Chronology - Quarter 3 1958 home
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1958 July 1 -
  • Korolev letter to Politburo Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Vostok. First explanation to leadership of advantages of manned spaceflight. References: 85.
1958 July 1 - Launch Vehicle: Kappa.
  • Kappa-6tw rocket reaches 30 miles. Nation: Japan. Japanese Kappa-6tw two-stage rocket flown to 30-mile altitude over Michikawa Rocket Center, Japan. References: 17.
1958 July 1 - Launch Site: San Clemente. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 Winder 2. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Argus test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 1 - Launch Site: San Clemente. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 Winder 3. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Argus test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1958 July -
  • Mercury escape rocket conceived. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. The initial concept of the use of a tractor rocket for an escape device was suggested by Maxime A. Faget. The idea was developed into the Mercury escape rocket. References: 483.
1958 July - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Atlas ICBM soft pad design complete. Nation: USA. Design of vertical initial operational capability ground support equipment References: 4460.
1958 July - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Advanced Titan considered. Nation: USA. USAF reviews improvements (inertial guidance, storable fuel, 1 x 9 basing, both stages constant 3.05 m diameter, in silo launch) to the Titan I.
Second half of 1958 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1.
  • R-2 technical documentation delivered. Nation: China. 10,151 volumes of R-2 technical documents are delivered to Beijing. China orders 12 more R-2 missiles. 100 Soviet technicians arrive as advisors to the Chinese in production and operation of th emissiles.
1958 July 2 - Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3, Soyuz.
  • R-14 IRBM, R-7A ICBM, and Raketoplan development authorised. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Raketoplan. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 726-346 'On start of work on the R-14 missile, on creation of the R-7A ICBM, and on creation of the winged-ballistic rocket at OKB-52' was issued. References: 474.
1958 July 2 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A.
  • Chemical release mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 3 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 3/1.
  • Burya flight 6 Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Launched after prior 11 June flight attempt. The booster stage was replaced. Controlled flight program ended at T+56 seconds due to damaged circuits connected to the autopilot. References: 2.
1958 July 3 - 18:52 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee. LV Configuration: Aerobee AU3.07F.
  • Charge density Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 262 km (162 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 4 - Launch Site: China Lake. Launch Complex: G-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. LV Configuration: Project Pilot-1. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1958 July 6 - 12:02 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee. LV Configuration: Aerobee AU3.10F.
  • Charge density Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 7 - 18:50 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun OB6.09.
  • Horizon imaging Aeronomy / imaging mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 121 km (75 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 7 - 23:18 GMT - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.52F.
  • Test / solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 8 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • First spherical rocket motor test. Nation: USA. First launching of a 10-inch-diameter spherical rocket motor with spin stabilization, at NACA Wallops Island. References: 17.
1958 July 8 - 23:15 GMT - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.53F.
  • Test / solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 9 -
  • General Electric studies related to manned space flight. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. General Electric Company personnel presented a briefing at NACA headquarters on studies related to manned space flight. The company held contracts let by the Wright Air Development Center for study and mock-up of a manned spacecraft. NACA made no official comment. References: 483.
1958 July 10 - 02:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Able. LV Configuration: Thor Able 118.
  • Able RTV re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). Mouse 'Mia II' reached 1600 km altitude, flew 9600 km range, but re-entry vehicle not recovered. References: 2.
1958 July 10 - 07:42 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7-71/III No. 6. FAILURE: Failure.
  • B1-14 (II-5)/Blok E test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1958 July 11 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason J-A. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSWC. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 11 - 18:30 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee. LV Configuration: Aerobee AU3.11F.
  • Charge density Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 243 km (150 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 12 - 20:30 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun OB6.10.
  • Horizon imaging Aeronomy / imaging mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 13 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 3/2.
  • Burya flight 7 Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Cruise stage tanks 1 and 4 empty. The flight lasted only to T+96 seconds. At this point, duirng fseparation of the boost and cruise stages the vehicle became unstable and was unable to achieve level powered cruise flight. References: 2.
