Chronology - Quarter 4 1958

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Previous Home Next 1958 October 1 - NASA created Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. NASA was activated in accordance with the terms of Public Law 85-568, and the nonmilitary space projects which had been conducted by the Advanced Research Projects Agency were transferred to the jurisdiction of the NASA. Concurrently, NACA, after a 43-year tenure, was inactivated, and its facilities and personnel became a part of NASA. References: 26. 1958 October 1 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Centaur LV-3C. Centaur engine contract awarded. Nation: USA. Air Force awarded contract Pratt & Whitney for Centaur vehicle with hydrogen-burning chamber based on research of Lewis Research Center between 1953 and 1957. Centaur project later transferred to NASA. References: 17, 278. 1958 October - Lovelace to conduct NASA Mercury astronaut medical examinations. Nation: USA. Dr. W. Randolph Lovelace II was appointed by NASA Headquarters as Chairman of a Special Committee on Life Sciences by T. Keith Glennan, the NASA Administrator. After prospective astronaut candidates were interviewed in Washington, D. C., those chosen for further consideration received medical examinations at the Lovelace Clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico. References: 483. 1958 October - Launch Vehicle: Little Joe. Design work started on Mercury Little Joe Nation: USA. Design work was started on the Little Joe vehicles and test model spacecraft. References: 483. 1958 October - Drop tests of full-scale Mercury capsules started Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. Drop tests of full-scale capsules from a C-130 airplane were started to check parachute deployment and spacecraft stability. Preliminary drops of the parachute system were made from a NASA helicopter at West Point, Virginia. These drops involved the use of a concrete-filled drum attached to an operating canister system. The purpose of this phase was to demonstrate the adequacy of the mechanical system of deploying the parachutes. Subsequently, the drops were made by the C-130's at Pope Field, North Carolina, from low levels to perfect a means of extracting the spacecraft from the aircraft. Full-scale spacecraft and operating parachutes were used in these drops, and all operational features of the drop-test program were worked out. The next phase was the research and development drops offshore of Wallops Island, Virginia, and the objectives here were as follows: to study the stability of the spacecraft during free fall and with parachute support; to study the shock input to the spacecraft by parachute deployment; and to study and develop retrieving operations. References: 483. 1958 October 3-7 - Plans of the Mercury manned satellite project presented to Advanced Research Projects Agency. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Studies and plans of the manned satellite project were presented to Advanced Research Projects Agency on October 3 and to Dr. T. Keith Glennan, NASA Administrator, on October 7. On October 7, 1958, Dr. Glennan approved the project by saying, in effect, 'Let's get on with it.' References: 483. 1958 October 4 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Cooke AFB redesignated Vandenberg AFB Nation: USA. Cooke AFB redesignated Vandenberg AFB, honoring the late General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, the Air Force's second Chief of Staff. Vandenberg AFB, first operational ICBM base in free world, was dedicated. References: 88. 1958 October 4 - 14:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: A-1. Ionosphere-solar mission Ionosphere-solar mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 110 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 4 - 15:08 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 6 - Launch Vehicle: Jupiter, Redstone. Negotiations for Redstone and Jupiter launch vehicles for Mercury project. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Personnel from the Langley Research Center visited the Army Ballistic Missile Agency to open negotiations for procuring Redstone and Jupiter launch vehicles for manned satellite projects. References: 483. 1958 October 6 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: HJ Nike Nike Recruit. Polaris Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 7 - Project Mercury organized. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. NASA formally organized Project Mercury to: (1) place manned space capsule in orbital flight around the earth; (2) investigate man's reactions to and capabilities in this environment; and (3) recover capsule and pilot safely. A NASA Space Task Group organized at Langley Research Center drew up specifications for the Mercury capsule, based on studies by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics during the preceding 12 months, and on discussions with the Air Force which had been conducting related studies. References: 17. 1958 October 7 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. Hi Ball 3 Balloon test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA LaRC. Apogee: 244 km (151 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 7-8 - Study of Mercury reentry methods. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. Personnel from the Space Task Group involved in the study of reentry methods visited the Air Force Wright Air Development Center, Dayton, Ohio, for the purpose of preparing test specimens. Along with individuals from the center and the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division, the group then met at the Chicago Midway Laboratories, Chicago, Illinois, to investigate various ablation methods of reentry. Concurrently, these same methods were being investigated at high-temperature test facilities at Langley. References: 483. 