Chronology - Quarter 4 1959

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Previous Home Next 1959 October 1 - Funds approved for major changes to the Mercury spacecraft Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Funds were approved by NASA Headquarters for the following major changes to the Mercury spacecraft: egress hatch installation (CCP-58-1), astronaut observation window installation (CCP-73); rate stabilization and control system (CCP-61-2), main instrument and panel redesign (CCP-76), installation of reefed ringsail landing parachute (CCP-41), and nonspecification configurations of spacecraft (CCP-8). With reference to the last item, the original contract with McDonnell had specified only one spacecraft configuration, but the various research and development flight tests required changes in the configuration. References: 483. 1959 October - Mercury air-supplied launch-vehicle control system. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. North American Aviation and Minneapolis-Honeywell were notified to proceed with the production of hardware for an air-supplied launch-vehicle control system. References: 483. 1959 October - McDonnell received the first Mercury ablative heat shield Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. McDonnell received the first ablative heat shield, designated for installation on Spacecraft No. 1. This particular heat shield was based on the Big Joe design, and was manufactured by General Electric. References: 483. October 1959 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1. Project 1059 Nation: China. Nie Rongzhen, Senior Commander of the Revolution responsible for strategic weapons, orders the Fifth Academy to quit wasting time on trying to leapfrog Soviet technology and concentrate on copying the Russian R-2. Code name for the project is 1059. 1959 October 1 - 01:28 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-24. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Fired from AMR at 2028 hours EST. The primary mission of impacting the nose cone in a pre-calculated target area was successfully accomplished . The missile covered a pre-calculated range of 1,299.4 nm, with the nose cone impacting within 1.25 nm of the predicted point. In addition to the usual ST-90 Stabiliser Platform, the missile carried a second system for relative accuracy and for drift investigations. It also housed a telemetry system. A significant mission was to determine environmental flight conditions. References: 2. 1959 October 1 - 10:49 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.210C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 138 km (85 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 2 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 2/4. Burya flight 12 Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 17 km (10 mi). First flight with propellant in tank 4 of the cruise stage. Boosters featured an improved main engines without OT-155 valve (S2.1150 replacing S2.1100). The cruise stage used the improved RD-012U ramjet in place of the previous RD-012. The first stage operated faultlessly and separation was normal without vibrations. Ignition of the cruise stage occurred at Mach 2.87 at 16.8 km altitude. The SVD Air Sensor System worked abnormally, so the decision was made to disconnect the SVD sensors and fly the mission using only the astronavigation system and hold inertial velocity to Mach 3.15-3.2. The flight continued to T+10 minutes 17 seconds and the planned flight program was completed. References: 2. 1959 October 2 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: TL1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1AT. Silo test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2. 1959 October 2 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.211C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 143 km (88 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 3 - 11:03 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.202C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 4 - 00:43 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Luna 8K72. LV Configuration: Vostok-L 8K72 I1-8. Luna 3 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-2A s/n 1. Mass: 279 kg (615 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-3. Agency: MVS. COSPAR: 1959-Theta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 21. Decay Date: 1960-04-20. Luna 3 was the third spacecraft successfully launched to the Moon and the first to return images of the lunar far side. It was launched on a figure-eight trajectory which brought it over the Moon (closest approach to the Moon was 6200 km) and around the far side, which was sunlit at the time. It was stabilized while in optical view of the far side of the Moon. On October 7, 1959, the television system obtained a series of 29 photographs over 40 minutes, covering 70% of the surface, that were developed on-board the spacecraft. The photographs were scanned and 17 were radio transmitted to ground stations in facsimile form on October 18, 1959, as the spacecraft, in a barycentric orbit, returned near the Earth. The photographs were to be retransmitted at another point close to Earth but were not received. The spacecraft returned very indistinct pictures, but, through computer enhancement, a tentative atlas of the lunar farside was produced. These first views of the lunar far side showed mountainous terrain, very different from the near side, and two dark regions which were named Mare Moscovrae (Sea of Moscow) and Mare Desiderii (Sea of Dreams). References: 2, 6, 175, 296. 1959 October 4 - 10:00 GMT - 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-6. Spacecraft test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 59 km (36 mi). NASA Little Joe launch vehicle carrying a boilerplate Mercury capsule with a dummy escape system successfully launched from Wallops Station, Va. References: 2. 