1958 July 13 - 06:36 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18 123.
  • Research and development Series III test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555 ATW. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 15 -
  • McDonnell manned orbital spacecraft concept. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury, Project 7969. Cook Electric Company submitted a proposal to the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation as a part of a preliminary study and design effort by McDonnell for a manned satellite. McDonnell, prior to being awarded the Mercury prime development contract in February 1959, spent 11 months under a company research budget working on a manned orbital spacecraft concept. References: 483.
1958 July 15 - 20:07 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AM6.39.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 126 km (78 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 16 -
  • Congress passed the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. References: 483.
1958 July 16 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Arcon. LV Configuration: Arcon NRL-1. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 16 - 22:40 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun OB6.04.
  • B / ne probe Fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 17 - 09:04 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-6B.
  • Gaslight Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Fired from AMR at 0404 hours EST to a pre-calculated range of 1,241.3 nm. The nose cone impacted 1.0 nm short and 1.5 nm to the right of the predicted impact point. This was the first flight test of the complete inertial guidance system. The nose cone recovery mission was successful. This was also the second successful flight test of a full scale tactical type nose cone, as well as a successful flight test of the Jupiter lightweight, high explosive warhead. References: 2.
1958 July 17 - 17:48 GMT - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.54F.
  • Test / solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 18 -
  • NASA heritage from NACA. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury, X-15A. In a memorandum to Dr. James R. Killian, Jr., Special Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Dr. Hugh L. Dryden, Director of NACA, pointed out that NASA would inherit from NACA a rich technical background, competence, and leadership in driving toward the objective of a manned satellite program. For years NACA groups had been involved in research on such items as stabilization of ultra-high speed vehicles, provision of suitable controls, high temperature structural designs, and all the problems of reentry. In fact, a part of this work had been directed specifically toward the problem of designing a manned satellite. Also, the X-15 program had provided much experience in human factors applicable to the orbital flight of man. Therefore, Dr. Dryden concluded, in consonance with the intent of the Space Act of 1958, the assignment of the program to the NACA would be consistent. References: 483.
1958 July 18 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Bold Orion. Model: Bold Orion 1. LV Configuration: Bold Orion-1.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 18 - Launch Site: China Lake. Launch Complex: G-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. LV Configuration: Project Pilot-1. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1958 July 19 - 17:36 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas B. LV Configuration: Atlas B 3B. FAILURE: Flight Control Failure.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). First full-powered flight of USAF Atlas B ICBM using both the sustainer and booster engines. 'Marginally successful'. References: 2.
1958 July 23 - 22:13 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Able. LV Configuration: Thor Able 119.
  • Able RTV re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). Mouse 'Wickie' not recovered; nose cone lost. References: 2.
1958 July 24 - Launch Site: San Clemente. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: X-17. LV Configuration: X-17 Winder 4.
  • Argus test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 672 km (417 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 25 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. LV Configuration: Project Pilot 1. FAILURE: Radio contact lost; possibly reached orbit.
  • Pilot 1 Nation: USA. Payload: Diagnostic Payload 1. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Pilot. Agency: USN. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi). COSPAR: F580725A. Decay Date: 1958-07-25. References: 5.
1958 July 25 - 05:01 GMT - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.55F.
  • Test / solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 26 -
  • Test Pilot Iven C Kincheloe dies at age of 30 -- Killed in an F-104 crash, when it flamed out after take-off. Nation: USA.
1958 July 26 - 06:40 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18 126. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Research and development Series III test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555 ATW. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1958 July 26 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter C. LV Configuration: Jupiter C/Juno I RS/CC-44.
  • Explorer 4 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: Explorer B. Mass: 8.00 kg (17.60 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Explorer B. Agency: DARPA. Perigee: 257 km (159 mi). Apogee: 1,352 km (840 mi). Inclination: 50.20 deg. Period: 100.90 min. COSPAR: 1958-Epsilon-1. USAF Sat Cat: 9. Decay Date: 1959-10-23. Mapped project Argus radiation. References: 2, 6.
