configuration: Kappa 3 K-3-3.
  • Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). References: 2.
1957 July 26 - 04:17 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter A. LV Configuration: Jupiter A CC-37.
  • Jupiter A Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Launched at 2317 hours EST from AMR. The flight was successful. Actual range was 126.227 nm; 147 meters under; and 182 meters left of the intended impact point. The primary test objective was to flight test warhead and fuse functioning as a system. A survey of the warhead impact point: indicated a miss distance of 147 meters short, 182 meters to the left of the predicted impact point, or a radial miss distance of 234 meters. Missed aimpoint by 235 m. References: 2.
1957 July 29 -
  • X-1B Flight 22 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1B flight 22. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1B. Crew: McKay. NACA flight 12. Enlarged wing tips installed to simulate wing tips to be used with reaction controls. Mach 1.55 at 18,300 m. References: 49, 97.
1957 July 29 - 21:59 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi NN3.13F.
  • NRL NN3.13F Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 1 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Atlas IOC delayed. Nation: USA. Estimated operational capability date for Atlas changed from March 1959 to June 1959. References: 17, 278.
1957 August 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11M.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 2/1. FAILURE: Launch abort.
  • Burya first launch attempt Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Objective was limited to test of operation of first stage boosters. The AVD Engine Cutoff System activated on ignition due to destruction of an OT-155 propellant valve in one of the booster engines. The missile remained on the pad. The stage boosters were dismounted, checked, and reassembled. References: 2.
1957 August 5 - 11:53 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 55.0 N x 54.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.01F.
  • SUI 56 Aeronomy / Chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP1 - - Latitude: 55.00 N - Longitude: 54.00 W. References: 2.
1957 August 5 - 16:59 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 56.6 N x 54.4 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.02F.
  • SUI 57 Fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP2 - - Latitude: 56.62 N - Longitude: 54.42 W. References: 2.
1957 August 6 - 10:52 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 62.3 N x 56.3 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.03F.
  • SUI 58 Aeronomy / aurora / chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP3 - - Latitude: 62.27 N - Longitude: 56.28 W. References: 2.
1957 August 6 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee. LV Configuration: Aerobee AC4.024.
  • Solar ultraviolet spectrum Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 6 - 16:03 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 63.9 N x 56.2 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.04F.
  • SUI 59 Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 117 km (72 mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP4 - - Latitude: 63.93 N - Longitude: 56.15 W. References: 2.
1957 August 7 - 03:28 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 67.3 N x 57.1 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.05F. FAILURE: Failure.
  • SUI 60 Aeronomy / Chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP5 - - Latitude: 67.33 N - Longitude: 57.05 W. References: 2.
1957 August 7 - 22:04 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 72.9 N x 58.5 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.06F. FAILURE: Failure.
  • SUI 61 Fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP6 - - Latitude: 72.92 N - Longitude: 58.52 W. References: 2.
1957 August 8 -
  • X-1B Flight 23 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1B flight 23. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1B. Crew: McKay. NACA flight 13. Stability and control investigation. Mach 1.5 at 18300 m, accelerated maneuvers, control pulses, and pull-ups. References: 49, 97.
1957 August 8 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11M.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 8 - 06:59 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter C. LV Configuration: Jupiter C RS/CC-40.
  • Jupiter re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 460 km (280 mi). First Nose Cone Recovery. Army-JPL Jupiter-C fired a scale-model nose cone 1,200 miles down range from AMR with a summit altitude of 600 miles. Recovery the next day of aerodynamic nose cone using ablation, resolved reentry heating problem for Jupiter missile. Nose cone was shown to the Nation on TV by President Eisenhower on November 7.

    Fired from AMR at 0159 hours EST, impacted at the predicted range. This success proved conclusively that the planned ablative-type heat protection for Jupiter warheads was satisfactory. The missile was a three-stage configuration--the first stage an elongated Redstone missile, the second and third stages 11 and 3 six-inch scaled Sergeant rockets, respectively. The one-third scale Jupiter nose cone was attached to the final stage with scheme for separation provided. The nose cone travelled to a 1,168 nm range, reached a velocity of 4,004 m/sec, and experienced a total heat input at stagnation point at 95% of that for the full scale nose cone at 1,500 nm. Naval units recovered the scaled nose cone according to plan. References: 2.

