Chronology - Quarter 2 1958 home
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1958 April 1 -
  • Lunar photographic atlas begun Nation: USA. Program: Lunex. A $61,000 contract was signed by the Yerkes Observatory, University of Chicago, and the Air Force. Gerard P. Kuiper, principal investigator, was to produce a new lunar photographic atlas. The moon's visible surface would be divided into 44 areas, and each would be represented by at least four photographs taken under varying lighting conditions. Additional Details: Lunar photographic atlas begun. References: 16.
1958 April 1 - Launch Vehicle: R-11.
  • R-11M accepted into military service. Nation: USSR. Decree 'On adoption of the R-11M into armaments' was issued. References: 474.
1958 April - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7.
  • Plesetsk construction begins. Nation: USSR. Construction work begins on Angara (R-7) base at Plesetsk. References: 89.
1958 April -
  • Vostok preliminary design completed. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Vostok. The preliminary design indicated a mass of 5.0 to 5.5 tonnes, 8 to 9 G re-entry, spherical capsule, 2500 to 3500 deg C re-entry temperatures. The heat shield would weigh 1300 to 1500 kg, and the landing accuracy would be 100 to 170 km. Operating altitude was 250 km. The astronaut would eject from the spacecraft at an altitude of 8 to 10 km.
1958 April -
  • Faget conceived contour couch to withstand the high g-loads. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. Maxime A. Faget and associates conceived the idea of using a contour couch to withstand the high g-loads attendant to acceleration and reentry forces of manned space flight. Fabrication of test-model contour couches was started in the Langley shops in May 1958, and the concept was proved feasible on July 30 of that same year. References: 483.
April 1958 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1.
  • Fifth Academy expansion begins. Nation: China. Over the next year, the People's Liberation Army transfers 3000 technical staff and cadres to the Fifth Academy and a further 300 engineers to industry. The Chinese government sends increasing numbers of Chinese engineers to Russia for training in missile technology. All of this is done in great secrecy, with correspondence being addressed only to post office box numbers.
1958 April 2 -
  • Eisenhower proposed the establishment of NASA Nation: USA. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in a message to Congress, proposed the establishment of a National Aeronautics and Space Agency into which the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics would be absorbed. The new agency would conduct the civilian space program through research in its own facilities or by contract and would also perform military research required by DOD. Projects primarily military in character would remain the responsibility of DOD. Additional Details: Eisenhower proposed the establishment of NASA. References: 16.
1958 April 3 -
  • Branch of OKB-1 formed in Samara. Nation: USSR. Decree 'On creation of OKB-1 branch at Progress Plant' was issued. References: 474.
1958 April 4 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • U.S. Naval Missile Facility at Point Arguello Nation: USA. Establishment of the U.S. Naval Missile Facility at Point Arguello, the southern portion of former Camp Cooke (facility formally commissioned on 10 May). References: 88.
1958 April 4 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 No. 12.
  • B1-11 (I-7) test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). R-7 test flight. (B1-11 (I-7)) References: 2.
1958 April 5 - 17:01 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas A. LV Configuration: Atlas A 15A. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). USAF Atlas A ICBM was successfully flown from Cape Canaveral, Fla., to the impact area some 600 miles away. References: 2.
1958 April 7 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun.
  • Hi Ball 1 Balloon test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA LaRC. Apogee: 244 km (151 mi). References: 2.
1958 April 8 - 01:31 GMT - Launch Site: Akita. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: K150. LV Configuration: K150 K150S-1.
  • Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 6.00 km (3.70 mi). References: 2.
1958 April 11 -
  • Filial 1 of OKB-456 defined. Nation: USSR. State Committee for Defence Technology (GKOT) Decree 'On creation of Branch No. 1 of OKB-456' was issued. References: 474.
1958 April 11 - Launch Site: San Clemente. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris TV.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1958 April 17 - 10:57 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 1. LV Configuration: Skylark-1 SL07.
  • Grenade / Chaff / Sodium release Test / aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi). References: 2.