1958 July 29 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.
  • Saturn I initial contract. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. ARPA gives Von Braun team contract to develop Saturn I (called 'cluster's last stand' due to design concept). References: 86, 27.
1958 July 29 -
  • National Aeronautics and Space Act Nation: USA. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, Public Law 85-568, which established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). References: 16.
1958 July 29 - 05:03 GMT - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.56F.
  • Test / solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1958 July 30 -
  • Test subject withstood a 20g load on the centrifuge using Langley contour couch. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. By using the development model of the Mercury contour couch designed by Maxime A. Faget and associates, Carter C. Collins withstood a 20g load on the centrifuge at Johnsville, Pennsylvania. This test proved that the reentry accelerations of manned space flight could be withstood. References: 483.
1958 July 31 -
  • Republic Aviation man-in-space studies. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury, Project 7969. Republic Aviation representatives briefed NACA Headquarters personnel on the man-in-space studies in which the company had been engaged since the first of the year. They envisioned a four-stage solid launch vehicle system and a lifting reentry vehicle, which was termed a sled. The vehicle was to be of triangular shape with a 75 degree leading-edge sweep. Aerodynamic and reaction controls would be available to the pilot. For the launch vehicle, Republic proposed a Minuteman first stage, a Polaris first stage, a Minuteman upper stage, and a Jumbo rocket fourth stage. Other details relative to reentry and recovery were included in the briefing. References: 483.
1958 August 1 -
  • NACA program on the technology of manned space flight vehicles. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. Dr. Hugh L. Dryden, NACA Director, presented a program on the technology of manned space flight vehicles to the Select Committees of Congress on Astronautics and Space Exploration. References: 483.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 1 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason J-CX.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 750 km (460 mi). In 3-week period, 19 five-stage Argo E5 sounding rockets were launched in USAF-NACA program to measure radiation caused by Project Argus, rockets reaching 500-mile altitude and were launched from Wallops Island, AMR, and Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico. References: 2.
1958 August -
  • Eisenhower assigns the manned space flight program to NASA. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury, Project 7969. President Eisenhower assigned the responsibility for the development and execution of a manned space flight program to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. However, NASA did not become operational until October 1, 1958. References: 483.
1958 August - Launch Vehicle: R-1.
  • R-1 retired from front-line service Nation: USSR. The number of units fielded were small, reflecting the long delay in getting the R-1 into production. The field equipment was designed to also be used for R-2 missiles, which quickly replaced the R-1 in the field units.
1958 August - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Scheduled design complete (95%) for Atlas D-series missiles Nation: USA. References: 4460.
Summer 1958 - Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2, R-16, R-9.
  • Khrushchev conceives of use of silos for Soviet long range missiles Nation: USSR. Khrushchev independently conceived of the idea of storing and launching ballistic missiles from subterranean silos. He called Korolev to his dacha in the Crimea. Korolev told him his idea was not feasible. He then called Barmin and Yangel. Barmin said he would study the idea. Yangel remained silent. Some time later Khrushchev’s son saw a drawing of the same concept in a US aerospace magazine. He informed his father, who ordered immediate crash development of the first generation of Soviet missile silos. References: 539.
1958 August 1 - 09:47 GMT - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone CC-50. FAILURE: Failure of tilt program device at lift-off causing vertical night flight did not preclude subsequent system operations and successful mission accomplishment.
  • Hardtack Teak Nuclear test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 76 km (47 mi). Teak was a rocket-launched test of a live W-39 nuclear warhead. Purpose was to measure the effects of high altitude nuclear explosions in order to design warheads for the Nike-Zeus anti-ballistic missile system. The Hardtack Configuration Redstone shot the 3.8 megaton warhead to an altitude of 77.8 km. This was the first rocket-launched nuclear test by the United States. References: 2.
