Chronology - Quarter 2 1960

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Previous Home Next 1960 April 1 - Mercury astronauts complete centrifuge training. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Seven Mercury astronauts completed training session at the Navy Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory, Johnsville, Pa. References: 17. 1960 April 1 - Mercury first production spacecraft delivered to NASA Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. The first McDonnell production spacecraft was delivered to NASA at Wallops Island for the beach-abort test. References: 483. 1960 April 1 - USAF Dynasoar Astronaut Training Group selected. Nation: USA. The group was selected to provide pilots for X-20A Dyna-Soar spaceplane flights.. Qualifications: Assigned from pool of active USAF and NASA Test Pilots.. Ten test pilots (7 USAF, 3 NASA) underwent physical examinations in August 1959. Seven were secretly selected in April 1960. 1960 April 1 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. Model: Shotput. LV Configuration: Shotput 4. E60 Echo spacecraft test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA LaRC. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). References: 2. 1960 April - M-48 spaceplane draft project reviewed by expert commission. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: M-48. It was clear that many technical problems had to be cleared incrementally before an operational vehicle could be fielded. Myasishchev’s team went ‘back to the drawing board’, the result being two alternative single-crew orbital spaceplanes (VKA-23 Design 1 and VKA-23 Design 2). 1960 April-May - Guidelines for an advanced manned spacecraft program Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Presentation by STG members of the guidelines for an advanced manned spacecraft program to NASA Centers. References: 16. April 1960 - Launch Vehicle: UR-200. Chelomei plan for Organic Space System. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Raketoplan. Chelomei visits Khrushchev in the Crimea and presents his ambitious plan for an Organic Space System - a space infrastructure serviced by an integrated family of launch vehicles and spacecraft. The system would include orbiting stations, space factories, winged rockets, and nuclear weapons stored in space with plenty of decoys to defeat any enemy counter-measures. UR-200 rockets would fulfil all roles in servicing this array of weapons. Dementiev supported Chelomei’s proposals, but the chief designer would need a factory to support fabrication of the rockets and spacecraft. Myasishchev’s bureau and its associated Khrunichev factory were an obvious choice, since the decision had been taken not to put the M-50 bomber or Buran cruise missile into production and the factory would soon be idle. 1960 April 1 - 11:40 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Able II. LV Configuration: Thor Able II-M1 148. Tiros 1 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: Tiros A (A-1). Mass: 120 kg (260 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Tiros. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 656 km (407 mi). Apogee: 696 km (432 mi). Inclination: 48.40 deg. Period: 98.30 min. COSPAR: 1960-Beta-2. USAF Sat Cat: 29. TV and Infrared Observation Satellite; returned 22952 cloud cover photos. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6. 1960 April 5 - Houbolt paper on rendezvous in space with minimum expenditure of fuel Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. John C. Houbolt of the Langley Research Center presented a paper at the National Aeronautical Meeting of the Society of Automotive Engineers in New York City in which the problems of rendezvous in space with the minimum expenditure of fuel were considered. Additional Details: Houbolt paper on rendezvous in space with minimum expenditure of fuel. References: 16. 1960 April 5 - Preliminary specifications to modify the Mercury capsule by adding a reentry control navigation system. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury Mark I. Preliminary specifications were issued by Space Task Group (STG) to modify the Mercury capsule by adding a reentry control navigation system. The modified capsule would obtain a small lifting capability (lift-over-drag ratio would equal approximately 0.26). The self-contained capsule navigation system would consist of a stable platform, a digital computer, a possible star tracker, and the necessary associated electronic equipment. Dispersion from the predicted impact point would be less than 10 miles. The prospective development called for a prototype to be delivered to NASA for testing in February 1961; and first qualified system, or Modification I, to be delivered by August 1961; and the final qualified system, or Modification II, to be delivered by January 1962. STG anticipated that four navigational systems (not including prototype or qualification units) would be required. 1960 April 5 - Conditional approval for SAINT development. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: SAINT, SAINT II. As usual, Herbert York, McNamara's Director of Defense, Research, and Engineering, was hostile to the concept. It was approved only on the condition that Gerneral Schriever, Commander of the Air Research and Development Command, fund it from the existing budget by cutting back other programmes. 1960 April 5 - 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. 1960 April 6 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Four H-1's fired together. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Four of the eight H-1 engines of the Saturn C-1 first-stage booster were successfully static-fired at Redstone Arsenal for seven seconds. References: 17, 27. 1960 April 7 - 02:06 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AA3.221. Infrared studies Solar infrared mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 236 km (146 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 8 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC16. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I C-5. RVX-3 Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 8 - 02:06 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 48D. FAILURE: Failure. Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 9-16 - Detailed lunar charts published by the Air Force Nation: USA. Program: Lunex. Detailed lunar charts, consisting of 230 photographic sheets, were published by the Air Force and the University of Chicago Press. The atlas, in preparation under Air Force contract since April 1958, was assembled by Gerard P. Kuiper of the Yerkes Observatory. References: 16. 1960 April 12 - First production Mercury capsule delivered. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. First production model of McDonnell-built Mercury capsule was delivered to NASA. References: 17. 1960 April 12 - 03:18 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2C. LV Configuration: Skylark-2C SL51. Test mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 218 km (135 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 13 - 12:02 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Ablestar. LV Configuration: Thor Ablestar 257 AB002?. Transit 1B Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Mass: 121 kg (266 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: DARPA. Perigee: 363 km (225 mi). Apogee: 644 km (400 mi). Inclination: 51.20 deg. Period: 94.60 min. COSPAR: 1960-Gamma-2. USAF Sat Cat: 31. Duration: 89.00 days. Decay Date: 1967-10-05. The Able-Star second stage demonstrated the first engine restart in space and the feasibility of using satellites as navigational aids. The first experimental Transit satellite to achieve orbit operated for 89 days. It transmitted on two frequency pairs to test the technique for refraction correction and to determine if the transmitted frequencies should be close together or far apart. It also tested a magnetic torque device for spacecraft attitude control - the first satellite to do so. References: 2, 6. Dummy subsatellite Nation: USA. Payload: GRAB dummy. Mass: 18 kg (39 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: GRAB. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1960-Gamma-3. USAF Sat Cat: 33. Decay Date: 1960-07-17. References: 2, 279. 1960 April 13 - 17:15 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 1-4-9. X-15A test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 2018 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14630 m. References: 2. 1960 April 15 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: ALA3. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone 2021. T-1 Capsule Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Successful missile test. Missed aimpoint by 17 m. References: 2. 1960 April 15 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Luna 8K72. LV Configuration: Vostok-L 8K72 L1-9. FAILURE: The third stage RO-5 engine either did not reach full thrust or shut down early. Luna failure - third stage insufficient delta V Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-3 s/n 1. Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-3. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F600415A. Decay Date: 1960-04-15. Reached an altitude of 200,000 km before plunging back to earth. References: 2, 175. 1960 April 15 - 20:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena A. LV Configuration: Thor Agena A 234 / Agena A 1055. Discoverer 11 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-1 9008 / Agena A 1055. Mass: 790 kg (1,740 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 166 km (103 mi). Apogee: 603 km (374 mi). Inclination: 80.40 deg. Period: 92.20 min. COSPAR: 1960-Delta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 32. Decay Date: 1960-04-26. KH-1; film capsule recovery failed. Mission failed. Attitude control system malfunctioned. References: 2, 6. 1960 April 16 - 16:07 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Luna 8K72. LV Configuration: Vostok-L 8K72 L1-9A. FAILURE: Strap-on B reached only 75 percent of thrust at ignition. Four tenths of a second after liftoff it broke away from the core. Luna failure at lift-off Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-3 s/n 2. Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-3. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F600419A. Decay Date: 1960-04-16. This dramatic failure resulted in a loss of thrust, and the lateral strap-on units separated and flew over the tracking stations and living areas. The core continued on its trajectory. References: 2, 175, 445. 1960 April 18 - Launch Vehicle: T-7. T-7 motor test Nation: China. Tsien reviewed rocket development in Shanghai and views a T-7 motor test. 1960 April 18 - 23:09 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout X. LV Configuration: Scout X SX-1. FAILURE: Vehicle broke up after first-stage burnout. Cub Scout test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 48 km (29 mi). Scout test vehicle, with live first and third stages. Suborbital. References: 2. 1960 April 19 - 14:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi NN3.60. NN3.60 Pinhole camera Solar ultraviolet / solar extreme ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 222 km (137 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 19 - 16:51 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 1-5-10. X-15A test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). Maximum Speed - 2718 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18134 m. References: 2. 1960 April 20-22 - IAS / NASA / RAND Corporation Manned Space Stations Symposium. Nation: USA. The Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences, NASA, and the RAND Corporation sponsored a Manned Space Stations Symposium featuring leading aeronautical and aerospace scientists and engineers from across the country. They examined the entire subject from present planning and future steps through engineering feasibility, operational techniques, designs, costs, and utilitarian considerations. This conference marked one of the focal points in American space station thinking up to that time. 1960 April 21 - SAINT System Development Requirement issued. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: SAINT, SAINT II. It also allowed follow-on manned systems to be pursued. 1960 April 21 - 10:35 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL62. Grenades / Chaff Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 141 km (87 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 21 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AA3.283C. Magnetometer Fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 245 km (152 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 21 - 20:55 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC15. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I G-6. RVX-4 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 22 - 19:39 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576B2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 25D. Initial operational capability operational readiness test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 23 - 21:45 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.10GT. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 246 km (152 mi). NASA fired first of five Aerobee-Hi sounding rockets from Wallops Station in program to measure ultraviolet radiation. References: 2. 1960 April 25 - USAF authorizes FSD of Dynasoar Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. References: 26. 1960 April 26 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Douglas to build the second stage (S-IV) of the Saturn C-1 Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA announced the selection of the Douglas Aircraft Company to build the second stage (S-IV) of the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle. References: 16. 1960 April 26 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: HJ Nike Gosling. FAILURE: Failure. Porous re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 43 km (26 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 26 - 01:13 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-22. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 27 - Dynasoar passes first design review. Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Completion of technical review of Dyna-Soar program announced by the Air Force. References: 17. 1960 April 27 - Explorer XI Nation: USA. Various gamma ray detectors were carried aboard Explorer XI on its orbital flight. These detectors found a directional flux of gamma radiation in space and thereby provided serious evidence against one formulation of the 'steady state' cosmological theory. References: 483. 1960 April 27 - 04:18 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.04GG. Ultraviolet star photometer Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 28 - 14:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. LV Configuration: Nike Zeus 6. First Silo launch Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 28 - 20:18 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC16. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I C-6. RVX-3 Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 29 - Mercury tracking agreements completed. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Milestone achieved in completion of interim or formal agreements concluded for all oversea Mercury tracking stations. References: 17. 1960 April 29 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. All eight H-1 engines of the Saturn C-1 first stage ground-tested simultaneously Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. At Redstone Arsenal, all eight H-1 engines of the first stage of the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle were static-fired simultaneously for the first time and achieved 1.3 million pounds of thrust. References: 16. 1960 April 29 - Agreements concluded for all overseas Mercury tracking stations Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Construction was proceeding on schedule at Cape Canaveral, Bermuda, Grand Canary Islands, the Woomera and Muchea Australian sites, and at the demonstration site on Wallops Island, Virginia. The survey of Guaymas in Western Mexico completed that phase of the program, but the construction was yet to be accomplished. References: 483. 1960 April 29 - 15:47 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.09GA. Composition Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 242 km (150 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 29 - 23:45 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-23. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1960 April 30 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: EAFB. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: ALSOR. Model A (F5) test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 62 km (38 mi). References: 2. 1960 April - MIT Report on space guidance and control design Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. A study report was issued by the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory on guidance and control design for a variety of space missions. This report, approved by C. Stark Draper, Director of the Laboratory, showed that a vehicle, manned or unmanned, could have significant onboard navigation and guidance capability. References: 16. 1960 April 30 - 03:45 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-25. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 1 - American U-2 spy plane, piloted by Francis Gary Powers, shot down over Russia Nation: USSR. 1960 May 1 - Launch Site: Black Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 35.0 E. Launch Vehicle: R-21. LV Configuration: R-21 K-1.1. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). References: 2. 1960 May - Production of the manned space flight configuration of the Mercury pressure suit was started. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury Space Suit. The astronauts and medical personnel who had tested the developmental suits received in November 1959 recommended a number of changes to increase the physical mobility of the astronaut before the production effort began. Evaluation of the test suits with the suggested modifications indicated that the mobility and suit-spacecraft compatibility had been greatly enhanced. The stretching which once had been a problem area had been significantly decreased. References: 483. 1960 May 2 - Proposed advanced manned spacecraft program presented to von Braun Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Members of STG presented the proposed advanced manned spacecraft program to Wernher von Braun and 25 of his staff at Marshall Space Flight Center. During the ensuing discussion, the merits of a completely automatic circumlunar mission were compared with those of a manually operated mission. Further discussions were scheduled. References: 16. 1960 May 2 - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: CERES. Launch Vehicle: Antares. Model: OPd-56-39-22D. LV Configuration: OPd-56-39-22D 004. Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 3 - Proposed advanced manned spacecraft program presented to Lewis Research Center Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. STG members presented the proposed advanced manned spacecraft program to the Lewis Research Center staff. Work at the Center applicable to the program included: analysis and preliminary development of the onboard propulsion system, trajectory analysis, and development of small rockets for midcourse and attitude control propulsion. References: 16. 1960 May 4 - Ranger project named Nation: USA. Program: Ranger. Spacecraft: Ranger 3-4-5. Clifford I. Cummings, Jet Propulsion Laboratory spacecraft program director, announced at a meeting of the Aviation Writers Association in Los Angeles, Calif., that the spacecraft which would carry television and a detachable instrumented capsule to be crash-landed on the moon would be called "Ranger." References: 16. 1960 May 5 - STG and Grumman discuss advanced spacecraft programs Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Robcrt R. Gilruth, Paul E. Purser, James A. Chamberlin, Maxime A. Faget, and H. Kurt Strass of STG met with a group from the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation to discuss advanced spacecraft programs. Grumman had been working on guidance requirements for circumlunar flights under the sponsorship of the Navy and presented Strass with a report of this work. References: 16. 1960 May 5 - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: CERES. Launch Vehicle: Antares. Model: OPd-56-39-22D. LV Configuration: OPd-56-39-22D 005. Date may be 19 May Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 6 - Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Minuteman Mockup Nation: USA. 8th and last launch of mockup 1960 May 6 - 16:47 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576B2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 23D. FAILURE: Failure. Initial operational capability operational readiness test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 2.00 km (1.20 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 6 - 17:53 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 1-6-11. FAILURE: Trouble shedding the ventral fin. X-15A test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). Maximum Speed - 2336 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18574 m. References: 2. 1960 May 7 - 02:33 GMT - 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. 1960 May 9 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Beach Abort 1 Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. First production model of Project Mercury spacecraft was successfully launched from NASA Wallops Station to test escape, landing, and recovery systems. Known as the "beach abort" shot, the Mercury capsule reached 775 m before parachute landing and pickup by Marine helicopter returned it to Wallops' hangar 17 minutes after launch. References: 17. 1960 May 9 - Elektron satellite approved. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Elektron-A, Elektron-B. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On approval of work on the Elektron scientific satellite' was issued. The two spacecraft were designed to be deployed in a single launch of a Vostok booster. The spacecraft had the specific task of mapping the Van Alen radiation belts at higher inclinations than that achieved by US satellites of the time (60 degrees vs 30 degrees latitude). Design work began in July 1960. References: 474. 1960 May 9 - Mercury Pad Abort 1 Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. McDonnell's first production spacecraft, with its escape rocket serving as the propulsion force, was launched from Wallops Island. Designated the beach-abort test, the objectives were a performance evaluation of the escape system, the parachute and landing system, and recovery operations in an off-the-pad abort situation. The test was successful. References: 483. 1960 May 10 - Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78. Molniya 8K78 draft project completed Nation: USSR. The original design was intended for launch of unmanned probes toward Mars, but it had universal uses. 1960 May 12 - 16:47 GMT - Launch Site: Silver Lake DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 35.3 N x 116.1 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 1-7-12. X-15A test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 3397 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23738 m. References: 2. 1960 May 13 - 09:16 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Delta. LV Configuration: Thor Delta 144/D1. FAILURE: Second stage attitude control failure. Echo 1 Nation: USA. Payload: A-10. Mass: 56 kg (123 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Echo. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: F600513A. Decay Date: 1960-05-13. References: 126. 1960 May 13 - 21:25 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC15. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I G-7. RVX-4 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 15 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8K72. LV Configuration: Vostok 8K72 L1-11. Korabl-Sputnik 1 Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Payload: Vostok 1KP. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Vostok. Agency: RVSN. Perigee: 284 km (176 mi). Apogee: 514 km (319 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 92.50 min. COSPAR: 1960-Epsilon-1. USAF Sat Cat: 34. Duration: 1,979.00 days. Decay Date: 1962-09-05. The Soviet Union launched a Vostok 1KP prototype manned spacecraft (without heat shield; not recoverable) into near-earth orbit. Called Sputnik IV by the Western press. On May 19, at 15:52 Moscow time, the spacecraft was commanded to retrofire. However the guidance system had oriented the spacecraft incorrectly and the TDU engine instead put the spacecraft into a higher orbit. Soviet scientists said that conditions in the cabin, which had separated from the remainder of the spacecraft, were normal. Officially: Development and checking of the main systems of the space ship satellite, which ensure its safe flight and control in flight, return to Earth and conditions needed for a man in flight. References: 2, 6, 175. 1960 May 16 - Khrushchev kills Paris summit conference because of U-2 Nation: USSR. 1960 May 16-17 - Meeting on space rendezvous at Langley Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The consensus of the meeting was that the rendezvous technique would be essential in the foreseeable future and that experiments should be made to establish feasibility and develop the technique. There was as yet no funding for my rendezvous flight test program. Additional Details: Meeting on space rendezvous at Langley. References: 16. 1960 May 18 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-30. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 19 - 16:46 GMT - Launch Site: Silver Lake DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 35.3 N x 116.1 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 1-8-13. X-15A Alt Buildup test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). Maximum Speed - 2558 kph. Maximum Altitude - 33222 m. References: 2. 1960 May 20 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 56D. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). Atlas ICBM fired 9,040 statute miles from AMR to Indian Ocean, with operational weight nose cone plus instrumentation, longest known flight of an ICBM to date. Missile attained an apogee of about 1,000 miles. References: 2. 1960 May 23 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-17. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 24 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA5A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Knight. Model: Black Knight 201/C. LV Configuration: Black Knight-201/C BK.08. FAILURE: Failure. Gaslight Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: UK. Agency: RAE. Apogee: 563 km (349 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 24 - 16:40 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AA3.183C. Ionosphere / solar extreme ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 269 km (167 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 24 - 17:36 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Agena A. LV Configuration: Atlas Agena A 45D / Agena A 1007. Midas 2 Nation: USA. Payload: Midas / Agena TV 1007. Mass: 2,300 kg (5,000 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Midas. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 473 km (293 mi). Apogee: 494 km (306 mi). Inclination: 33.00 deg. Period: 94.30 min. COSPAR: 1960-Zeta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 43. Decay Date: 1974-02-07. Missile Defense Alarm System. Test launch with W-17 sensor. References: 2, 6, 171, 172, 278. 1960 May 25 - Advanced Vehicle Team to make preliminary design for advanced multiman spacecraft Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. STG formed the Advanced Vehicle Team, reporting directly to Robert R. Gilruth, Director of the Mercury program. The Team would conduct research and make preliminary design studies for an advanced multiman spacecraft. Additional Details: Advanced Vehicle Team to make preliminary design for advanced multiman spacecraft. References: 16. 1960 May 25 - 00:48 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NASA 03.24CA. Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 199 km (123 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 25 - 22:00 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NASA 03.04GS. Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 26 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. First public demonstration of the H-1 engine Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Eight H-1 engines of the first stage of the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle were static-fired for 35.16 seconds, producing 1.3 million pounds of thrust. This first public demonstration of the H-1 took place at Marshall Space Flight Center. References: 16. 1960 May 26 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Assembly of the first Saturn flight booster began Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Assembly of the first Saturn flight booster, SA-1, began at Marshall Space Flight Center. References: 16. 1960 May 26 - 17:08 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 2-9-18. X-15A SAS, High alpha, BCS test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2336 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15631 m. First test of reaction control system. References: 2. 1960 May 27 - 04:05 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NRL 59. NRL 49? