Chronology - Quarter 3 1959 home
topic index
PreviousHomeNext
1959 July 1 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-3, Saturn I, Saturn V.
  • Kiwi-A first experimental nuclear rocket tested. Nation: USA. Program: NERVA. The first experimental reactor (Kiwi-A) in the nuclear space rocket program operated successfully at full temperature and duration at Jackass Flats, Nev. References: 17.
1959 July 1 -
  • Mercury astronaut MASTIF training. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Project Mercury astronauts completed disorientation flights on three-axis space-flight simulator, the MASTIF (Multiple Axis Space Test Inertia Facility), at NASA Lewis Research Center. References: 17.
1959 July 1 - Launch Vehicle: Jupiter.
  • Jupiter launch vehicles in Project Mercury canceled Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. The order for Jupiter launch vehicles in support of Project Mercury was canceled because the same or better data could be obtained from Atlas flights. References: 483.
1959 July -
  • 1/14th-scale model of Mercury spacecraft tested at Mach 3.5. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. The Pilotless Aircraft Research Division of the Langley Research Center launched a 1/14th-scale model of the Mercury spacecraft at Wallops Island to a speed of Mach 3.5 and at an altitude of 40,000 feet. The model spacecraft went into a continuous tumble from separation to landing. References: 483.
1959 July -
  • First automatic stabilization and control system for the Mercury spacecraft delivered Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Minneapolis-Honeywell delivered the first automatic stabilization and control system for the Mercury spacecraft to McDonnell. References: 483.
1959 July 1-2 -
  • Mercury pressure suit compatibility evaluation. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury Space Suit. A pressure suit compatibility evaluation in the Mercury spacecraft mock-up was performed in suits submitted by the David Clark Company, B. F. Goodrich Company, and International Latex Company. Four subjects participated in the tests. References: 483.
July 1959 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1.
  • Chinese/Russian missile talks Nation: China. A second Chinese delegation goes to Russia to press for delivery of more tooling and machine tools for missile production.
Summer 1959 - Launch Vehicle: R-16.
  • Khrushchev tours Yuzhnoye facility and directs creation of Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN) Nation: USSR. Khrushchev tours Yangel’s missile factory at Dnepropetrovsk. At this time Yangel was developing the R-16, equipped with an autonomous inertial navigation unit -- while Korolev was still using radio guidance. Leonid Smirnov was manager of the factory (he would later be made Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers, reporting to Ustinov). The delegation included Rudnev, Kalmykov, Serbin, Nedelin and Podgorny. Yangel told the leaders to think of the R-16 as an R-12 stacked atop an R-14. In this way he was able to quickly develop an ICBM on the basis of existing rockets. He expected to have an R-16 test article ready for tests with the first ICBM silo by September 1959. Khrushchev was overjoyed and discussed his plans to create an entirely new branch of the service - the RVSN, Strategic Rocket Forces. The Soviet Union had no real equivalent to the US Strategic Air Command and the VVS Air Forces would not handle ballistic missiles correctly. He asked Nedelin to draw up a plan to create the new branch. There was no objection form the leadership or military chiefs. None of the military services wished to handle the missiles.
1959 July 2 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A.
  • R-2A flight Nation: USSR. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi). Carried dogs Otvazhnaya and Snezhinka, rabbit Marfusha. References: 2, 283, 344.
1959 July 2 - 06:40 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. LV Configuration: R-2A No. 9.
  • Ionosphere / aeronomy / biological mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 220 km (130 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 3 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan 1 B-3. FAILURE: Exploded during static testing.
  • Titan 1 B-3 Nation: USA. References: 2.
1959 July 3 - Launch Vehicle: RT-1.
  • Development of solid propellant ICBM begun. Nation: USSR. State Committee for Defence Technology (GKOT) Decree 'On attaching of TsNII-58 for solid-propellant work to OKB-1' was issued. References: 474.
1959 July 7 - 11:15 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin JV-1.
  • Test / particles mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSWC. Apogee: 1,045 km (649 mi). Four-stage Argo D4 rocket with an ARDC Javelin payload fired from Wallops Island to an altitude of 750 miles, first in a series of USAF-NASA launchings to measure natural radiation surrounding the earth. References: 2.