1958 August 2 - 05:47 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. LV Configuration: R-2A No. 6.
  • Ionosphere / biological mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 211 km (131 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 2 - 22:16 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas B. LV Configuration: Atlas B 4B.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 900 km (550 mi). Second full-powered flight of USAF Atlas ICBM traveled 2,500 miles with radio-inertial guidance, fully successful. References: 2.
1958 August 6 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Rocketdyne gets F-1 engine contract. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Rocketdyne Division of North American announced an Air Force contract for a 1-million-pound thrust engine. References: 17, 27.
1958 August 6 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18 117.
  • Research and development Series III test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 8 -
  • T Keith Glennan and Hugh L Dryden nominated to be Administrator and Deputy Administrator of NASA Nation: USA. T. Keith Glennan, President of Case Institute of Technology, and Hugh L. Dryden, Director of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, were nominated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to be Administrator and Deputy Administrator of NASA. The Senate confirmed their nominations one week later. References: 16.
1958 August 8 -
  • Project Adam Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury, Adam. A memorandum from the Secretary of the Army to the Secretary of Defense recommended Project Adam for a manned space flight program. This plan proposed a ballistic suborbital flight using existing Redstone hardware as a national political-psychological demonstration. This memo proposed that funds in the amount of $9 million and $2.5 million for fiscal years 1959 and 1960, respectively, be approved for program execution. References: 483.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Ascamp.
  • Hardtack Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: LRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 12 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. LV Configuration: Project Pilot 2. FAILURE: Vehicle exploded at ignition.
  • Pilot 2 Nation: USA. Payload: Diagnostic Payload 2. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Pilot. Agency: USN. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi). COSPAR: F580812A. Decay Date: 1958-08-12. References: 5.
1958 August 12 - 09:27 GMT - Launch Site: Johnston Island. Launch Complex: LC2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone CC-51. FAILURE: Guidance system malfunction at 70 seconds which did not preclude subsequent system operations and successful mission accomplishment.
  • Hardtack Orange Nuclear test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 41 km (25 mi). Orange was a rocket-launched test of the W-39 warhead. Purpose was to measure the effects of high altitude nuclear explosions in order to design warheads for Nike-Zeus anti-ballistic missile system. The Hardtack Configuration Redstone shot the 3.8 megaton warhead to an altitude of 43 km. References: 2.
1958 August 13 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A.
  • R-2A launch Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi). References: 2, 283.
1958 August 13 - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 13 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. LV Configuration: R-2A No. 7.
  • Ionosphere / biological mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 14 - 00:40 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: A-1.
  • Ionosphere / aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 14 - 13:28 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun OB6.01F.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 15 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.
  • Saturn I project initiated by ARPA. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Advanced Research Projects Agency ARPA provided the Army Ordnance Missile Command (AOMC) with authority and initial funding to develop the Juno V (later named Saturn launch vehicle. ARPA Order 14 described the project: "Initiate a development program to provide a large space vehicle booster of approximately 1.5 million pounds of thrust based on a cluster of available rocket engines. The immediate goal of this program is to demonstrate a full-scale captive dynamic firing by the end of calendar year 1959." Within AOMC, the Juno V project was assigned to the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal Huntsville, Ala. References: 17, 27.
1958 August 15 -
  • Vostok advanced project complete. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Vostok. A section devoted to the spacecraft was formed on 15 August 1958. Konstantin Feoktistov was one of the leading enthusiasts in this effort.
1958 August 15 - 04:16 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC10. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 1822.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 693 km (430 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 15 - 15:45 GMT - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee.
  • Test / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 16 - Launch Site: China Lake. Launch Complex: G-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. LV Configuration: Project Pilot-1. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1958 August 17 - Launch Site: China Lake. Launch Complex: G-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. LV Configuration: Project Pilot-1. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1958 August 17 - 12:18 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Able I. LV Configuration: Thor Able I 127. FAILURE: Thor exploded after 77 sec.