1958 April 18 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris TV. LV Configuration: Polaris TV 1-204-11.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1958 April 19 - 13:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18 121. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Research and development Series II test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555 ATW. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1958 April 24 -
  • Rocket sled reached 2827 mph. Nation: USA. Navy rocket sled attained speed of 2,827.5 mph at China Lake, Calif. References: 17.
1958 April 24 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun.
  • Beacon Test 1 Balloon test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA LaRC. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi). References: 2.
1958 April 24 - 00:10 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Able. LV Configuration: Thor Able 116. FAILURE: Thor turbopump gearbox failed T+150 sec.
  • Able RTV re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Mouse 'Mia' not recovered. References: 2.
1958 April 25 -
  • US Air Force manned military space systems program Nation: USA. Program: Lunex. The Air Force Ballistic Missile Division published the first development plan for an Air Force manned military space systems program. The objective was to "achieve an early capability to land a man on the moon and return him safely to earth." The program called for the start of a high priority effort (similar to that enjoyed by ballistic missiles), characterized by "concurrency" and single Air Force agency management. The complete program would be carried out in four phases: first, "Man-in-Space Soonest"; second, "Man-in-Space Sophisticated"; third, "Lunar Reconnaissance," exploring the moon by television camera and by a soft landing of an instrumented package on the moon's surface; and finally, "Manned Lunar Landing and Return," which would first test equipment by circumlunar flights returning to earth with instrumented capsules containing animals. Additional Details: US Air Force manned military space systems program. References: 16.
1958 April 27 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Sputnik 8A91. LV Configuration: Sputnik 8A91 B1-2. FAILURE: Launch vehicle disintegrated 88 seconds after liftoff.
  • Sputnik failure Nation: USSR. Payload: D-1 s/n 1. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Sputnik 3. Agency: MVS. COSPAR: F580427A. Decay Date: 1958-04-01. References: 173.
1958 April 28 -
  • Tsien self-criticism Nation: China. An article by Tsien confessing to his mistakes was published in the People's Daily.
1958 April 28 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 1-03. FAILURE: Failure of an electric circuit led to premature cutoff of the boosters.
  • Burya flight 4 Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Cruise stage tanks 2 and 3 were filled with water, the engine feed tank was filled with propellant, and tanks 1 and 4 were empty. Mass was reduced by 30% from that of a fully fueled stage. The boosters were fully fueled. A slightly different turbopump was installed on the engines in comparison to earlier flights. The flight was to demonstrate simultaneous control of the missile using both aerodynamic surfaces and exhaust vanes after T+50 seconds. The flight continued to T+81 seconds, when failure of an electric circuit led to premature cutoff of the boosters. References: 2.
1958 April 29 - 02:53 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18A. Launch Pad: LC18A. Launch Vehicle: Vanguard. Model: Vanguard. LV Configuration: Vanguard TV-5. FAILURE: Third Stage failed to ignite.
  • Vanguard 2A Nation: USA. Program: Vanguard. Payload: X-ray-environmental satellite. Mass: 1.00 kg (2.20 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Vanguard 1. Agency: U.S. Navy. Apogee: 550 km (340 mi). COSPAR: F580429A. Decay Date: 1958-04-28. References: 126.
1958 May 1 -
  • Korolev OKB cancels suborbital manned flights Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Vostok. Decision to move directly to early manned flights in orbit. Korolev, after a review with engineers, determines that planned three stage versions of the R-7 ICBM could launch a manned orbital spacecraft. Korolev advocates pursuit of manned spaceflight at the expense of the military's Zenit reconnsat program, putting him in opposition to Ustinov. References: 85.
1958 May 1 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • Second space balloon test. Nation: USA. Four-stage rocket launched a 9-pound inflatable sphere to 50-mile altitude at NACA Wallops Island. References: 17.
1958 May 1 - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun.
  • Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 5 - 14:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee. LV Configuration: Aerobee NN3.22F.
  • Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 214 km (132 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 8 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris TV. LV Configuration: Polaris TV 1-204-12.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 14 -
  • X-1E Flight 19 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 19. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: Walker Joseph. NACA flight 18. First flight with ventral fins; longitudinal and lateral stability and control maneuvers. Engine airstart made at 21,350 m. References: 49, 97.