1959 October 5 - 11:01 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.212C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 127 km (78 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 6 - 05:55 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 18D. Mk 3 Mod 1 re-entry vehicle research and development mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 6 - 16:41 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 235. Series IV research and development launch/Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 6 - 18:26 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LE-8. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 239. IWST Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 9 - 08:40 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.209C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 143 km (88 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 9 - 11:17 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.213C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 143 km (88 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 10 - 03:10 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 22D. Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 10 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee AJ10-34. LV Configuration: Aerobee AJ10-34 AA2.102C. Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 111 km (68 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 12 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.208C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 123 km (76 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 12 - 10:12 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.216C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 123 km (76 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 13 - Explorer VII Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Explorer VII achieved orbit and began providing significant geophysical information on solar and earth radiation, magnetic storms, and micrometeorite penetration. This satellite also successfully demonstrated a method of controlling internal temperatures. References: 483. 1959 October 13 - Launch Site: AMR DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 29.0 N x 79.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Bold Orion. Model: Bold Orion 2. LV Configuration: Bold Orion-2. Interceptor mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 13 - 11:17 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.214C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 13 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. Model: Juno II. LV Configuration: Juno II AM-19A. Explorer 7 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: S-1A. Mass: 42 kg (92 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: S-1. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 523 km (324 mi). Apogee: 857 km (532 mi). Inclination: 50.30 deg. Period: 98.60 min. COSPAR: 1959-Iota-1. USAF Sat Cat: 22. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space. Returned magnetic field and solar flare data. References: 2, 6. 1959 October 14 - 04:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 221. Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 15 - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 15 - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 15 - 11:05 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.207C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 16 - 11:17 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.215C. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 139 km (86 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 17 - 18:13 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 2-2-6. FAILURE: Fire in engine bay, gear door failure. X-15A test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). Maximum Speed - 2283 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18831 m. Nose gear door failed on landing. References: 2. 1959 October 20 - 14:25 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee AJ10-34. LV Configuration: Aerobee AJ10-34 AA2.240C. Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 113 km (70 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 21 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Transfer to NASA of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency's Development Operations Division Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. After a meeting with officials concerned with the missile and space program, President Dwight D. Eisenhower announced that he intended to transfer to NASA control the Army Ballistic Missile Agency's Development Operations Division personnel and facilities. The transfer, subject to congressional approval, would include the Saturn development program. References: 16. 1959 October 21 - 22:57 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 220. IWST Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 22 - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: CERES. Launch Vehicle: Antares. Model: OPd-56-39-22D. LV Configuration: OPd-56-39-22D 002. Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 22 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: TL1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1AT. Silo test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2. 1959 October 22 - Launch Site: Aberporth. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Leopard. LV Configuration: Leopard L2B. FAILURE: Failure. Test mission Nation: UK. Agency: RAE. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2. 1959 October 22 - 03:20 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM CM-31. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). The first full range tactical prototype, was fired from AMR at 2220 hours EST. All missions assigned to the flight was successfully accomplished. The missile covered a prescribed range of 1,600.448 nm, with the nose cone impacting 0.9 nm short and 0.6 nm to the right. This was the fourth Chrysler-assembled missile to be flight tested. References: 2. 