  • Pioneer (1) Nation: USA. Program: Pioneer. Payload: Pioneer / Able 1. Mass: 38 kg (83 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Pioneer 0-1-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). COSPAR: F580817B. Decay Date: 1958-08-17. First US lunar attempt. The first US Air Force lunar probe, using a Thor-Able booster. An explosion ripped it apart 77 seconds after launch. References: 126.
1958 August 18 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Luna 8K72. LV Configuration: Luna 8K72 B1-3.
  • Luna launch delayed. Nation: USSR. Class: Technology. Planned August launch rescheduled after failure of American lunar probe on August 17. Inability to complete final tests of the new engines and malfunctions during pre-launch preparations indicated a lot of work had to be done on the new launch vehicle before the first launch could be attempted. References: 175.
1958 August 20 - 11:27 GMT - Launch Site: Ramey. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 1841.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 22 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. LV Configuration: Project Pilot 3. FAILURE: Radio contact lost; possibly reached orbit.
  • Pilot 3 Nation: USA. Payload: Diagnostic Payload 3. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Pilot. Agency: USN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). COSPAR: F580822A. Decay Date: 1958-08-22. References: 5.
1958 August 24 - 06:17 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter C. LV Configuration: Jupiter C/Juno I RS/CC-47. FAILURE: First Stage collided with upper stages. Second Stage ignited in wrong direction.
  • Explorer 5 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: Explorer C. Mass: 17 kg (37 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Explorer C. Agency: DARPA. COSPAR: F580824A. Decay Date: 1958-08-24. References: 126.
1958 August 25 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. LV Configuration: Project Pilot 4. FAILURE: Vehicle exploded after 0.75sec.
  • Pilot 4 Nation: USA. Payload: Radiation Payload 1. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Pilot. Agency: USN. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi). COSPAR: F580825A. Decay Date: 1958-08-25. References: 5.
1958 August 25 - 18:17 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 1859.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 26 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. LV Configuration: Project Pilot 5. FAILURE: Stage failed to ignite, vehicle fell into Pacific.
  • Pilot 5 Nation: USA. Payload: Radiation Payload 2. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Pilot. Agency: USN. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi). COSPAR: F580826A. Decay Date: 1958-08-26. References: 5.
1958 August 27 - 02:20 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 38.5 S x 11.5 W. Launch Vehicle: X-17.
  • Argus I Nuclear test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). The Argus series were the only clandestine nuclear tests ever conducted by the United States. The rocket-launched nuclear warheads were set off at very high altitudes over the South Atlantic, 1800 km south-west of Capetown, South Africa. The purpose was to determine the effects of nuclear explosions on the Earth's magnetic field and the impact to military radar, communications, satellites and ballistic missiles electronics. The earth's magnetic field is not only off-axis from the earth, but also off centre from the earth's core. This means the Van Allen Radiation belts are closest to the earth in the region known as the 'South Atlantic Anomaly'. This made the selected launch point the ideal place for launching a rocket into the lower belt where the particles and radiation from the explosion would be trapped.

    The 1.7 kiloton W-25 warhead used had been developed and previously tested for the Genie air-to-air missile. The first test was launched from vessel AVM1 at 38.5 deg S, 11.5 deg. W, and exploded at an altitude of 160 km. The initial flash was followed by an auroral luminescence extending upward and downward along the magnetic lines where the burst occurred. The experiment verified the predicitons made in the original October 1957 proposal by N. C. Christofilos of the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory in Livermore. References: 2.

1958 August 27 - 03:33 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC10. Launch Pad: LC10?. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 1909.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 937 km (582 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 27 - 04:06 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A.
  • Ionosphere / biological mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 209 km (129 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 27 - 04:24 GMT - Launch Site: Ramey. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 1914.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 27 - 06:05 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5A.
  • Infrared atmosphere Aeronomy / ionosphere / biology mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 450 km (270 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 27 - 06:42 GMT - Launch Site: Ramey. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 1917.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 817 km (507 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 27 - 07:29 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 1913 J-15.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 27 - 12:40 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5A.
  • Aeronomy / ionosphere / fields / mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 450 km (270 mi). Carried dogs Belyanka and Pestraya to 450 km altitude. References: 2.