1959 July 8 - Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. Model: Juno II.
  • Jupiter deleted as Mercury launch vehicle. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. As developmental planning for Project Mercury evolved, NASA notified the Army that to reduce the variety of launching vehicles to Jupiter missile would not be used for Project Mercury tests. References: 17.
1959 July 9 -
  • Ion rocket tested. Nation: USA. NASA Lewis Research Center operated a research model of an ion rocket in a newly completed electric-rocket test facility designed for basic investigations into the problems associated with a reliable ion rocket with a minimum life of 1 year. References: 17.
1959 July 10 - 01:01 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-15.
  • Research and development test / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Fired from AMR at 2001 hours EST to test missile accuracy. All primary and secondary missions were successfully accomplished and impact was well within 1 nm of the pre-selected point, approximately 1,302 nm downrange -- a miss distance of only 0.48 nm short and 0.09 nm to the right. References: 2.
1959 July 10 - 04:47 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. LV Configuration: R-2A No. 10.
  • Solar ultraviolet / biology mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 12 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Instrumentation to measure noise level during the Mercury Big Joe-Atlas launching. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. An agreement was made with the Air Force for Space Task Group to place microphone pickups on the skin of the Atlas launch vehicle as a part of the instrumentation to measure noise level during the Big Joe-Atlas launching. Distribution of the microphones was as follows: one inside the Mercury spacecraft, three externally about midway of the launch vehicle, and one on the Atlas skirt. References: 483.
1959 July 14 - 03:40 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A.
  • Ionosphere / aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 14 - 17:45 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.65.
  • Solar x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 15 - Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7A.
  • Samara Filial 1 takes over design responsibility for R-7 and its derivatives. Nation: USSR. Decree 'On formation of the Design Department of OKB-1 at the Progress Plant in Kuibyshev' was issued. References: 474.
1959 July 16 - 17:37 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. Model: Juno II. LV Configuration: Juno II AM-16. FAILURE: Control lost after 5.5 sec. Destroyed by range safety.
  • Explorer S-1 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: S-1. Mass: 41 kg (90 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: S-1. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: F590716A. Decay Date: 1959-07-16. References: 126.
1959 July 18 - 18:15 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 No. 24.
  • GCh No. IZ-24 (III) test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). R-7 development test flight. (GCh No. IZ-24 (III)) References: 2.
1959 July 20 -
  • Mercury tracking station contractor selected. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. NASA selected Western Electric Co. to build worldwide network of tracking and ground instrument stations to be used in Project Mercury. References: 17.
1959 July 20 -
  • Western Electric Company selected for the Mercury tracking network. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Negotiations for construction of the Mercury tracking network were started with the Western Electric Company and their subcontractors (Bendix Aviation, International Business Machines, Bell Telephone Laboratories, and Burns and Roe), and a letter contract was signed on July 30, 1959, for the entire range. This included radar tracking; telemetry receiving, recording, and display; communications to both the spacecraft and surface stations; and the computing and control facilities. References: 483.
1959 July 20 - 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: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 21 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A.
  • Solar x-ray mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 105 km (65 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 21 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin JV-2. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSWC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 21 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A.
  • Ionosphere / aeronomy / solar x-ray mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 105 km (65 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 21 - 05:22 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas C. LV Configuration: Atlas C 8C.
  • Research and development / AFSWC-5 test / particles mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 900 km (550 mi). A full-scale USAF Atlas ICBM nose cone recovered for the first time after flight down the AMR. References: 2.
1959 July 21 - 07:33 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 203. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 21 - 14:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A.
  • Ionosphere / aeronomy / solar x-ray mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 105 km (65 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 21 - 14:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi NN3.23F.
  • Solar ultraviolet / x-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 197 km (122 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 22 -
  • Goodrich selected for the Mercury astronaut pressure suit Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury Space Suit. The B. F. Goodrich Company was selected as the contractor to design and develop the Mercury astronaut pressure suit. Company technology in this field dated back to 1934, when it developed the first rubber stratosphere flying suit for attempts at setting altitude records. References: 483.
1959 July 22 -
  • Mercury boilerplate pad abort flight Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. A successful pad abort flight of a Mercury boilerplate spacecraft with a production version of the escape tower and rocket was made. The escape rocket motor was manufactured by Grand Central Rocket, and the flight was the first operational test of this component. References: 483.