1958 May 15 - 07:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Sputnik 8A91. LV Configuration: Sputnik 8A91 B1-1.
  • Sputnik 3 Nation: USSR. Payload: D-1 s/n 2. Mass: 1,327 kg (2,925 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Sputnik 3. Agency: MVS. Perigee: 217 km (134 mi). Apogee: 1,864 km (1,158 mi). Inclination: 65.20 deg. Period: 106.00 min. COSPAR: 1958-Delta-2. USAF Sat Cat: 8. Decay Date: 1960-04-06. Variety of scientific data. Research in the upper atmosphere and outer space References: 2, 6, 173.
1958 May 17 - Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: R-12.
  • Project 581 pressure. Nation: China. Spacecraft: Project 581. Chairman Mao says that China must orbit a satellite at the earliest possible date in order to match the Americans and Russians.
1958 May 17 - 00:05 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone RS-1002.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Successful missile test. Missed aimpoint by 578 m. References: 2.
1958 May 18 - 05:05 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-5.
  • Gaslight Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). AM-5, carrying America's first tactical type re-entry nose cone, was fired from AMR at 0005 hours EST. This was also the first flight test. for first and second stage separation. Impact was 28.3 nm under and 15.6 nm to the right at a range of about 1,275 nm after approximately 960 seconds of flight. In less than five hours, the nose cone was recovered - the world's first recovery of an IRBM nose cone. References: 2.
1958 May 20 -
  • Dynasoar NACA-USAF MOU. Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. NACA-USAF Memorandum of Understanding signed, "Principles for Participation of NACA in Development and Testing of the Air Force System 464L Hypersonic Boost Glide Vehicle (Dyna-Soar I)." References: 17.
1958 May 20 -
  • NACA / Air Force Memorandum of Understanding on the DynaSoar I. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: DynaSoar. The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and the Air Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the principles in the development and testing of the Air Force's Hypersonic Boost Glide Vehicle (Dyna Soar I). The following principles would apply to the project: (1) The project would be conducted as a joint Air Force-NACA project. (2) Overall technical control of the project would rest with the Air Force, acting with the advice and assistance of NACA. (3) Financing of the design, construction, and Air Force test of the vehicles would be borne by the Air Force. (4) Management of the project would be conducted by an Air Force project office within the Directorate of Systems Management, Headquarters, Air Research and Development Command. NACA would provide liaison representation in the project office and provide the chairman of the technical team responsible for data transmission and research instrumentation. (5) Design and construction of the system would be conducted through a negotiated prime contractor. (6) Flight tests of the vehicle and related equipment would be accomplished by NACA, the USAF, and the prime contractor in a combined test program, under the overall control of a joint NACA-USAF committee chaired by the Air Force.
1958 May 20 -
  • Air Force agreement for NACA participation in the Dyna-Soar program. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Air Force and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics signed an agreement for NACA participation in the Dyna-Soar program.
1958 May 20 - 04:26 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL05.
  • Photometers Test / aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 20 - 09:43 GMT - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun.
  • Release 2 Cs / Na Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 101 km (62 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 21 - 11:31 GMT - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun.
  • Release 3 Cs / Na Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 128 km (79 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 22 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 2-01.
  • Burya flight 5 Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 17 km (10 mi). As in previous flight, cruise stage 30% below design weight, and propellant tanks mainly filled with water. The flight continued to T+120 seconds. The boosters worked normally and shut off at T+90.5 seconds, with the vehicle at 17.3 km altitude and flying at Mach 2.95-2.97. Simultaneously the ramjets of the cruise stage ignited. Stage separation was normal and the aerodynamic sensors and diffuser worked normally. References: 2.
1958 May 22 - 00:57 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun.
  • Hi Ball 2 Balloon test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA LaRC. Apogee: 240 km (140 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 22 - 11:29 GMT - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun.
  • Release 4 (Na) Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 24 -
  • Human withstands 83 Gs in sled test. Nation: USA. Gravity load of 83 g's for a fraction of a second withstood by Capt E. L. Breeding in deceleration of a rocket sled at Holloman AFB. References: 17.
1958 May 24 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 No. 3. FAILURE: Failure.
  • B1-3 (II-1) test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). R-7 test flight. (B1-3 (II-1)) References: 2.
1958 May 25 - Launch Site: Sea-launched. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: BELA. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11FM.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 25 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun.
  • Beacon Test 2 Balloon test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA LaRC. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 26 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Bold Orion. Model: Bold Orion 1. LV Configuration: Bold Orion-1 Missile 1.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 8.00 km (4.90 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 26 - Launch Site: Sea-launched. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: BELA. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11FM.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1958 May 28 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Atlas production facility opens. Nation: USA. Open house, new Astronautics facility on Kearny Mesa References: 4460.
1958 May 28 - 03:46 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18A. Launch Pad: LC18A. Launch Vehicle: Vanguard. Model: Vanguard. LV Configuration: Vanguard SLV-1. FAILURE: Improper third stage trajectory - unknown cause.
  • Vanguard 2B Nation: USA. Program: Vanguard. Payload: Lyman Alpha satellite. Mass: 10 kg (22 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Vanguard 2. Agency: U.S. Navy. Apogee: 3,500 km (2,100 mi). COSPAR: F580528A. Decay Date: 1958-05-27. References: 126.
1958 June 1 -
  • Start of construction of manned spacecraft Nation: USSR. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Vostok. Competing manned projects. Korolev OKB-1 proposed Vostok ballistic capsule as quickest way to put a man in space while meeting Zenit project's reconnsat requirements. Under project VKA-23 (Vodushno Kosmicheskiye Apparat) Myasishchev OKB-23 proposed two designs, a faceted craft with a single tail, and a dual tail contoured version. Tsybin OKB-256 proposed seven man winged craft with variable wing dihedral. Contracts awarded to all three OKB's to proceed with construction of protoypes. R-7 booster to be used for suborbital launches. References: 83.
1958 June 1 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone.
  • First Redstone deployment to Europe. Nation: USA. The Redstone became the first large U.S. ballistic missile to be deployed overseas, joining the NATO Shield Force.
1958 June 1 -
  • Tsien and Great Leap Forward Nation: China. An article by Tsien appeared in Kexue Dazhong, claiming that new methods and a new process cycle could increase agricultural production by twenty times. This led to Mao's 'Great Leap Forward', resulting in the death of millions from starvation.
1958 June -
  • Preliminary specifications of the first manned satellite vehicle. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. Preliminary specifications of the first manned satellite vehicle were drafted by Langley Aeronautical Laboratory personnel under the supervision of Maxime Faget and Charles W. Mathews. After a number of revisions and additions, these specifications were used for the Project Mercury spacecraft contract with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. A working group of representatives from the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory and the Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory was formed for the purpose of outlining a manned satellite program. References: 483.
1958 June -
  • NACA representatives at ARPA Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. NACA representatives were assigned to the Advanced Research Projects Agency, Manned Satellite Committee. References: 483.
June 1956 - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: DF-1, R-2.
  • Beginning of construction at Jiuquan missile test site Nation: China. Program: Long March. The 20th Corps of the People's Liberation Army begins construction of launch and tracking facilities at Jiuquan. Wells are dug, willow and poplar trees are planted, roads and housing are constructed. References: 87.
1958 June 3 - 04:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: ALA3. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone CC-1004.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Successful missile test. Missed aimpoint by 409 m. References: 2.
1958 June 3 - 21:28 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas A. LV Configuration: Atlas A 16A.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 120 km (70 mi). Last Atlas A flight, considered fully successful. Four of the eight flights were considered successful. References: 2.
1958 June 4 - 15:15 GMT - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi.
  • Solar extreme ultraviolet Spectrum Solar extreme ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 4 - 21:17 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18 115.
  • Research and development Series III test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555 ATW. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). USAF Thor flight tested for the first time from a tactical-type launcher at Cape Canaveral. References: 2.