1958 August 27 - 23:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-7.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Fired from AMR at 1815 hours EST. The countdown was normal. Operations were interrupted by one hold -- a 15 minute delay for minor adjustments. Ignition, main-stage, and lift-off were normal. The missile followed the pre-selected trajectory closely during powered flight, though cut-off was effected by fuel depletion rather than by pre-set guidance cut-off. The nose cone impacted 39 nm short and 15.7 nm to the left of the pre-calculated range of 1,246 nm. Jupiter 7 was the first flight test of the warhead and fuse system. This also marked the second flight test of the :Jupiter all-inertial guidance system, the fourth flight test of the NAA S-3D engine operating at 150,000 pounds thrust, and the first flight test of the solid propellant spin rocket and vernier motor. References: 2.
1958 August 28 - Launch Vehicle: R-16.
  • R-16 development accelerated. Nation: USSR. Decree 'On expansion of work on the R- 16 ICBM' was issued. References: 474.
1958 August 28 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. LV Configuration: Project Pilot 6. FAILURE: One first stage motor failed to ignite, causing structural failure.
  • Pilot 6 Nation: USA. Payload: Radiation Payload 3. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Pilot. Agency: USN. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi). COSPAR: F580828A. Decay Date: 1958-08-28. References: 5.
1958 August 29 - 04:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas B. LV Configuration: Atlas B 5B.
  • Research and development / AFSWC-1 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 900 km (550 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 30 - 03:10 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 49.5 S x 8.2 W. Launch Vehicle: X-17.
  • Argus II Nuclear test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 293 km (182 mi). Second covert Argus launch to study effect of nuclear explosions on the Van Allen radiation belts. The rocket was launched from vessel AVM1 at 49.5 deg South, 8.2 deg West; altitude reached 294 km; yield of the nuclear warhead, 1.7 kilotons. References: 2.
1958 August 30 - 03:48 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2019 J-16.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 817 km (507 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 30 - 04:31 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC10. Launch Pad: LC10?. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2022.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 878 km (545 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 30 - 05:18 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2021 J-17.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 830 km (510 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 30 - 05:52 GMT - Launch Site: Ramey. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2023.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 825 km (512 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 30 - 06:36 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC10. Launch Pad: LC10?. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2025.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 699 km (434 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 30 - 07:21 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2024 J-18.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 815 km (506 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 30 - 22:02 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2027 J-19.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 745 km (462 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 30 - 23:03 GMT - Launch Site: Ramey. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2026.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). References: 2.
1958 August 31 - 00:07 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC10. Launch Pad: LC10?. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2020.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 1 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.
  • Redstone Arsenal begins Saturn I design studies. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Saturn design studies authorized to proceed at Redstone Arsenal for development of 1.5-million-pound-thrust cluster first stage. References: 17, 27.
1958 September 1 -
  • Tsien enters Congress Nation: China. Tsien was elected Deputy of Guangdong Province to the National People's Congress.
1958 Fall -
  • Vostok drawing release. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Vostok. Construction drawings for the Vostok manned spacecraft were issued beginning in the fall of 1958. Official go-ahead was still nearly a year in the future.
1958 September -
  • Mercury tracking network study begun Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Study was started on the tracking and ground instrumentation networks for the manned satellite project. References: 483.
1958 September 2 - Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Luna 8K72.
  • Launch of Soviet Luna probes authorised. Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Spacecraft: Luna E-1. Decree 'On launch of automated lunar probes November' was issued. References: 474.
1958 September 2 - 19:02 GMT - Launch Site: Ramey. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2041.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 2 - 20:03 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2042 J-20.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 789 km (490 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 2 - 22:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC10. Launch Pad: LC10?. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2043.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 789 km (490 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 5 - Launch Site: AMR DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 29.0 N x 79.0 W. Launch Vehicle: High Virgo.