1959 July 22 - 01:14 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A.
  • Ionosphere / aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 211 km (131 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 22 - 04:02 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone CC-2003. FAILURE: Control system malfunction during re-entry at 380 sec.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Missile test failure. Missed aimpoint by 684 m. References: 2.
1959 July 23 -
  • Maneuverable Recoverable Space Vehicle (MRSV) Nation: USA. Program: Horizon. Spacecraft: MRSV. Advanced Research Projects Agency representatives visited Army Ordnance Missile Command to discuss studies of a Maneuverable Recoverable Space Vehicle (MRSV). The general purpose was to identify U.S. space needs before 1970 which might require vehicles of this type. References: 16.
1959 July 24 - 12:47 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 202.
  • Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). USAF Thor data capsule recovered near Antigua which contained movie film showing nose cone separation. References: 2.
1959 July 24 - 16:34 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.67.
  • Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 227 km (141 mi). References: 2.
1959 July 28 - Launch Vehicle: Little Joe.
  • Second beach abort test leading to the Mercury Little Joe test series. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. A boilerplate spacecraft, instrumented to measure sound pressure level and vibration, was launched in the second beach abort test leading to the Little Joe test series. The purpose of the instrumentation was to obtain measurement of the vibration and sound environment encountered on the capsule during the firing of the Grand Central abort rocket. Memo, Charles A. Hardesty to NASA Langley IRD files, subject: Sound Measurements on the Second Beach Abort Test on the Little Joe Capsule, Oct. 9, 1959. References: 483.
1959 July 29 - 04:10 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 11D.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). First Atlas successful D missile flight. References: 2.
1959 July 30 -
  • Contract to Western Electric for the Mercury tracking and ground instrumentation system. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Letter Contract NASA 1-430 was awarded to the Western Electric Company for construction of the Mercury tracking and ground instrumentation system. References: 483.
1959 July 30 - 04:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 No. 041082.
  • GCh (III) test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). First successful flight of series production model. References: 2.
1959 August 1 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Static firing of the first Saturn planned for early 1960 Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) directed the Army Ordnance Missile Command to proceed with the static firing of the first Saturn vehicle, the test booster SA-T, in early calendar year 1960 in accordance with the $70 million program and not to accelerate for a January 1960 firing. ARPA asked to be informed of the scheduled firing date. References: 16.
1959 August 3 - 21:41 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 175.
  • IWST Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 5 - 02:05 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone CC-2004. FAILURE: Pre-launch tanking error caused early cut-off by fuel depletion.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Missile test failure. Missed aimpoint by 2,707 m. References: 2.
1959 August 6 -
  • F-102 for Mercury astronaut flight proficiency Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Four F-102 aircraft were made available for use by the Mercury astronauts to maintain proficiency in high performance vehicles. References: 483.
1959 August 6 - 02:48 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 208.
  • Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 7 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Arcon. LV Configuration: Arcon NASA 2.06GT. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 104 km (64 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 7 - 14:24 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Able III. LV Configuration: Thor Able III 134.
  • Explorer 6 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: S-2. Mass: 64 kg (141 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: S-2. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 245 km (152 mi). Apogee: 42,400 km (26,300 mi). Inclination: 47.00 deg. Period: 765.00 min. COSPAR: 1959-Delta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 15. Decay Date: 1961-06-30. First Earth photo; radiation data. References: 2, 6.
1959 August 7 - 17:05 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.68CF.
  • Solar x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 11 - 18:01 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 14D.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 12 -
  • NASA's future manned space program Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The STG New Projects Panel (proposed by H. Kurt Strass in June) held its first meeting to discuss NASA's future manned space program. Present were Strass, Chairman, Alan B. Kehlet, William S. Augerson, Jack Funk, and other STG members. Strass summarized the philosophy behind NASA's proposed objective of a manned lunar landing : maximum utilization of existing technology in a series of carefully chosen projects, each of which would provide a firm basis for the next step and be a significant advance in its own right. Additional Details: NASA's future manned space program. References: 16.
1959 August 12 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier ASROC Cajun. LV Configuration: Terrier ASROC Cajun Terasca. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Ultraviolet Scanner test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1959 August 13 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena A. LV Configuration: Thor Agena A 192 / Agena A 1029.