1958 June 5 -
  • Advanced Research Projects Agency manned space project. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. After serving as a liaison officer of NACA and as a participating member of an Advanced Research Projects Agency panel, Maxime A. Faget reported to Dr. Hugh Dryden on resulting studies and attending recommendations on the subject of manned space flight. He stated that the Advanced Research Projects Agency panel was quite aware that the responsibility for such a program might be placed with the soon-to-be-created civilian space agency, although they recommended program management be placed with the Air Force under executive control of NACA and the Advanced Research Projects Agency. The panel also recommended that the program start immediately even though the specific manager was, as yet, unassigned. Several of the proposals put forth by the panel on the proposed development were rather similar to the subsequent evolvement. The system suggested by the Advanced Research Projects Agency was to be based on the use of the Atlas launch vehicle with the Atlas-Sentry system serving as backup; retrorockets were to be used to initiate the return from orbit; the spacecraft was to be nonlifting, ballistic type, and the crew was to be selected from qualified volunteers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. References: 483.
1958 June 5 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Ajax.
  • Control test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 5 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 1. LV Configuration: Skylark-1 SL22. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 153 km (95 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 6 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 1-204-13.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 8 -
  • Upper stage test cell inaugurated. Nation: USA. Test firing of a full-scale upper stage rocket under simulated altitude conditions was made in an engine test cell at the USAF's Arnold Engineering Development Center at Tullahoma, Tenn. References: 17.
1958 June 8 - Launch Site: Cuxhaven. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Mohr Rocket.
  • Mohr Rocket launch attempts Nation: Germany. First attempt to launch Ernst Morhr's larege meteorological rocket. The rocket had a total mass of 150 kg, consisting of 75 kg propellant, 60 kg structure, and 15 kg payload. The motor produced 7800 kgf for 2 seconds. The rocket was 30 cm in diameter, 1.7 m long, and had a payload dart 56 mm in diameter and 1.25 m long. Three attempts were made to launch. Two hung up on the launcher, and the third was unstable after launch and crashed near the launcher.
1958 June 10 -
  • X-1E Flight 20 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 20. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: Walker Joseph. NACA flight 19. Flight aborted after only 1 cylinder of engine fired. Plane damaged on landing. References: 49, 97.
1958 June 11 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 3/1. FAILURE: The AVD Engine Cutoff System activated at T+6 seconds due to a problem in one of the chambers of the boosters. Launch did not occur.
  • Burya launch attempt Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Cruise stage tanks 2 and 3 and engine feed tank all filled with fuel. Tanks 1 and 4 were empty. References: 2.
1958 June 12 - 01:59 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter A. LV Configuration: Jupiter A CC-54.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 13 - 15:06 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18 122.
  • Research and development Series III test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555 ATW. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 14 - 01:11 GMT - Launch Site: Akita. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: K245.
  • Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 16 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • Formal establishment of Pacific Missile Range Nation: USA. Formal establishment of the Navy's Pacific Missile Range (with its headquarters at Point Mugu and its major launch head at Point Arguello). References: 88.
1958 June 16 - Launch Vehicle: Titan.
  • Dynasoar Phase I contracts announced. Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Phase I contracts for the Dyna-Soar boost-glide orbital spacecraft are awarded by the USAF to two teams of contractors: one headed by Boeing (Aerojet, General Electric, Ramo-Wooldridge, North American, and Chance Vought), and one headed by Martin (Bell, American Machine & Foundry, Bendix, Goodyear, and Minneapolis-Honeywell). Under the $ 9 million one-year contracts each team was to refine its design, leading to a competitive down-select. References: 17.
1958 June 16 - 02:36 GMT - Launch Site: Akita. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 6. LV Configuration: Kappa 6 K-6-1.
  • Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 18 - 15:15 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL09.
  • Grenade / Chaff / Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 144 km (89 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 19 -
  • USAF issues requirement for an anti-satellite system Nation: USA. Spacecraft: SAINT, SAINT II. USAF GOR-170 is issued for a system to inspect and destroy enemy satellites.
1958 June 19 - 21:15 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL08.
  • Grenade / Chaff / Sodium release Test / aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 154 km (95 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 22 -
  • NACA space budget Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. NACA personnel discussed the proposed space agency budget, including the manned satellite project, with Bureau of Budget officials. References: 483.