  • High Virgo satellite interceptor mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 13 km (8 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 6 - Launch Site: Pacific Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 40.0 N x 170.0 E. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11FM.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 6 - 22:05 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 48.5 S x 9.7 W. Launch Vehicle: X-17.
  • Argus III Nuclear test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 750 km (460 mi). Third and final covert Argus launch to study effect of nuclear explosions on the Van Allen radiation belts. The rocket was launched from vessel AVM1 at 48.5 deg South, 9.7 deg West ; altitude reached 750 km; yield of the nuclear warhead, 1.7 kilotons. References: 2.
1958 September 7 - 10:33 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA5A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Knight. Model: Black Knight 201. LV Configuration: Black Knight-201 BK.01.
  • Research and development test Nation: UK. Agency: RAE. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Black Knight missile of the United Kingdom was launched from the Australian range at Woomera to an altitude of over 300 miles. References: 2.
1958 September 10 -
  • X-1E Flight 21 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 21. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: Walker Joseph. NACA flight 20. Stability and control investigation with ventral fins. References: 49, 97.
1958 September 10 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 1-01.
  • Burya flight 8 Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Cruise stage tanks 1 and 4 empty. The boosters operated normally and the cruise stage ignited at Mach 2.95-3.0. At T+95 seconds there were problems at separation of the boosters, leading to cruise stage instability and an asymmetric airflow through the ramjet diffuser leading. This caused significant variations in thrust. The pressure in tank 3 dropped at T+160s econds and the ramjet flamed out. References: 2.
1958 September 11 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.
  • Letter contract for the development of the Saturn H-1 rocket engine Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. A letter contract was signed by NASA with NAA's Rocketdyne Division for the development of the H-1 rocket engine, designed for use in a clustered-engine booster. References: 16.
1958 September 11 -
  • Little chance for approval of Project Adam. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury, Adam. At an Army Advanced Research Projects Agency conference, the Army was advised there was little chance for approval of Project Adam. References: 483.
1958 September 11 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun.
  • Beacon Test 3 Balloon test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA LaRC. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 11 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC9. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Navaho. Model: Navaho G-26. LV Configuration: Navaho II SM-64 14. FAILURE: Booster performed well, but cruise stage never ignited due to fuel system failure.
  • Navaho G-26 Flight 10 RISE-1 Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). North American had received funding to fly seven surplus G-26 missiles in a program dubbed RISE (Research Into Supersonic Environment), ostensibly to obtain real-world data on Mach 3 flight for the F-108 interceptor and B-70 bomber that they were developing for the USAF. On this first attempt, the booster performed well, but after separation the cruise stage fuel system failed, and ramjet ignition never occurred. The cruise stage impacted 150 km downrange. References: 2.
1958 September 14 - Launch Site: Cuxhaven. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Mohr Rocket.
  • Mohr Rocket reaches 50 km altitude Nation: Germany. Three launches were made from Arensch, including two successful launches of the prototype of the large meteorological rocket developed by Ernst Mohr of Wuppertall. The launches were witnessed by Vice-President Ross. The redesigned Mohr rockets were 2.5 m long, 30 cm in diameter, had a total mass of 80 kg and produced 7.8 tonnes thrust. Cutoff velocity was 1200 m/s at 1200 m altitude. The payload dart then separated and coasted up to 50 km altitude. It was later planned to install meteorological instruments on these rockets.
1958 September 14 - 05:24 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas B. LV Configuration: Atlas B 8B.
  • Research and development / AFSWC-2 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 900 km (550 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 15 -
  • Vostok final project signed by Korolev. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Vostok. This allowed for full production drawing release to the fabrication shops and the beginning of tests of the spacecraft systems.
1958 September 17 -
  • X-1E Flight 22 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 22. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: Walker Joseph. NACA flight 21. Stability and control with ventral fins and a new stabilizer bell crank permitting greater stabilizer travel. References: 49, 97.
1958 September 17 -
  • NASA/ARPA Manned Satellite Panel Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. A joint National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Advanced Research Projects Agency Manned Satellite Panel was formed. This panel, with the aid of technical studies prepared by the Langley and Lewis Research Centers and assistance from the military services, drafted specific plans for a program of research leading to manned space flight. References: 483.