1959 October 22 - 17:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 267432. Phase 3 test flight Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 25 - 17:32 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 267434. Phase 3 test flight Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 25 - 17:44 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300 AA10.184C. Utah ne probe Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 386 km (239 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 28 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Prototype Echo balloon launched. Nation: USA. 100-foot-diameter inflatable sphere launched on a suborbital test flight from NASA Wallops Station, Va., to an altitude of 250 miles by a first Sergeant-Delta rocket; aluminum-coated Mylar-plastic sphere to be used as passive electronic reflector in Echo was developed by NASA Langley's Space Vehicle Group under the direction of William J. O'Sullivan. References: 17. 1959 October 28 - 14:47 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300 AA10.185C. Utah ne probe Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 135 km (83 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 28 - 22:40 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. Model: Shotput. LV Configuration: Shotput 1. E60 Echo spacecraft test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA LaRC. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 29 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC22. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Mace. LV Configuration: Mace 56-2884. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 29 - 02:12 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 230. Series IV research and development launch/Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 29 - 07:20 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 26D. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). USAF Atlas successfully launched from Cape Canaveral carrying a nose-cone camera which took a series of photographs of the earth's cloud cover from a 300-mile altitude. References: 2. 1959 October 30 - 11:49 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA5A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Knight. Model: Black Knight 201. LV Configuration: Black Knight-201 BK.06. Research and development / Reentry Test / chemical release mission Nation: UK. Agency: RAE. Apogee: 732 km (454 mi). References: 2. 1959 October 31 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. First R-7 missiles go on alert at Plesetsk. Nation: USSR. References: 89. 1959 November 1 - Mercury spacesuit delivered. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Prototype Goodrich full-pressure Mercury astronaut suits (modified Navy Mark IV) were delivered to NASA. Navy Air Crew Equipment Laboratory (NACEL) of Philadelphia fitted suits and indoctrinated the astronauts on their use. References: 17. 1959 November 1 - Launch Site: Cuxhaven. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kumulus. First Kumulus launch Nation: Germany. The first launch of a Kumulus rocket is made to 15 km altitude carrying a radio-transmitter built by Professor Max Ehmert of the Max Planck Institute. The rocket had a mass of 30.3 kg, produced 508 kgf, and reached 700 m/s. However due to the batteries becoming too cold during launch preparations, the transmitter did not function and the rocket could not be tracked. 1959 November 1 - Launch Site: Sea-launched. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: UNKPL. Launch Vehicle: R-13. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1959 November - Douglas contacted by Daily Mail newspaper on ideas for space stations. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Ideal Home Station. Douglas Aircraft Co., Inc., was visited by a representative of the London Daily Mail newspaper who was visiting several companies to collect ideas for space stations. The Daily Mail held a highly promoted public exhibition each year called the 'London Daily Mail Home Show,' and wanted to have 'A Home in Space' as the theme for the 1959 show. Douglas offered to do a full design study (including mockup details) for him, and after visiting several other companies he returned and informed Douglas they had won the 'competition.' Additional Details: Douglas contacted by Daily Mail newspaper on ideas for space stations.. 1959 November - Mercury first manned development system tests Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury, Mercury Space Suit. The first manned development system tests were completed at the AiResearch Manufacturing Division, Garrett Corporation. Tests were conducted in the altitude chamber to determine proper functioning of all system valves and components. A McDonnell subject was clothed in a Mercury-type presure suit for these tests. Preliminary data from these tests indicated that the system functioned satisfactorily. References: 483. 1959 November - Mercury full-pressure suits delivered. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury Space Suit. Between November 1959 and January 1960, 10 developmental Mercury full-pressure suits were delivered. These suits were used in various Mercury training and development programs. Several problem areas were denoted. One involved stretching which complicated the suit mobility problem. This matter was being investigated, and one of the solutions was felt to be undersizing to allow for a suit growth factor. In addition, modifications would have to be made in suit insulation to provide for better pilot mobility. These problems were to be expected in a developmental program. References: 483. 1959 November 1 - 21:23 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 No. 267431. Phase 3 test flight Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). Flight over full missile design range. References: 2. 1959 November 2 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Transfer of Saturn I project to NASA announced. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. President Eisenhower announced his intention of transferring the Saturn project to NASA, which became effective on March 15, 1960. References: 17, 27. 