1958 October 8 - Manhigh III Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Man-high. Manhigh III reached 98,000 feet (29,900 m) with Lieutenant Clifton McClure aboard. 1958 October 9 - Mercury air drop program for full-scale parachute and landing system development. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. In behalf of the manned satellite project, an air drop program for full-scale parachute and landing system development was started at Langley. References: 483. 1958 October 10 - 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 October 10 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 10 - 03:49 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-9. FAILURE: Destroyed after 49 seconds of erratic flight caused by fire in the tail section. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Fired from AMR at 2249 hours EST. The missile was destroyed after 49 seconds of erratic flight caused by fire in the tail section. The fire was believed to have started by a pin-hole leak near the thrust transducer which burned through the fuel and LOX transducer lines. This was the first Jupiter missile to use swivelled turbine exhaust for roll contral, also first use of solid vernier control. References: 2. 1958 October 10 - 13:50 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: A-1. Ionosphere-solar mission Ionosphere-solar mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 110 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 11 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18A. Launch Pad: LC18/pad?. Thor Able second test. Nation: USA. PIONEER I, U.S.-IGY space probe under direction of NASA and with the AFBMD as executive agent, launched from AMR, Cape Canaveral, Fla., by a Thor-Able-I booster. It raveled 70,700 miles before returning to earth, determined radial extent of great radiation belt, first observations of earth's and interplanetary magnetic field, and first measurements of micrometeorite density in interplanetary space. References: 17. 1958 October 11 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Contract for development of the H-1 engine Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Pioneer I, intended as a lunar probe, was launched by a Thor-Able rocket from the Atlantic Missile Range, with the Air Force acting as executive agent to NASA. The 39-pound instrumented payload did not reach escape velocity. References: 16. 1958 October 11 - 08:42 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Able I. LV Configuration: Thor Able I 130. FAILURE: Third stage produced insufficient thrust. Partial Failure. Pioneer 1 Nation: USA. Program: Pioneer. Payload: Pioneer 1 / Able 2. Mass: 38 kg (83 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Pioneer 0-1-2. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1958-Eta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 110. Decay Date: 1958-10-12. Set distance record; failed to reach moon. References: 2, 6. 1958 October 11 - 08:42 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Luna 8K72. LV Configuration: Vostok-L 8K72 B1-4. FAILURE: Launcher disintegrated 104 seconds after launch due to longitudinal resonance of strap-ons. Luna failure - booster disintegrated at T+104 seconds Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-1 s/n 2. Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-1. Agency: MVS. COSPAR: F581011A. References: 175. 1958 October 12 - Rocket tests from Easter Island. Nation: USA. Naval Research Laboratory rocket firings in Easter Island region of the South Pacific from U.S.S. Point Defiance, reached 139, 148, 152, and 150 miles altitude to chart solar spectrum in the utraviolet and X-ray portion. References: 17. 1958 October 12 - 08:32 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 NN8.59F. Solar extreme ultraviolet and x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 222 km (137 mi). Launched by vessel LSD-31 during 1958 Point Defiance Expedition, Pacific Ocean. References: 2. 1958 October 12 - 08:42 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 NN8.60F. Solar extreme ultraviolet and x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 236 km (146 mi). Launched by vessel LSD-31 during 1958 Point Defiance Expedition, Pacific Ocean. References: 2. 1958 October 12 - 08:43 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 NN8.61F. Solar extreme ultraviolet and x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 242 km (150 mi). Launched by vessel LSD-31 during 1958 Point Defiance Expedition, Pacific Ocean. References: 2. 1958 October 12 - 08:52 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 NN8.62F. Solar extreme ultraviolet and x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 240 km (140 mi). Launched by vessel LSD-31 during 1958 Point Defiance Expedition, Pacific Ocean. References: 2. 1958 October 13 - 19:40 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 NN8.64F. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Misfired on the day of the eclipse. Launched a day later by vessel LSD-31 during 1958 Point Defiance Expedition, Pacific Ocean. References: 2. 1958 October 14 - DX priority could be requested for NASA projects. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Supply and Logistics invited the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to submit nominations for materiel procurement urgency (commonly known as the DX priority rating). References: 483. 1958 October 15 - Launch Vehicle: X-15. Model: X-15A. X-15 rollout. Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A. First of a series of three X-15 experimental rocket-powered manned research aircraft was rolled out at the Los Angeles plant of North American Aviation, Inc., in the joint USAF-USN-NASA program. References: 17. 1958 October 15 - 01:04 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi AM4.012. Vehicle test / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 156 km (96 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 16 - X-1E Flight 25 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 25. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: McKay. NACA flight 24. First flight with elevated chamber pressure; cut short because overcast obscured pilot's view of lakebed. References: 49, 97. 1958 October 16 - Launch Site: Sary Shagan. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: V-1000. State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: PRO. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 17-18 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. Negotiations for Mercury Atlas launch vehicles Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Langley Research Center personnel visited the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division, Inglewood, California, to open negotiations for procuring Atlas launch vehicles for the manned satellite project. References: 483. 1958 October 20 - 22:01 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun ABM6.207. Ionospheric Te Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 21 - Launch Vehicle: Little Joe. Bidders' briefing for the Mercury Little Joe launch vehicle. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. A bidders' briefing for the Little Joe launch vehicle was held. As earlier mentioned, this launch vehicle was to be used in the development phase of the manned satellite project. The Little Joe launch vehicle was 48 feet in height, weighed (at maximum) 41,330 pounds, was 6.66 feet in diameter, consisted of four Pollux and four Recruit clustered, solid-fuel rockets, could develop a thrust of 250,000 pounds, and could lift a maximum payload of 3,942 pounds. References: 483. 1958 October 22 - 14:22 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp II8.11. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 22 - 16:47 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300 AA10.01. FAILURE: Shut down early by range safety when the missile went off course. Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 177 km (109 mi). First flight of the Aerobee 300 / Spaerobee. The Aerobee was shut down early by range safety when the missile went off course. References: 2. 1958 October 23 - Preliminary specifications for Mercury manned spacecraft Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Preliminary specifications for a manned spacecraft were established with industry. These specifications outlined the program and suggested methods of analysis and construction. References: 483. 1958 October 23 - 03:21 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter C. LV Configuration: Jupiter C/Juno I RS/CC-49. FAILURE: Upper stages separated prior to burnout. Structural failure after 149 sec due to vibration disturbances generated by the spinning payload. Beacon 1 Nation: USA. Mass: 4.00 kg (8.80 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Beacon 1. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: F581023A. Decay Date: 1958-10-22. NASA¾with the Army as executive agent¾attempted to launch a 12-foot-diameter inflatable satellite of micro-thin plastic covered with aluminum foil known as BEACON. Launched from AMR by a Juno I¾a modified Redstone, the payload prematurely separated prior to booster burnout. References: 126. 1958 October 24 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Redstone static firing at White Sands. Nation: USA. The Redstone underwent static firing at White Sands Missile Range, the first time such a test had been conducted there. 1958 October 25 - Stever Committee report on the civilian space program Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The Stever Committee, which had been set up on January 12, submitted its report on the civilian space program to NASA. Among the recommendations: A vigorous, coordinated attack should be made upon the problems of maintaining the performance capabilities of man in the space environment as a prerequisite to sophisticated space exploration. Sustained support should be given to a comprehensive instrumentation development program, establishment of versatile dynamic flight simulators, and provision of a coordinated series of vehicles for testing components and subsystems. Serious study should be made of an equatorial launch capability. Lifting reentry vehicles should be developed. Both the clustered- and single-engine boosters of million-pound thrust should be developed. Research on high-energy propellant systems for launch vehicle upper stages should receive full support. The performance capabilities of various combinations of existing boosters and upper stages should be evaluated, and intensive development concentrated on those promising greatest usefulness in different categories of payload. References: 16. 1958 October 25 - 19:27 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300 AA10.02. Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 418 km (259 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 27 - Committee to determine Mercury astronaut qualifications. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. A special Committee on Life Sciences was established at Langley to determine qualifications and attributes required of personnel to be selected for America's first manned space flight and to give advice on other human aspects of the manned satellite program. References: 483. 1958 October 28 - X-1E Flight 26 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 26. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: McKay. NACA flight 25. Elevated chamber pressure; good stability and control data gathered. References: 49, 97. 1958 October 31 - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. First R-11A? Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 31 - 11:54 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5A. Infrared atmosphere Ionosphere / solar / biology mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 410 km (250 mi). Carried dogs to 415 km altitude. References: 2. 1958 October 31 - 19:59 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi NN3.15F. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 188 km (116 mi). References: 2. 1958 October 31 - 20:46 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun OB6.11. Arctic cloud cover Meteorological / imaging mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 1 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. F-1 engine gets highest priority. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA requested DX priority for 1.5-million-pound-thrust F-1 engine project and Project Mercury. References: 17, 27. 1958 November 1 - Contract for lunar mapping photography Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. A contract was signed by the University of Manchester, Manchester, England, and the Air Force (AF 61(052)-168) for $21,509. Z. Kopal, principal investigator, was to provide topographical information on the lunar surface for production of accurate lunar maps. Additional Details: Contract for lunar mapping photography. References: 16. 1958 November 1 - Vostok spacecraft and Zenit spy satellite authorised. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Vostok, Zenit, Zenit-2, Zenit-4. Council of Chief Designers Decree 'On course of work on the piloted spaceship' was issued. Council of Chief designers approved the Vostok manned space program, in combination with Zenit spy satellite program Korolev was authorised to proceed with development of a spacecraft to achieve manned flights at the earliest possible date. However the design would be such that the same spacecraft could be used to fulfil the military's unmanned photo reconnaissance satellite requirement. The military resisted, but Korolev won. This was formalised in a decree of 25 May 1959. References: 474. 1958 November 1 - The Dyna-Soar preliminary two-step development plan. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Dyna-Soar project office completed a preliminary development plan, involving a two-step program: the development of a research vehicle and then a weapon system. 1958 November 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. Nuclear test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1958 November - Mercury scale model transonic tests. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. A scale model of the Mercury spacecraft (without escape tower), oriented for the reentry phase, was tested at transonic Mach numbers in a 1-foot transonic test tunnel at the Arnold Engineering Development Center, Tullahoma, Tennessee. References: 483. 1958 November-December - Study on spacecraft recovery operations. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury. Study was started on spacecraft recovery operations. During this study period, it was learned that the retrieving operation could be very difficult; but with properly designed equipment, helicopter pickup could be used and appeared to be the most favorable method. References: 483. 1958 November 3 - Mercury astronaut training plans. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. The initial contingent of military service aeromedical personnel reported for duty and began working on human factors, crew selection, and crew training plans for the manned spacecraft program. References: 483. 1958 November 3 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M. Nuclear test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 3 - 12:52 GMT - Launch Site: Guam. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 75. LV Configuration: Aerobee 75 SS12.050. Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 54 km (33 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 4 - 16:50 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun OB6.12. Arctic cloud cover Meteorological / imaging mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 5 - Space Task Group (STG) organized to implement the manned satellite project Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury. The Space Task Group (STG) was officially organized at Langley Field, Va., to implement the manned satellite project (later Project Mercury), NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan had approved the formation of the Group, which had been working together for some months, on October 7. Its members were designated on November 3 by Robert R. Gilruth, Project Manager, and authorization was given by Floyd L. Thompson, Acting Director of Langley Research Center. STG would report directly to NASA Headquarters. References: 16. 1958 November 5 - 08:53 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 138. Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 6 - X-1E Flight 27 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 27. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: McKay. NACA flight 26. Elevated chamber pressure; low-altitude and low-mach investigation of U-Deta fuel. Last NASA flight. References: 49, 97. 1958 November 6 - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 6 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: HJ. Corvus Model test flight Nation: USA. Agency: NACA. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 6 - 00:43 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone CC-57. FAILURE: Boost phase normal. Space phase malfunction. Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Redstone final development test. Missile test failure. Missed aimpoint by 5,010 m. References: 2. 1958 November 7 - Contractor briefing on the Mercury manned spacecraft Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. A contractor briefing, attended by some 40 prospective bidders on the manned spacecraft, was held at the Langley Research Center. More detailed specifications were then prepared and distributed to about 20 manufacturers who had stated an intention to bid on the project. References: 483. 1958 November 8 - 01:53 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun CC6.01. Infrared airglow Aeronomy mission Nation: Canada. Agency: CARDE. Apogee: 139 km (86 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 8 - 07:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Able I. LV Configuration: Thor Able I 129. FAILURE: Third stage ignition unsuccessful. Pioneer 2 Nation: USA. Program: Pioneer. Payload: Pioneer 2 / Able 3. Mass: 39 kg (85 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Pioneer 0-1-2. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,550 km (960 mi). COSPAR: F581108A. Decay Date: 1958-11-08. Pioneer 2 was launched from the Atlantic Missile Range, using a Thor-Able booster, the Air Force acting as executive agent to NASA. The 86.3-pound instrumented payload, intended as a lunar probe, failed to reach escape velocity. References: 126. 1958 November 13 - 08:59 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun CC6.02. Infrared airglow Aeronomy mission Nation: Canada. Agency: CARDE. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 13 - 17:34 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun OB6.13. Arctic cloud cover Meteorological / imaging mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 14 - DX priority requested for Mercury project. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. The highest national procurement priority rating (DX) was requested for the manned spacecraft project. References: 483. 1958 November 14 - Specifications for Mercury issued. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Specifications for the manned spacecraft (Specification Number S-6) were issued, and final copies were mailed on November 17, 1958, to 20 firms which had indicated a desire to be considered as bidders. References: 483. 1958 November 14 - Twenty firms to bid on Mercury spacecraft. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Twenty firms notified the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of their intention to prepare proposals for the development of the manned spacecraft. NASA set the deadline for proposal submission as December 11, 1958. References: 483. 1958 November 16 - 06:56 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi NN3.06F. Auroral/Fields/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 163 km (101 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 17 - 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 November 18 - 04:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas B. LV Configuration: Atlas B 9B. Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 18 - 16:47 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun OB6.14. Arctic cloud cover Meteorological / imaging mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 18 - 21:03 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC9. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Navaho. Model: Navaho G-26. LV Configuration: Navaho II SM-64 04. FAILURE: Disintegrated at moment of booster shutdown. Navaho G-26 Flight 11 RISE-2 Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). The vehicle disintegrated at 23.5 km altitude at the time of booster shutdown and cruse stage separation. The USAF canceled further RISE flights and this definitively marked the end of the Navaho. References: 2. 1958 November 19 - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 19 - 20:32 GMT - Launch Site: Tonopah. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Deacon. Model: Deacon Arrow II. RW-104 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 78 km (48 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 19 - 21:51 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun OB6.06. B / ne probe Fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 21 - 06:08 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5A. Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 460 km (280 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 22 - 17:06 GMT - Launch Site: Guam. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 75. LV Configuration: Aerobee 75 SS12.057. Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 59 km (36 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 23 - 22:02 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.16. Atmospheric pressure, rho values Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 131 km (81 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 24 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. Space Task Group orders first Mercury Atlas missile. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. The Space Task Group placed an order for one Atlas launch vehicle with the Air Force Missile Division, Inglewood, California, as part of a preliminary research program leading to manned space flight. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters requested that the Air Force construct and launch one Atlas C launch vehicle to check the aerodynamics of the spacecraft. It was the intention to launch this missile about May 1959 in a ballistic trajectory. This was to be the launch vehicle for the Big Joe reentry test shot, but plans were later changed and an Atlas Model D launch vehicle was used instead. References: 483. 