1957 August 8 - 07:17 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 75.2 N x 63.3 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.07F.
  • SUI 62 Aeronomy / Chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP7 - - Latitude: 75.20 N - Longitude: 63.32 W. References: 2.
1957 August 9 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 3-204-2.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 10 -
  • Claimed first manmade object to escape from earth Nation: USA. Payload: Steel Metal Cover. In the summer of 1957 physicist Bob Brownlee attempted to 'contain' the blast effects of an atomic explosion from a device placed at the bottom of a 500 foot vertical shaft in the Nevada desert. A four-inch-thick steel plate weighing 'several hundred pounds' is placed over the hole (diameter not specified). This blew off as expected in the blast and was seen in films to depart the area at six times escape velocity . Brownlee never publicly challenged the Soviet's claim (to having launched the 1st Earth satellite. References: 92.
1957 August 10 - 05:07 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 74.3 N x 63.6 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.08F.
  • SUI 63 Aeronomy / aurora / chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 117 km (72 mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP8 - - Latitude: 74.30 N - Longitude: 63.57 W. References: 2.
1957 August 11 - 05:16 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 70.4 N x 57.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.10F. FAILURE: Failure.
  • SUI 65 Aeronomy / Chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP10 - - Latitude: 70.40 N - Longitude: 57.00 W. References: 2.
1957 August 11 - 20:30 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 66.7 N x 54.9 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.11F.
  • SUI 66 Aeronomy / Chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP11 - - Latitude: 66.67 N - Longitude: 54.93 W. References: 2.
1957 August 12 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC10. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Navaho. Model: Navaho G-26. LV Configuration: Navaho II SM-64 09.
  • Navaho G-26 Flight 5 Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). After a 15 hour 18 minute countdown G-26 number four finally left the pad. The boost phase was completed successfully; but then a guidance system malfunction prevented the cruise stage from separating from the booster until an altitude of 25 km was reached. However the autopilot successfully overcome drastic pitch oscillations created by the lofted trajectory, and the ramjets were successfully ignited. The stage cruised at Mach 2.93 for 280 km. However then the vehicle began drifting off course. The ground pilot banked, but the fuselage screened the airflow to the left ramjet intake, resulting in that engine flaming out. The vehicle lost speed and altitude, and the right engine flamed out a minute later. The missile was ordered into a terminal dive, impacting 425 km downrange. References: 2.
1957 August 12 - 07:48 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 64.7 N x 54.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.12F. FAILURE: Failure.
  • SUI 67 Aeronomy / aurora / chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP12 - - Latitude: 64.68 N - Longitude: 53.95 W. References: 2.
1957 August 12 - 13:55 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 63.1 N x 53.7 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.13F.
  • SUI 68 Aurora / fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP13 - - Latitude: 63.05 N - Longitude: 53.72 W. References: 2.
1957 August 13 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A.
  • SOI Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 13 - 01:58 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 60.6 N x 49.3 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.14F.
  • SUI 69 Aeronomy / aurora / chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP14 - - Latitude: 60.58 N - Longitude: 49.27 W. References: 2.
1957 August 14 - 08:06 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 59.3 N x 47.8 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.15F.
  • SUI 70 Aeronomy / aurora / chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Launched at IGY Rockoon Launch Site 1, Atlantic Ocean LP15 - - Latitude: 59.30 N - Longitude: 47.80 W. References: 2.
1957 August 15 -
  • X-1B Flight 24 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1B flight 24. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1B. Crew: Armstrong. NACA flight 14. Pilot check. Nose landing gear failed on landing, minor damage. References: 49, 97.