1959 November 2 - Planning of advanced spacecraft systems begun Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. At an STG meeting, it was decided to begin planning of advanced spacecraft systems. Three primary assignments were made: The preliminary design of a multi-man (probably three-man) capsule for a circumlunar mission, with particular attention to the use of the capsule as a temporary space laboratory, lunar landing cabin, and deep-space probe; Mission analysis studies to establish exit and reentry corridors, weights, and propulsion requirements; Test program planning to decide on the number and purpose of launches. Additional Details: Planning of advanced spacecraft systems begun. References: 16. 1959 November 2 - Dyna-Soar development plan to use a new three-step approach. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Dyna-Soar project office formulated a new three-step approach, involving the development of a suborbital glider, an orbital system, and an operational weapon system. It represeneted an agreed compromise with the Secretary of Defence on the role of Dynasoar. Step 1 would involve suborbital tests of a manned glider, weighing between 2980 and 4270 kg, boosted by a Titan I ICBM. Step 2 would involve use of the larger Titan C booster to take the same vehicle up to orbital velocity. Step 3 would be an operational weapons system, boosted by the Titan C. The schedule agreed was for 19 air-drops of the glider from a B-52 to begin in April 1962; the first unmanned suborbital flight in April 1962; the first of 8 manned suborbital flights in July 1963; and the first manned orbital flight from LC40 at Cape Canaveral in August 1965. 1959 November 3 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 238. Series IV research and development launch/Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 4 - 14:30 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Little Joe. Model: Little Joe 1 2P. LV Configuration: Little Joe 1-2P LJ-1A. Mercury LJ-1A Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Little Joe 1-A (LJ-1A) was launched in a test for a planned abort under high aerodynamic load conditions. This flight was a repeat of the Little Joe (LJ-1) that had been planned for August 21, 1959 (escape rocket fired 31 min before the intended launch of the Little Joe launch vehicle). After lift-off, the pressure sensing system was to supply a signal when the intended abort dynamic pressure was reached (about 30 sec after launch). An electrical impulse was then sent to the explosive bolts to separate the spacecraft from the launch vehicle. Up to this point, the operation went as planned, but the impulse was also designed to start the igniter in the escape motor. The igniter activated, but pressure failed to build up in the motor until a number of seconds had elapsed. Thus the abort maneuver, the prime mission of the flight, was accomplished at a dynamic pressure that was too low. For this reason a repeat of the test was planned. All other events from the launch through recovery occurred without incident. The flight attained an altitude of 9 statute miles, a range of 11.5 statute miles, and a speed of 2,021.6 miles per hour. References: 2. 1959 November 4 - 21:37 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 28D. Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 5 - Mercury astronauts fitted with pressure suits. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury Space Suit. The astronauts were fitted with pressure suits and indoctrinated as to use at the B. F. Goodrich Company, Akron, Ohio. References: 483. 1959 November 5 - 00:38 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM CM-33. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Fired from AMR at 1938 hours EST to a pre-selected range of 1,299.4 nm. The nose cone impacted 0.56 nm short and 0.09 nm right of the impact point. The test successfully accomplished all intended missions. This was the first highly successful, Chrysler-assembled Jupiter fired in the test program sad was the first fired without static firing. References: 2. 1959 November 5 - 17:39 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 2-3-9. FAILURE: Engine fire and explosion, fuselage failure on landing. X-15A test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 13 km (8 mi). Engine fire; fuselage structural failure on landing. Aircraft returned to North American for rebuild. Maximum Speed - 1062 kph. Maximum Altitude - 13857 m. References: 2. 1959 November 6 - 07:25 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NN2.78C. Airglow Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 6 - 16:36 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300 AA10.187C. Utah ne probe Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 393 km (244 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 7 - 20:28 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena A. LV Configuration: Thor Agena A 206 / Agena A 1051. Discoverer 7 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-1 9004 / Agena A 1051. Mass: 794 kg (1,750 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: DARPA. Perigee: 158 km (98 mi). Apogee: 820 km (500 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 94.40 min. COSPAR: 1959-Kappa-1. USAF Sat Cat: 24. Decay Date: 1959-11-26. KH-1; 1st generation low resolution photo surveillance; satellite tumbled; film capsule not recovered. Mission failed. Failed to achieve orbit. References: 2, 6. 1959 November 8 - Design of the Mercury Control Center was completed. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Between this date and December 5, 1959, the tentative design and layout of the Mercury Control Center to be used to monitor the orbiting flight of the Mercury spacecraft were completed. The control center would have trend charts to indicate the astronaut's condition and world map displays to keep continuous track of the Mercury spacecraft. References: 483. 1959 November 9 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. Contractor selection for Dynasoar and Titan I announced. Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Boeing and Martin selected by USAF to develop Dynasoar and Titan I launch vehicle. The compromise project reformulation a week earlier led to this announcement by the Secretary of the Air Force. Boeing was the winner of the DynaSoar design competition on 9 November 1959 - but for the glider and total system only. Martin was selected as an associate contractor for booster development. Dynasoar received the designation WS-620A on 17 November 1959 References: 26. 1959 November 10 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. 5 stage sounding rocket. Nation: USA. Five-stage sounding rocket launched from NASA Wallops Island to an altitude of 1,050 miles to measure density of electrons in upper atmosphere. References: 17. 1959 November 10 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Strongarm. Model: Strongarm. LV Configuration: Strongarm OB11.01. Ion density Test / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA BRL. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 11 - COSPAR international rocket launches. Nation: USA. Under sponsorship of COSPAR, an internationally coordinated program of scientific rocket soundings of the upper atmosphere was conducted. The U.S. contribution included 10 rocket firings. References: 17. 1959 November 12 - 19:24 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 181. IWST Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 14 - 22:38 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300 AA10.165C. GRD sphere Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 138 km (85 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 15 - Authorisation for development of the Strela-1M satellite system. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On tasking NII-4 to create a sea-based communications network' was issued. References: 474. 1959 November 18 - 05:03 GMT - Launch Site: Akita. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 7. LV Configuration: Kappa 7 K-7-1. Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 53 km (32 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 18 - 19:30 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp AA8.241C. Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 206 km (128 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 18 - 22:17 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NASA 03.15CA. Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi). Nike-Asp sounding rocket fired from NASA Wallops Station emitted sodium vapor at 80 km to 250 km altitude, revealing powerful windshear effects. References: 2. 1959 November 19 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 244. Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 19 - 01:31 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-25. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Successfully fired from AMR at 2031 hours EST to a pre-calculated range of 664.8 nm. Nose cone impacted 0.9 nm over and 1.0 nm left of the target. This was the first medium range flight for a tactical prototype. References: 2. 1959 November 19 - 07:44 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AA3.282C. FAILURE: Failure. B field profile Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 106 km (65 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 19 - 10:36 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.163C. Diurnal density Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 19 - 10:51 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NASA 03.16CA. Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 255 km (158 mi). Second sodium-vapor-trail experiment in Nike-Asp launch from Wallops Island was not successful. References: 2. 1959 November 20 - 10:51 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NASA 03.17CA. Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 236 km (146 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 20 - 17:11 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-3. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 20 - 18:16 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.164C. Diurnal density Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 20 - 19:25 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena A. LV Configuration: Thor Agena A 212 / Agena A 1050. Discoverer 8 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-1 9005 / Agena A 1050. Mass: 795 kg (1,752 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Apogee: 1,661 km (1,032 mi). Inclination: 80.50 deg. Period: 103.50 min. COSPAR: 1959-Lambda-1. USAF Sat Cat: 25. Decay Date: 1960-03-08. KH-1; 1st generation low resolution photo surveillance; film capsule recovery failed. Mission failed. Eccentric orbit negating recovery. References: 2, 6. 1959 November 20 - 21:06 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 I2-1T. Phase 3 test flight Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). Flight over full missile design range. References: 2. 1959 November 24 - 19:48 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 15D. Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 26 - 07:26 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Able. LV Configuration: Atlas Able 20D / Able-5. FAILURE: Payload shroud failed after 45 sec, broke away prematurely. Pioneer (P 3) Nation: USA. Program: Pioneer. Payload: Pioneer P 3 / Able IVB. Mass: 168 kg (370 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Pioneer P 3. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). COSPAR: F591126A. Decay Date: 1959-11-26. An intended lunar probe launched from the Atlantic Missile Range by an Atlas-Able booster disintegrated about 45 seconds later when the protective sheath covering the payload detached prematurely. The probe was sponsored by NASA, developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and launched by the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division. References: 126, 278. 