1958 November 24 - 06:25 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi NN3.21F. Electron density Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 207 km (128 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 26 - Project Mercury named. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. Project Mercury, U.S. manned-satellite program, was officially named by NASA. References: 17. 1958 November 26 - 09:09 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 140. Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). First operational launch References: 2. 1958 November 29 - 02:27 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas B. LV Configuration: Atlas B 12B. Research and development / AFSWC-3 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 900 km (550 mi). Less than 18 months after the first flight, a USAF Atlas made its first successful full-range operational test flight in a 6,325 statute-mile flight, landed close to its target. References: 2. 1958 November 29 - 16:30 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi NN3.16F. Auroral / Ultraviolet Phot Aurora mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 202 km (125 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 30 - 18:36 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300 ABM10.200. Te probe Test / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 304 km (188 mi). References: 2. 1958 November 30 - 22:27 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun IGY OB6.15. B / ne probe Fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 1 - Design of the Mercury Big Joe spacecraft completed. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Design of the Big Joe spacecraft for the Project Mercury reentry test (the spacecraft would be boosted by an Atlas launch vehicle over a ballistic trajectory) was accomplished by the Space Task Group. Construction of the spacecraft was assigned as a joint task of the Langley and Lewis Research Centers under the direction of the Space Task Group. The instrument package was developed by Lewis personnel assigned to the Space Task Group, and these individuals later became the nucleus of the Space Task Group's Flight Operations Division at Cape Canaveral. References: 483. 1958 December 1 - Tsien joins Communist Party Nation: China. Tsien was allowed to join the Communist Party. 1958 December - Mercury Manned Space Capsule Source Selection Board. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. A draft checklist entitled 'Overall Technical Assessment of Proposals for Manned Space Capsule,' was prepared by the Space Task Group for use by the Source Selection Board. References: 483. 1958 December 1 - 19:35 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300 NN10.001. FAILURE: Failure. Field / ne probe Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 97 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 2 - Launch Vehicle: Jupiter, Redstone. Redstone and Jupiter launch vehicle use on Mercury discussed. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Space Task Group officials visited the Army Ballistic Missile Agency to determine the feasibility of using the Jupiter launch vehicle for the intermediate phase of Project Mercury, to discuss the Redstone program, and to discuss the cost for Redstone and Jupiter launch vehicles. References: 483. 1958 December 3 - Army / NASA cooperative agreements Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker and NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan signed cooperative agreements concerning NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Army Ordnance Missile Command AOMC, and Department of the Army relationships. The agreement covering NASA utilization of the von Braun team made "the AOMC and its subordinate organizations immediately, directly, and continuously responsive to NASA requirements." References: 16. 1958 December 3 - Jet Propulsion Laboratory transferred to NASA Nation: USA. By Executive Order, President Dwight D. Eisenhower transferred the Jet Propulsion Laboratory JPL, a government-owned facility staffed and operated by the California Institute of Technology, from Army to NASA jurisdiction. The new JPL radio telescope at Camp Irwin, Calif., called the Goldstone Tracking Facility, was capable of maintaining radio contact at distances of up to 400,000 miles and was the first of NASA's deep-space tracking stations. References: 16. 1958 December 3 - 10:13 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 1. LV Configuration: Skylark-1 SL11. Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 126 km (78 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 3 - 18:39 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300 NN10.002. Field / ne probe Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 4 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Luna 8K72. LV Configuration: Vostok-L 8K72 B1-5. FAILURE: Core engines shut off at 245 seconds into the flight. Cause was a loss of lubrication to the hydrogen peroxide pump. Luna failure - booster core shut down at T+245 seconds Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-1 s/n 3. Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-1. Agency: MVS. COSPAR: F581204A. References: 175. 1958 December 4 - 01:13 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aeolus. LV Configuration: Aeolus AL1. Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE. Apogee: 78 km (48 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 5 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. First Terrier sounding flight. Nation: USA. Modified Navy Terrier rocket with camera launched to an altitude of 86 miles from Wallops Island, providing a 1,000-mile composite photograph of a frontal cloud formation. References: 17. 