  • Discoverer 5 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-1 9002 / Agena A 1029. Mass: 781 kg (1,721 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: DARPA. Perigee: 214 km (132 mi). Apogee: 731 km (454 mi). Inclination: 79.90 deg. Period: 94.10 min. COSPAR: 1959-Epsilon-1. USAF Sat Cat: 18. Decay Date: 1959-09-28. KH-1; 1st generation low resolution photo surveillance; film capsule boosted into higher orbit, decayed 2/11/61. Mission failed. Power supply failure. No recovery. References: 2, 6.
  • Discoverer 5 Capsule Nation: USA. Payload: KH-1 9002 Capsule. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 218 km (135 mi). Apogee: 1,700 km (1,000 mi). Inclination: 78.90 deg. Period: 104.30 min. COSPAR: 1959-Epsilon-2. USAF Sat Cat: 26. Decay Date: 1961-02-11. KH-1; 1st generation low resolution photo surveillance; film capsule boosted into higher orbit, decayed 2/11/61. Mission failed. Power supply failure. No recovery. References: 2, 6.
1959 August 13 - 23:14 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7.
  • GCh No. IZ-25 (III) test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 14 -
  • Negotiations for the fabrication of six additional Mercury spacecraft. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. NASA Headquarters approved a Space Task Group proposal that negotiations be undertaken with McDonnell for the fabrication of six additional Mercury spacecraft. References: 483.
1959 August 14 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 204.
  • Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 14 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC19. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I B-5. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1959 August 14 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.69CF.
  • Solar x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 237 km (147 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 14 - 19:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris AX. LV Configuration: Polaris AX-13.
  • SMS test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 14 - 19:36 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC10W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 190. FAILURE: Failure.
  • IWST Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1959 August 15 -
  • Mercury astronauts began their initial centrifuge training Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. The astronauts began their initial centrifuge training at the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory. During the first part of the month Space Task Group personnel had installed and checked out Mercury spacecraft simulation equipment at the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory in preparation for the astronaut centrifuge training program. References: 483.
1959 August 15 - 00:31 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. Model: Juno II. LV Configuration: Juno II AM-19B. FAILURE: First stage shut down too early; no attitude control for upper stages.
  • Beacon 2 Nation: USA. Mass: 5.00 kg (11.00 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Beacon 1. Agency: U.S. Navy. COSPAR: F590815A. Decay Date: 1959-08-14. References: 126.
1959 August 17 - 09:18 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NASA 03.13CA.
  • Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 236 km (146 mi). NIKE-ASP sounding rocket provided geophysical information on wind activity between 80 and 300 km high was launched successfully from NASA Wallops Station. References: 2.
1959 August 18 -
  • First major new NASA project to be a second-generation reentry capsule Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. At its second meeting, STG's New Projects Panel decided that the first major project to be investigated would be the second-generation reentry capsule. The Panel was presented a chart outlining the proposed sequence of events for manned lunar mission system analysis. The target date for a manned lunar landing was 1970. References: 16.
1959 August 19 - 00:20 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL17.
  • LangP Ionosphere mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 144 km (89 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 19 - 19:24 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena A. LV Configuration: Thor Agena A 200 / Agena A 1028.
  • Discoverer 6 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-1 9003 / Agena A 1028. Mass: 783 kg (1,726 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: DARPA. Perigee: 207 km (128 mi). Apogee: 846 km (525 mi). Inclination: 83.90 deg. Period: 95.10 min. COSPAR: 1959-Zeta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 19. Decay Date: 1959-10-20. KH-1; 1st generation low resolution photo surveillance; film capsule recovery failed. Mission failed. Retro rockets malfunctioned negating recovery. References: 2, 6.
1959 August 21 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Little Joe. Model: Little Joe 1 4P. LV Configuration: Little Joe 1-4P LJ-1. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Mercury LJ-1 Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). During the countdown of the first programed Little Joe launching (LJ-1 beach abort test) at Wallops Island, the escape rocket fired prematurely 31 minutes before the scheduled launch. The spacecraft rose to an altitude of 2,000 feet and landed about 2,000 feet from the launch site. Premature firing was caused by a faulty escape circuit. References: 2.
1959 August 22 - 00:45 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AA3.101C.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 230 km (140 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 22 - 02:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.70CF.
  • Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 24 - 15:53 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas C. LV Configuration: Atlas C 11C.
  • Research and development / AFSWC-6 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,400 km (800 mi). Last successful Atlas C flight (11C); 9C exploded one month later during the Able static firing. References: 2.