1959 November 27 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. Study group to recommend upper-stage configurations Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. While awaiting the formal transfer of the Saturn program, NASA formed a study group to recommend upper-stage configurations. Membership was to include the DOD Director of Defense Research and Engineering and personnel from NASA, Advanced Research Projects Agency, Army Ballistic Missile Agency, and the Air Force. This group was later known both as the Saturn Vehicle Team and the Silverstein Committee (for Abe Silverstein, Chairman). References: 16. 1959 November 27 - 01:12 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 267433. GCh No. IZ-33 (III) test Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). Sixteenth and last launch of the third production batch. References: 2. 1959 November 30 - 09:58 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee. LV Configuration: Aerobee NRL 30. Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 30 - 10:16 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL16. Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 151 km (93 mi). References: 2. 1959 November 30 - 12:35 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL60. Grenades / Chaff Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 163 km (101 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 1 - Antarctic continent treaty Nation: International. Twelve nations signed a treaty making the Antarctic continent a preserve for scientific research, immune from political and military strife. Signatories were Argentina, Australia, Great Britain, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, Belgium, Japan, South Africa, the Soviet Union, and the United States. Legal experts have suggested that the Antarctic Treaty provided a precedent for similar agreements demilitarizing the moon and other bodies in space. References: 16. 1959 December 1 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trailblazer. Model: Trailblazer 1. LV Configuration: Trailblazer 1 TB I gamma?. Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 260 km (160 mi). References: 2. 1959 December - Mercury astronaut F-100 weightless flying training program Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. A weightless flying training program was started by the Mercury astronauts in the F-100 aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Eating, drinking, and psychomotor tests were conducted while the astronauts were in a weightless state. References: 483. 1959 December - Official government resolution permitting development of the M-48 spaceplane. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: M-48. An R-7 would loft the 4.5 tonne VKA vehicle to 400 km suborbital trajectory. 1959 December - Launch Vehicle: R-16, R-5, Soyuz. Twelfth General Directorate of the Ministry of Defence charged only with ballistic missile warhead safekeeping Nation: USSR. This directorate's activities were limited specifically to safekeeping of the warheads of the RSVN rocket forces. 1959 December - Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7A. Flight test series of production R-7A ICBM begins Nation: USSR. These tests proved the design of the missile actually deployed to pads in Baikonur and Plesetsk. December 1959 - Public furor as the USAF fails to properly identify unidentified object in space. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: SAINT, SAINT II. This humilitation led the Air Force to pursue its SAINT ASAT project. Late 1959 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1. R-2 production obstacles Nation: China. Spacecraft: Project 581. 14 manufacturers and 1400 industrial work units were needed to manufacture the R-2 engines alone. Basic materials were difficult to get. Some were imported; others substituted. Eventually 40% of the parts of the missile used substitute materials, but many of these replacements proved to be inadequate. Machine tools were not available, and the missile frame was formed manually by human muscle power. Inert gas arc welding technology had to be developed. Soviet style factories were being erected for the production of the missile. 1959 December 1 - 11:36 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL38. Grenades / Chaff / probe Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 159 km (98 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 1 - 17:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 254. Series IV research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 2 - 05:29 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 265. FAILURE: Failure. Combat training launch Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2. 1959 December 3 - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 3 - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 4 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Mercury Little Joe 2 (LJ-2) Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. LJ-2 was launched from Wallops Island to determine the motions of the spacecraft escape tower combination during a high-altitude abort, entry dynamics without a control system, physiological effects of acceleration on a small primate, operation of the drogue parachute, and effectiveness of the recovery operation. Telemetry was set up to record some 80 bits of information on the flight. The abort sequence was initiated by timers after 59 seconds of elapsed flight time at an altitude of about 96,000 feet and a speed of Mach 5.5. Escape motor firing occurred as planned and the spacecraft was whisked away at a speed of about Mach 6 to an apogee of 53.03 statute miles. All other sequences operated as planned, and spacecraft recovery was effected in about 2 hours from lift-off. The primate passenger, 'Sam,' an American-born rhesus monkey, withstood the trip and the recovery in good condition. All objectives of the mission were met. References: 17. 