1958 December 5 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC21/1. Launch Pad: LC21/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Goose. LV Configuration: Goose 6. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 6 - Soviet space industry downsized. Nation: USSR. Council of Soviet Ministers (SM) Decree 1550-659 'On reorganisation of the missile and space industry' was issued. References: 474. 1958 December 6 - 00:41 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 145. Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 6 - 05:44 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. Model: Juno II. LV Configuration: Juno II AM-11. FAILURE: First Stage shut down too early. Partial Failure. Pioneer 3 Nation: USA. Program: Pioneer. Mass: 6.00 kg (13.20 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Pioneer 3-4. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1958-Theta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 111. Decay Date: 1958-12-07. Failed to reach moon; provided radiation data. Pioneer III, the third U.S.-IGY intended lunar probe under the direction of NASA with the Army acting as executive agent, was launched from the Atlantic Missile Range by a Juno II rocket. The primary objective, to place the 12.95 pound scientific payload in the vicinity of the moon, failed. Pioneer III reached an altitude of approximately 70,000 miles and revealed that the earth's radiation belt comprised at least two distinct bands. References: 2, 6, 16. 1958 December 8 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. Nine Atlas launch vehicles required for Project Mercury Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. The Space Task Group indicated that nine Atlas launch vehicles were required in support of the Project Mercury manned and unmanned flights and these were ordered from the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division. References: 483. 1958 December 8 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Bold Orion. Model: Bold Orion 2. LV Configuration: Bold Orion-2. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 9 - Mercury astronaut selection procedure. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. An aeromedical selection team composed of Major Stanley C. White, Air Force; Lt. Robert B. Voas, Navy; and Captain William Augerson, Army, drafted a tentative astronaut selection procedure. According to the plan, representatives from the services and industry would nominate 150 men by January 21, 1959; 36 of these would be selected for further testing which would reduce the group to 12; and in a 9-month training period, a hard core of 6 men would remain. At the end of December 1958, this plan was rejected. References: 483. 1958 December 11 - Eleven firms submitted proposals for the development of Mercury manned spacecraft. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. These were AVCO, Chance-Vought, Convair, Douglas, Grumman, Lockheed, Martin, McDonnell, North American, Northrop, and Republic. In addition, Winzen Research Laboratories submitted an incomplete proposal. References: 483. 1958 December 12 - Mercury technical proposal assessment Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Space Task Group personnel began technical assessment of manned spacecraft development proposals submitted by industry. Charles Zimmermann headed the technical assessment team. References: 483. 1958 December 13 - 08:53 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-13. Bioflight 1 Biological mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Gordo launched into space. Fired from AMR at 0353 hours EST. The missile's nose cone impacted in the pre-selected target area at a range of approximately 1,302 nm. The significant mission of the missile was the flight of a South American squirrel monkey `Gordo' up to and down from outer space. Although nose cone recovery efforts failed because the float mechanism attached to the nose cone did not function, telemetry data provided useful biomedical information and disclosed that the Navy-trained squirrel monkey had withstood the space flight and reentry phase without any adverse physiological effects. Gordo was in a weightless state for 8.3 minutes, he experienced a 10g pressure in takeoff, and a 40g pressure upon reentry at 10,000 miles per hour. The flight was considered one of the outstanding achievements of space research. The impact was 5.2 nm over and 0.75 nm to the right of impact point. The overshoot was caused by interaction which occurred at separation between the booster and aft sections. A temporary cable connecting the two bodies had not been removed prior to launch. References: 2. 1958 December 15 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. ABMA Briefing to NASA Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Von Braun briefs NASA on plans for booster development at Huntsville with objective of manned lunar landing. Initally proposed using 15 Juno V (Saturn I) boosters to assemble 200,000 kg payload in earth orbit for direct landing on moon. References: 26, 27. 1958 December 16 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. First missile launch from Vandenberg AFB Nation: USA. First missile launch from Vandenberg AFB - a Thor intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM). The mission was a success. References: 88. 1958 December 16 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Bold Orion. Model: Bold Orion 2. LV Configuration: Bold Orion-2. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 16 - 23:44 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 151. Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). Two Thor shots, one from Cape Canaveral and one from Vandenberg AFB, were successful. Intermediate range ballistic missile portion of PMR was inaugurated with successful firing of USAF Thor from Vandenberg AFB. References: 2. 1958 December 17 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. Rocketdyne gets contract to develop F-1 engine. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA awarded contract to Rocketdyne of North American to build single-chamber 1.5-million-pound-thrust rocket engine. References: 17, 27. 1958 December 17 - Project Mercury named Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan announced that the manned satellite program would be called "Project Mercury." References: 16. 1958 December 17 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Military and NASA consider future launch vehicles Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Representatives of Advanced Research Projects Agency, the military services, and NASA met to consider the development of future launch vehicle systems. Agreement was reached on the principle of developing a small number of versatile launch vehicle systems of different thrust capabilities, the reliability of which could be expected to be improved through use by both the military services and NASA. References: 16. 1958 December 17 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Saturn H-1 engine first full-power firing Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The H-1 engine successfully completed its first full-power firing at NAA's Rocketdyne facility in Canoga Park, Calif. References: 16. 1958 December 17 - 04:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 146. Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 18 - 23:02 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas B. LV Configuration: Atlas B 10B. Score Nation: USA. Mass: 70 kg (154 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Comsat. Spacecraft: Score. Agency: DARPA. Perigee: 185 km (114 mi). Apogee: 1,484 km (922 mi). Inclination: 32.30 deg. Period: 101.50 min. COSPAR: 1958-Zeta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 10. Decay Date: 1959-01-21. Signal Communication by Orbiting Relay Equipment; first commsat; transmitted taped messages for 13 days. References: 2, 6, 278. 1958 December 19 - 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: 76 km (47 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 23 - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 23 - 13:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: A-1. Ionosphere / aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 110 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 24 - 04:45 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas C. LV Configuration: Atlas C 3C. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 900 km (550 mi). First Atlas C flight (3C), successful. References: 2. 1958 December 24 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. FAILURE: Failure. III-1 test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 70 km (43 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 25 - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 102 km (63 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 25 - 13:10 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: A-1. Ionosphere / aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 110 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1958 December 28 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 2-04. FAILURE: Vehicle broke up due to an explosion in the empty propellant tank. Burya flight 9 Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Cruise stage tanks 1 and 4 empty. The flight continued to T+309 seconds, the longest to date, at which point the vehicle broke up due to an explosion in the empty propellant tank. The boosters operated normally but separation took place normally at Mach 3.3-3.4 (higher than expected). References: 2. 1958 December 29 - Launch Vehicle: Little Joe. Mercury Little Joe air frame contract. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. A contract was awarded to North American Aviation for design and construction of the Little Joe air frame. References: 483. 1958 December 30 - Space Task Group evaluation of industry proposals for Mercury. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Space Task Group's technical assessment teams completed the evaluation of industry proposals for design and construction of a manned spacecraft and forwarded their findings to the Source Selection Board, NASA Headquarters. References: 483. 1958 December 31 - Launch Vehicle: Little Joe. Letter-of-intent placed for Mercury Little Joe Test air frames. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. The letter-of-intent was placed with North American Aviation for the fabrication of the Little Joe Test vehicle air frame. Delivery of the air frames for flight testing was scheduled to occur every three weeks beginning in June 1959. Space Task Group had ordered all the major rocket motors, which were scheduled for delivery well ahead of the Little Joe flight test schedule. The spacecraft for this phase of the program was being designed and construction would start shortly. Thus the Little Joe program should meet its intended flight test schedule. References: 483. 1958 December 31 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 149. FAILURE: Failure. Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. References: 2. Previous Home Next Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments. Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site.. To contact astronauts or cosmonauts. © Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.