1959 August 24 - 22:47 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.71CF.
  • Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 26 - 17:35 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus A. LV Configuration: Nike Zeus A 101 1. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1959 August 27 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-19.
  • Short range research and development mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). A short range (300 nm) IRBM, was fired from AMR at 2030 hours EST. The nose cone impacted 0.03 nm short and, 0.22 nm to the right, of the intended target. This was the first Jupiter missile to be programmed for a short range flight. All primary and secondary missions were accomplished. References: 2.
1959 August 27 - 12:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 216.
  • Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 27 - 16:52 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris AX. LV Configuration: Polaris AX-22.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 28 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Additional Atlas launch vehicles in support of Project Mercury. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. NASA Headquarters authorized the Space Task Group to enter into negotiations with the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division for the procurement of additional Atlas launch vehicles in support of Project Mercury. The authorization was to be incorporated into Contract No. HS-36. References: 483.
1959 August 28 - 16:10 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.72CF.
  • Solar x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 214 km (132 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 28 - 18:45 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AA3.122C.
  • Extreme ultraviolet / RPA Ionosphere / solar extreme ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 235 km (146 mi). References: 2.
1959 August 31 -
  • Lunar flights to originate from space platforms in earth orbit Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. A House Committee Staff Report stated that lunar flights would originate from space platforms in earth orbit according to current planning. The final decision on the method to be used, "which must be made soon," would take into consideration the difficulty of space rendezvous between a space platform and space vehicles as compared with the difficulty of developing single vehicles large enough to proceed directly from the earth to the moon. References: 16.
1959 August 31 - 22:53 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.73CF.
  • Sunflare II Solar x-ray / solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 1 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Atlas D ICBM operational. Nation: USA. USAF Atlas ICBM officially declared operational and taken over by the Strategic Air Command, at Vandenberg AFB. References: 17, 278.
1959 September 1 -
  • Mercury spacecraft modified to withstand lunar reentry conditions Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Mercury. McDonnell Aircraft Corporation reported to NASA the results of several company-funded studies of follow-on experiments using Mercury spacecraft with heatshields modified to withstand lunar reentry conditions. In one experiment, a Centaur booster would accelerate a Mercury spacecraft plus a third stage into an eccentric earth orbit with an apogee of about 1,200 miles, so that the capsule would reenter at an angle similar to that required for reentry from lunar orbit. The third stage would then fire, boosting the spacecraft to a speed of 36,000 feet per second as it reentered the atmosphere. References: 16.
1959 September 1 -
  • McDonnell report on a modified Mercury capsule to explore problems of space flight. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury Mark I. McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, St. Louis, Missouri, issued a report on the company's studies using a modified Mercury capsule to explore some problems of space flight beyond the initial manned exploration of space through Mercury. The 300-page report discussed six follow-on experiments: touchdown control, maneuver in orbit, self-contained guidance, 14-day mission, manned reconnaissance, and lunar-orbit reentry. These were more in the nature of technically supported suggestions than firm proposals, but all six experiments could be conducted with practical modifications of Mercury capsules.
1959 September -
  • MIT study of the guidance and control design for a variety of space missions Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. A study of the guidance and control design for a variety of space missions began at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory under a NASA contract. References: 16.
1959 September -
  • PKA Spaceplane Draft Project Completed Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: PKA. The Tsybin bureau was closed down shortly after the draft project was completed. Tsybin and his staff transferred to the Myasishchev bureau in October 1959 (which had its own on-going VKA-23 winged spacecraft project). The Myasishchev bureau was then in turn closed and the staff transferred to Filial 1 of Chelomei’s OKB-52 bureau in 1960. Tsybin’s work on the PKA was passed to the Mikoyan bureau and formed the starting point for the design of the Spiral spaceplane.
1959 September 1 - 01:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.74CF.
  • Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 1 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.75CF.
  • Ionosphere / plasma / solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 2 - Launch Vehicle: Little Joe. Model: Little Joe 1 4P. FAILURE: Emergency escape rocket fired 30 minutes before planned launch.
  • Mercury LJ-1 Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Launching of Mercury capsule mockup from Wallops Station to test the escape and recovery systems; emergency escape rocket accidentally fired 30 minutes before scheduled firing of the Little Joe booster. References: 17, 278.