1957 August 16 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 5-204-1.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 19 -
  • Manhigh II Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Man-high. Manhigh II reached a record altitude of 101,516 feet (30,950 m) with Major David Simons aboard on 19 and 20 August. Including the pilot and scientific equipment, the total weight of the Manhigh II gondola was 747 kg. At maximum altitude, the ballon expanded to a diameter of 60 m with a volume in excess of 85,000 cubic m.
1957 August 20 - Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: R-12.
  • USSR sells R-12 missiles to China. Nation: USSR. Ministry of Armaments Decree 'On transfer of two R-12 missiles to China (on August 6)' was issued. References: 474.
1957 August 21 - 12:25 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 No. 8.
  • M1-9 (I-3) test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). First successful ICBM flight. Problems with the curing of the nose cone material, known before launch, led to the dummy warhead disintegrating over the Kamchatka Peninsula. References: 2.
1957 August 23 - 21:54 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun RP6.X1 igniter test.
  • RP6.1 test Nation: USA. Agency: BRL. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 24 - Launch Site: Cuxhaven. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Mohr Rocket.
  • First launches from Spaceport Cuxhaven Nation: Germany. Cuxhaven saw its first use as the 'Gateway to Space'. The DRG (German Rocket Society)'s 'Rocket Flight Day' started out with 7 firings of the 'oilspray' rocket to ranges of 100 to 300 m. The terrible weather served to demonstrate their function admirably. This was followed by a launch to 100 to 2000 m altitude of several small model rockets. This was followed by delta-winged rocket built by Koschmieder, which reached 3000 m and was recovered by parachute. Next was a prototype 20 kg meteorological rocket using a new solid propellant developed by Deutsche Dynamit AG. This produced 1500 kgf and reached Mach 1.5. The rocket rose to 4000 m but the recovery parachute deployed early and the meteorological instruments were not recovered. Finally a test of the first of Ernst Mohr's big rockets was planned. The rocket had 50 kg of propellant, produced 5 tonnes thrust, and was to have reached Mach 1.5 at burnout and an altitude of 20,000 m. However the launch was cancelled due to bad weather.
1957 August 24 - 06:00 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun SS6.38. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Grenade test Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 25 - 02:23 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. LV Configuration: R-2A No. 3.
  • Ionosphere / biological mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 206 km (128 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 25 - 03:27 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 208 km (129 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 25 - 14:08 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee. LV Configuration: Aerobee SM2.06.
  • Grenades, Temperature, wind Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 26 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7.
  • R-7 ICBM announced publicly. Nation: USSR. Soviet Union announces successful launch of a "super longdistance intercontinental multistage ballistic rocket ...a few days ago," according to Tass Soviet News Agency. References: 17.
1957 August 27 - 16:15 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun II6.22F.
  • Auroral particles Aurora mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 80 km (49 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 28 - 21:02 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-2.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). The fourth Jupiter was fired from AMR at 1602 hours EST over IRBM range and was the second successful flight of the series. The range error was 27.5 nm with a 36.5 nm lateral error. Range was predicted for 146 nm. LOX was cut off at 170 seconds. All flight missions were fulfilled satisfactorily. Separation occurred 5 seconds after burnout, as programmed, This was the first test of separation of body from thrust unit. References: 2.
1957 August 29 - 14:12 GMT - Launch Site: San Nicolas. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Deacon. Model: Nike Deacon. LV Configuration: Nike Deacon NN7.45F/DAN-23.
  • NRL NN7.45F Solar ultraviolet and x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 113 km (70 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 30 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18 104. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Series I research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555 ATW. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1957 August 31 - 04:57 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun II6.23F.
  • Auroral particles Aurora mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi). References: 2.
1957 August 31 - 05:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. LV Configuration: R-2A No. 4.
  • Ionosphere / biological mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 185 km (114 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: R-12. LV Configuration: R-12 63M No. 7? LKI-7.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 402 km (249 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 2/1. FAILURE: Premature release of the jet vanes - missile cleared the launch tower, then arced over and crashed.
  • Burya flight 1 Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Objective was limited to test of operation of first stage boosters. After launch, there was a premature release of the jet vanes. The missile cleared the launch tower, then immediately arced over and crashed with a huge explosion within sight of the launch pad. References: 2.