1959 December 4 - 16:20 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Little Joe. Model: Little Joe 1 4C. LV Configuration: Little Joe 1-4C LJ-2. Spacecraft test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 89 km (55 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 6 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Plan for transferring the Army Ballistic Missile Agency and Saturn to NASA Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The initial plan for transferring the Army Ballistic Missile Agency and Saturn to NASA was drafted. It was submitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower on December 1 1 and was signed by Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker and Secretary of the Air Force James H. Douglas on December 16 and by NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan on December 17. References: 16. 1959 December 7 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Engineering and cost study for a new Saturn configuration Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Advanced Research Projects Agency ARPA and NASA requested the Army Ordnance Missile Command AOMC to prepare an engineering and cost study for a new Saturn configuration with a second stage of four 20,000-pound-thrust liquid-hydrogen and liquid-oxygen engines (later called the S-IV stage) and a modified Centaur third stage using two of these engines later designated the S-V stage). Additional Details: Engineering and cost study for a new Saturn configuration. References: 16. 1959 December 7 - 20:13 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-4. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 8-9 - Steps to manned lunar flight and capsule-laboratory spacecraft Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. At the third meeting of the Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight held at Langley Research Center, H. Kurt Strass reported on STG's thinking on steps leading to manned lunar flight and on a particular capsule-laboratory spacecraft. The project steps beyond Mercury were: radiation experiments, minimum space and reentry vehicle (manned), temporary space laboratory (manned), lunar data acquisition (unmanned), lunar circumnavigation or lunar orbiter (unmanned), lunar base supply (unmanned), and manned lunar landing. STG felt that the lunar mission should have a three-man crew. A configuration was described in which a cylindrical laboratory was attached to the reentry capsule. This laboratory would provide working space for the astronauts until it was jettisoned before reentry. Preliminary estimates put the capsule weight at about 6,600 pounds and the capsule plus laboratory at about 10,000 pounds. References: 16. 1959 December 8-9 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2. Army Ballistic Missile Agency mission possibilities Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. H. H. Koelle told members of the Research Steering Committee of mission possibilities being considered at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency. These included an engineering satellite, an orbital return capsule, a space crew training vehicle, a manned orbital laboratory, a manned circumlunar vehicle, and a manned lunar landing and return vehicle. He described the current Saturn configurations, including the "C" launch vehicle to be operational in 1967. The Saturn C (larger than the C-1) would be able to boost 85,000 pounds into earth orbit and 25,000 pounds into an escape trajectory. References: 16. 1959 December 8-9 - Configurations for manned lunar landing by direct ascent Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Several possible configurations for a manned lunar landing by direct ascent being studied at the Lewis Research Center were described to the Research Steering Committee by Seymour C. Himmel. A six-stage launch vehicle would be required, the first three stages to boost the spacecraft to orbital speed, the fourth to attain escape speed, the fifth for lunar landing, and the sixth for lunar escape with a 10,000-pound return vehicle. One representative configuration had an overall height of 320 feet. H. H. Koelle of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency argued that orbital assembly or refueling in orbit (earth orbit rendezvous) was more flexible, more straightforward, and easier than the direct ascent approach. Bruce T. Lundin of the Lewis Research Center felt that refueling in orbit presented formidable problems since handling liquid hydrogen on the ground was still not satisfactory. Lewis was working on handling cryogenic fuels in space. References: 16. 1959 December 9 - Launch Vehicle: Nova, Saturn C-2. Goett Committee Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Committee formed to recommend post-Mercury space program. After four meetings, and studying earth-orbit assembly using Saturn II or direct ascent using Nova, tended to back development of Nova. References: 26, 27. 1959 December 9 - 00:10 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 31D. Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 10 - Raketoplan development authorised. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Raketoplan. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On the Development of Research on Cosmic Space-future of Soviet space program (piloted. interplanetary, spaceplane)' was issued. References: 474. 1959 December 10 - Further development of Soviet Lunar and Planetary probes approved. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Mars 1M, Luna E-6. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 1386-618 'On the Creation of AMS for Landing on the Moon. and Flights to Venus and Mars-- approving automated lunar and interplanetary spacecraft' was issued. References: 474. 1959 December 10 - 00:08 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-32. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Fired from AMR at 1908 hours EST. The original countdown of 480 minutes was shortened to 240 minutes. The flight was successful in all phases. The nose cone impacted 0.3 nm over and 2.0 nm right of the 2,299.4 nm range. References: 2. 