1958 June 23 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Preliminary design begun on F-1 - 1.5 million pounds thrust rocket engine Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The U.S. Air Force contracted with NAA, Rocketdyne Division, for preliminary design of a single-chamber, kerosene and liquid-oxygen rocket engine capable of 1 to 1.5 million pounds of thrust. During the last week in July, Rocketdyne was awarded the contract to develop this engine, designated the F-1. References: 16.
1958 June 24 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 1-204-14.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 25 -
  • Man-In-Space-Soonest Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Project 7969. Agency: USAF. Crew: Walker Joseph, Crossfield, Armstrong, Rushworth, Bridgeman, White Alvin, Kincheloe, White Robert, McKay. Flight: Man-In-Space-Soonest. In a US Air Force briefing a preliminary astronaut selection for the Man-In-Space Soonest project is made. The list consisted of USAF test pilots Robert Walker, Scott Crossfield, Neil Armstrong, Robert Rushworth, William Bridgeman, Alvin White, Iven Kincheloe, Robert White, and Jack McKay. This was the first preliminary astronaut selection in history. The project was cancelled when NASA was formed in and took responsibility for all manned space flight on 1 August 1958. Prospective contractors estimated it would take from 12 to 30 months to put the first American in orbit. In retrospect the orbital flight portion of NASA's Mercury program was paced by the availability of the Atlas booster. Therefore it is unlikely Man-in-Space-Soonest would have put an American in orbit any earlier than Mercury. References: 491.
1958 June 25 - 03:36 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone CC-48. FAILURE: Human error - thrust controller not connected.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Successfully fired at 2059 hours EST from AMR. The flight was a success in that all missions were accomplished with the exception of failure of the thrust governor. This failure was caused by human error before firing which caused excess velocity, thereby exceeding the predicted impact point by 8.36 nm. Programmed range to impact was 137.31 nm. All other missions were satisfactorily completed. Missed aimpoint by 14,917 m. References: 2.
1958 June 26 -
  • Materials for thermal protection of satellite reentry vehicles Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. Meetings were held with NACA, AVCO, and Lockheed representatives in attendance to consider materials for thermal protection of satellite reentry vehicles. References: 483.
1958 June 26 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Exos.
  • Model 1 test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA/AFCRL. Apogee: 370 km (220 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 26 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18A. Launch Pad: LC18A. Launch Vehicle: Vanguard. Model: Vanguard. LV Configuration: Vanguard SLV-2. FAILURE: Premature second stage cutoff. Unknown cause.
  • Vanguard 2C Nation: USA. Program: Vanguard. Payload: Lyman Alpha satellite. Mass: 10 kg (22 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Vanguard 2. Agency: U.S. Navy. Apogee: 165 km (102 mi). COSPAR: F580626A. Decay Date: 1958-06-26. References: 126.
1958 June 27 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • Mach 18 5 stage test. Nation: USA. First successful launching by NACA Langley's Aircraft Research Division of a Mach 18 five-stage rocket vehicle at Wallops Island, Va. References: 17.
1958 June 27 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Bold Orion. Model: Bold Orion 1. LV Configuration: Bold Orion-1 Missile 2. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 27 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. Model: Sergeant 5-stage.
  • Mercury-type Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA. Apogee: 34 km (21 mi). References: 2.
1958 June 30 - Launch Vehicle: N1, YaRD ICBM.
  • Development of Soviet nuclear-powered rockets authorised. Nation: USSR. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On the Creation of pockets With Engines on the Basis of Nuclear Energy Applications--work on a draft project for rockets with nuclear engines' was issued. Competing engine designs were in development by Glushko’s OKB-456 and Bondaryuk’s OKB-670. Both designs used existing available reactors in cyldindrical housings, with the reactors operating at 3000 degrees K. The propellant was heated in the reactor and exhausted through four expansion nozzles. The Glushko engine operated with ammonia, while the Bondaryuk engine used a mixture of ammonia and alcohol. With such propellants a specific impulse of 430 seconds was achieved. References: 474.
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