1959 September 2 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Mayak-1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: R-12. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1959 September 2 - 00:03 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NN8.76CF.
  • Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 5 - 15:27 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 1. LV Configuration: Black Brant I BB-1-01.
  • PTV-1 test Nation: Canada. Agency: CARDE. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 9 - 08:19 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 10D. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Mercury BJ-1 Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 153 km (95 mi). NASA boilerplate model of Mercury capsule successfully launched on an Atlas (Big Joe) missile from AMR and recovered in South Atlantic after surviving reentry heat of more than 10,000°F. References: 2.
1959 September 9 - 17:50 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576A2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 12D.
  • Initial operational capability demonstration launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). First SAC operational (IOC) launch, 576th SMS, successful: impacted within one mile of target near Wake Island, a 4,480 nautical mile flight. Afterwards, General Thomas S. Power, Commander in Chief of Strategic Air Command, declared the Atlas system to be operational. References: 2.
1959 September 10-11 -
  • Mercury spacecraft mock-up review Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. At a spacecraft mock-up review, the astronauts submitted several recommended changes. These involved a new instrument panel, a forward centerline window, and an explosive side egress hatch. References: 483.
1959 September 11 - 19:12 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.08GI.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 227 km (141 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 12 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 217.
  • Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 12 - 06:39 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Luna 8K72. LV Configuration: Vostok-L 8K72 I1-7B.
  • Luna 2 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-1A s/n 6. Mass: 387 kg (853 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-1A. Agency: MVS. COSPAR: 1959-Xi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 114. Decay Date: 1959-09-13. First probe to impact lunar surface. Delivered a pennant to the surface of the Moon and conducted research during flight to the Moon. Impacted Moon 13 Sep 1959 at 22:02:04 UT, Latitude 29.10 N, Longitude 0.00 - Palus Putredinis, east of Mare Serenitatis near the Aristides, Archimedes, and Autolycus craters. After launch and attainment of escape velocity, Luna 2 separated from its third stage, which travelled along with it towards the Moon. On 13 September the spacecraft released a bright orange cloud of sodium gas which aided in spacecraft tracking and acted as an experiment on the behavior of gas in space. On 14 September, after 33.5 hours of flight, radio signals from Luna 2 abruptly ceased, indicating it had impacted on the Moon. Some 30 minutes after Luna 2, the third stage of its rocket also impacted the Moon. The mission confirmed that the Moon had no appreciable magnetic field, and found no evidence of radiation belts at the Moon. References: 2, 6, 175, 296.
1959 September 14 - 17:27 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.07GI.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 218 km (135 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 15 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1.
  • First missile factories built. Nation: China. Program: Long March. First Chinese missile production factories built: Shenyang (missile frames) Nancheng (engines). References: 87.
1959 September 15 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: TL1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1AT. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Silo test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Fuel for 3 seconds only, tethered launch References: 2.
1959 September 15 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 15 - 21:45 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-23. FAILURE: The flight was erratic at lift-off and the missile destroyed itself after 13 seconds, just before command destruct. Failure of a silver soldered connection joint to the pressure sphere caused destruction of the missile.
  • Bioflight 3 Biological mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Scheduled for launch at 0430 hours EST, was fired from AMR at 1645 hours EST. The nose cane housed several NASA biological specimens, including 14 mice. References: 2.
1959 September 16-18 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3C.
  • Plans for advanced launch vehicles Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The ARPA-NASA Booster Evaluation Committee appointed by Herbert F. York, DOD Director of Defense Research and Engineering, April 15, 1959, convened to review plans for advanced launch vehicles. A comparison of the Saturn (C-1) and the Titan-C boosters showed that the Saturn, with its substantially greater payload capacity, would be ready at least one year sooner than the Titan-C. In addition, the cost estimates on the Titan-C proved to be unrealistic. On the basis of the Advanced Research Projects Agency presentation, York agreed to continue the Saturn program but, following the meeting, began negotiations with NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan to transfer the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (and, therefore, Saturn ) to NASA. References: 16.
1959 September 17 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Able II. LV Configuration: Thor Able II-M1 136. FAILURE: Third stage failed.
  • Transit 1A Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Payload: Transit 1A. Mass: 119 kg (262 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: DARPA. COSPAR: F590917A. Decay Date: 1959-09-17. First Transit test satellite; failed to reach orbit. References: 126.