1958 September 17 - 18:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone CC-56. FAILURE: Programmed maneuver at re-entry and impact in deep water. Accurate survey not possible. CC-57.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Missile test failure. Missed aimpoint by 990 m. References: 2.
1958 September 18 - 21:27 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas B. LV Configuration: Atlas B 6B. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 19 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1, DF-2, DF-3 Tsien, R-2.
  • Missile development plans set. Nation: China. Program: Long March. Fifth Academy finalizes plan to proceed development of indigenous Dong Feng missiles (original DF-1, DF-2, DF-3 designations) References: 87.
1958 September 19 -
  • X-1E Flight 23 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 23. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: McKay. NACA flight 22. Checkout flight for John McKay. References: 49, 97.
1958 September 19 - 00:48 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5A.
  • E-1 Sodium test Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Meteorite mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 430 km (260 mi). Carried dogs to 430 km altitude. References: 2.
1958 September 23 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.
  • Juno V project objective changed to multistage carrier vehicle Nation: USA. Program: Horizon. Following a Memorandum of Agreement between Maj. Gen. John B. Medaris of Army Ordnance Missile Command (AOMC) and Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) Director Roy W. Johnson on this date and a meeting on November 4, ARPA and AOMC representatives agreed to extend the Juno V project. The objective of ARPA Order 14 was changed from booster feasibility demonstration to "the development of a reliable high performance booster to serve as the first stage of a multistage carrier vehicle capable of performing advanced missions." References: 16.
1958 September 23 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Luna 8K72. LV Configuration: Vostok-L 8K72 B1-3. FAILURE: Launcher disintegrated 93 seconds after launch due to longitudinal resonance of strap-ons.
  • Luna failure - booster disintegrated at T+92 seconds Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-1 s/n 1. Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-1. Agency: MVS. COSPAR: F580923A. This was the start of an acrimonious debated between Glushko and Korolev design bureaux over the fault and fix for the problem. References: 175.
1958 September 24-October 1 -
  • Basic plan for a manned satellite program. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. A series of meetings were held in Washington, with Robert R. Gilruth serving as chairman to draft a manned satellite program and provide a basic plan for meeting the objectives of this program. Others attending included S. B. Batdorf, A. J. Eggers, Maxime A. Faget, George Low, Warren North, Walter C. Williams, and Robert C. Youngquist. References: 483.
1958 September 25 -
  • NASA would be activated on October 1, 1958. Nation: USA. Dr. T. Keith Glennan, NASA Administrator, announced publicly that NASA would be activated on October 1, 1958. References: 483.
1958 September 25 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Bold Orion. Model: Bold Orion 1. LV Configuration: Bold Orion-1.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 25 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Exos.
  • Model 2 test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA/AFCRL. Apogee: 460 km (280 mi). References: 2.
1958 September 26 - 15:38 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18A. Launch Pad: LC18A. Launch Vehicle: Vanguard. Model: Vanguard. LV Configuration: Vanguard SLV-3. FAILURE: Insufficient 2nd stage thrust - unknown cause.
  • Vanguard 2D Nation: USA. Program: Vanguard. Payload: Cloud cover satellite. Mass: 10 kg (22 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Vanguard 2. Agency: U.S. Navy. Apogee: 426 km (264 mi). COSPAR: F580926A. Decay Date: 1958-09-26. References: 126.
1958 September 28 - 19:42 GMT - Launch Site: Pacific Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 40.0 N x 150.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.57F.
  • Test / solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Nike-Asp test flight from Navy LSD Point Defiance near Puka Island reached 225 km, the highest altitude ever reached by ship-launched rocket, in preliminary test of Nike-Asp for use in IGY solar eclipse studies. References: 2.
1958 September 30 -
  • X-1E Flight 24 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 24. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: McKay. NACA flight 23. Check of low-speed stability and control. References: 49, 97.
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