1957 September - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas B.
  • Scheduled design complete (95%) for Atlas B-series missiles Nation: USA. References: 4460.
1957 September 1 - 22:28 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi AM4.001.
  • Ion probe Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 2 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11M.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 3 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 1-204-6.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 7 - 11:39 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 No. 9.
  • M1-10 (I-4) test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). Second successful ICBM flight. References: 2.
1957 September 9 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone.
  • First US Army heavy missile group. Nation: USA. The 40th Field Artillery Missile Group, the first heavy missile group organized in the U.S. Army, was transferred from Fort Carson, Colorado, to Redstone Arsenal.
1957 September 9 - 15:50 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. LV Configuration: R-2A No. 5.
  • Ionosphere / biological mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 11 - 02:41 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter A. LV Configuration: Jupiter A CC-38. FAILURE: ST-80 pitch program malfunction.
  • Jupiter A Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Launched at: 2141 hours EST from AMR. The flight was unsuccessful, The missile impacted 14.77 nm from the launch pad. Mechanical failure of the guidance tilt program caused the missile to assume a very steep trajectory which resulted La. a short range flight. Missed aimpoint by 111,000 m. References: 2.
1957 September 15 - 13:27 GMT - Launch Site: San Nicolas. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Deacon. Model: Nike Deacon. LV Configuration: Nike Deacon NN7.47F. FAILURE: Failure.
  • NRL NN7.47F Solar ultraviolet and x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1957 September 18 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC9. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Navaho. Model: Navaho G-26. LV Configuration: Navaho II SM-64 10.
  • Navaho G-26 Flight 6 Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). The booster worked well, the cruise stage separated at 23.5 km altitude. The ramjets ignited, and the cruise stage accelerated to Mach 3.5. After 15 minutes, the missile began drifting off-course, and ground control took over and banked the missile. One of the ramjets flamed out, and the missile was commanded into a terminal dive and impacted 930 km downrange. References: 2.
1957 September 19 -
  • X-1E Flight 17 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 17. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: Walker Joseph. NACA flight 16. Planned mach number not attained, loss of power during pushover from climb. References: 49, 97.
1957 September 19 - 16:30 GMT - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee.
  • Release A (Cs) Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 20 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18 105.
  • Series I research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555 ATW. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). Complete USAF Thor IRBM first successfully launched from Cape Canaveral. Dummy Warhead sent to 1800 km range. References: 2.
1957 September 20 - 10:03 GMT - Launch Site: Akita. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 4. LV Configuration: Kappa 4 K-4-1.
  • Chemical release mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 21 - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 25 - 19:57 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas A. LV Configuration: Atlas A 6A. FAILURE: Failure in the booster fuel system.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 4.00 km (2.40 mi). Atlas was again destroyed by command signal at three minutes into flight following a failure in the booster fuel system. The 50-second active flight was considered a partial success. References: 2.
1957 September 26 - 17:05 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 0.8 N x 1.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.50F.
  • II5.50F test Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Thirty-six Rockoons (balloon-launched rockets) were launched from Navy icebreaker, U.S.S. Glacier, in Atlantic, Pacific, and Antartic areas ranging from 75 N. to 72 S. latitude, as part of the U.S.-IGY scientific program headed by James A. Van Allen and Lawrence J. Cahill of the State University of Iowa (SUI). These were the first known upper atmosphere rocket soundings in the Antartctic area.

    Launched from IGY Rockoon Launch Site 2, Atlantic Ocean - Latitude: 0.83 N, Longitude:0.99 W. References: 2.

1957 September 26 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: San Nicolas. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.50F. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 27 - 13:12 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 25.3 N x 74.4 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Loki Rockoon. LV Configuration: Loki Rockoon II5.51F.
  • SUI 75 Chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi). References: 2.
1957 September 30 -
  • Internation Rocket and Satellite Conference Nation: USA. Scientists from 12 countries, including the United States and U.S.S.R., attended International Rocket and Satellite Conference held at the National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C., under the sponsorship of CSAGI. References: 17.

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