1959 December 12 - Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Nation: International. The General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously approved Resolution 1472 (XIV), establishing the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to replace the Ad Hoc Committee. There were no meetings of the Committee until November 27, 1961, because of failure to agree on the composition of the Committee. References: 16. 1959 December 12 - 17:11 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC16. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I C-3. FAILURE: Exploded just above pad. RVX-3 Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). First Titan ICBM launching testing second stage was unsuccessful at AMR. References: 2. 1959 December 15 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Saturn upper stage study. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA team completed study design of upper stages of Saturn launch vehicle. References: 17, 27. 1959 December 15 - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: CERES. Launch Vehicle: Antares. Model: OPd-56-39-22D. LV Configuration: OPd-56-39-22D 003. Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 15 - 02:14 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 185. FAILURE: Failure. IWST Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2. 1959 December 16 - 04:50 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-6. FAILURE: Failure. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 17 - Soviet Strategic Missile Force created. Nation: USSR. In accordance with instructions issued by Khrushchev the previous summer, the RVSN rocket forces were established as a separate branch of the armed services. Council of Soviet Ministers (SM) Decree 1384-615 / TsK Decree 254 'On the Establishment of the Post of Commander-in-Chief of Missile Forces in the Armed Forces of the USSR--creation of the Strategic Missile Forces' are issued. References: 474. 1959 December 17 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 255. Series IV research and development launch/Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 17 - 00:03 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM AM-26. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF/ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Fired from AMR at 1903 hours EST to a prescribed distance of 300 nm. The flight was successful in all phases. Impact was 0.3 nm to the right of the 300 nm range. References: 2. 1959 December 19 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-3, Saturn I, Saturn V. NERVA development roles AEC/NASA. Nation: USA. Program: NERVA. The Chairman, AEC, in a letter to the Administrator of NASA, proposed a flight test objective be established for the nuclear rocket program and proposed a technical program and division of agency responsibilities to achieve those objectives. References: 17. 1959 December 19 - 00:48 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 40D. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). Atlas ICBM made second successful 6,325-mile flight at AMR. References: 2. 1959 December 21 - STL completes study on an anti-satellite systems Nation: USA. Spacecraft: SAINT, SAINT II. Space Technologies Laboratory completed a USAF-funded feasibility study on the topic. 1959 December 21 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Mayak-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: R-12. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 402 km (249 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 22 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV. Redstone for Mercury MR-1 installed on the interim test stand. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. The Redstone launch vehicle for the first Mercury-Redstone mission (MR-1) was installed on the interim test stand at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency for static testing. References: 483. 1959 December 22 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: TL1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1AT. Silo test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2. 1959 December 22 - 07:56 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.01GT. X248 test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 901 km (559 mi). In a United States-Canadian cooperative project, NASA launched the first four-stage Javelin sounding rocket from Wallops Station to an altitude of 560 miles to measure the intensity of galactic radio noise. References: 2. 1959 December 23 - 19:05 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7A. LV Configuration: R-7A I1-1. R-7A I-1 test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 27 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Mayak-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: R-12. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 402 km (249 mi). References: 2. 1959 December 31 - Mercury astronauts complete classroom training. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Mercury astronauts completed basic and theoretical studies in their training program and started practical engineering studies. References: 17. 1959 December 31 - Launch Vehicle: N1. Nuclear propulsion work abandoned. Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3. Korolev abandons work on nuclear-powered rockets. Future launch vehicles to be based on conventional lox/keroesene propellants. References: 21. 1959 December 31 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. NASA approval of Saturn development program Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA accepted the recommendations of the Saturn Vehicle Evaluation Committee Silverstein Committee on the Saturn C-1 configuration and on a long-range Saturn program. A research and development plan of ten vehicles was approved. The C-1 configuration would include the S-1 stage (eight H-1 engines clustered, producing 1.5 million pounds of thrust), the S-IV stage (four engines producing 80,000 pounds of thrust), and the S-V stage two engines producing 40,000 pounds of thrust. References: 16. 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.