1959 September 17 - 00:12 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL12.
  • Mass spectrometer / La / Solar X Ionosphere-solar mission Ionosphere-solar mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 17 - 02:09 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 17D. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 17 - 16:08 GMT - Launch Site: Rosamund Dry Lake DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.7 N x 118.1 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 2-1-3. FAILURE: Turbopump failure and fire.
  • X-15A test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). First flight for X-15 # 2. First powered flight. Maximum Speed - 2241 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15954 m. Turbopump case failure resulted in fire in engine compartment. References: 2.
1959 September 17 - 18:37 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.02II.
  • DRTE.01 Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 256 km (159 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 17 - 21:09 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 228.
  • IWST Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 18 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: ALA3. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone 1018.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Successful missile test. Missed aimpoint by 228 m. References: 2.
1959 September 18 - 05:20 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18A. Launch Pad: LC18A. Launch Vehicle: Vanguard. Model: Vanguard. LV Configuration: Vanguard X-248 SLV-7.
  • Vanguard 3 Nation: USA. Program: Vanguard. Payload: Vanguard 3C / Magne-Ray satellite. Mass: 23 kg (50 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Vanguard 3. Agency: U.S. Navy. Perigee: 512 km (318 mi). Apogee: 3,413 km (2,120 mi). Inclination: 33.40 deg. Period: 126.40 min. COSPAR: 1959-Eta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 20. Radiation, micrometeoroid data. Third stage failed to separate from payload. The TV-4BU burned-out third stage was left attached to the payload since the fiberglas case did not adversely affect the experiments. References: 2, 6.
1959 September 18 - 16:02 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 I1-1T.
  • Phase 3 test flight Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). R-7 development test flight. References: 2.
1959 September 20 - 17:35 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.03II. FAILURE: Failure.
  • DRTE.02 Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 21 -
  • Effects of sustained acceleration on the pilot's ability to control a vehicle. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Between September 21 and October 10, 1959, a research program was carried out by the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory to measure the effects of sustained acceleration on the pilot's ability to control a vehicle. Various side-arm controllers were used, and it appeared that the three-axis type (yaw, roll, and pitch) was the most satisfactory. Later this configuration was extensively evaluated and adopted for use in the control system of the Mercury spacecraft. References: 483.
1959 September 21 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-1.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 22 - Launch Site: AMR DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 29.0 N x 79.0 W. Launch Vehicle: High Virgo. FAILURE: Failure.
  • High Virgo satellite interceptor mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 22 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 100. LV Configuration: Aerobee 100 AA1.260C.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 110 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 22 - 18:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 222.
  • Series IV research and development launch/Ionosphere/Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 24 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas C Able. LV Configuration: Atlas C Able 9C / Able-5. FAILURE: Vehicle exploded on pad.
  • Atlas C Able explodes on pad during static test. Nation: USA. Program: Pioneer. Agency: USAF. A participant remembers:

    I live near the Cape on Merritt Island and have been here for about 41 years. I worked for the ARMA Corp that developed the Atlas Inertial Guidance System. I was in the Blockhouse at Complex 11 while a static test was performed on an Atlas Able on Complex 12. It did explode. Did it ever! After a couple of hours the six of us were allowed out of the blockhouse and saw all the damage to our complex...I had a tiny piece of that missile for a long time that somehow wound up on my person...labeled 9C.

    The next Atlas Able would not fly until over a year later, using the Atlas D as the booster stage. References: 567.

1959 September 24 - 00:29 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL15.
  • Mass spectrometer / SpE Ionosphere-solar mission Ionosphere-solar mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 158 km (98 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 28 -
  • Lenticular-shaped vehicle proposed for the lunar mission Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. At the third meeting of STG's New Projects Panel, Alan B. Kehlet presented suggestions for the multimanned reentry capsule. A lenticular-shaped vehicle was proposed, to ferry three occupants safely to earth from a lunar mission at a velocity of about 36,000 feet per second. References: 16.
1959 September 28 - 1959 September 29 - 10:59 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.203C.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 124 km (77 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 30 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC84. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: R-14.
  • First flight of R-14 missile. Nation: USSR. References: 89.
1959 September 30 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Asp. LV Configuration: Terrier Asp Tarp.
  • Ultraviolet Scanner test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1959 September 30 - 10:57 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.204C.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi). References: 2.
PreviousHomeNext
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.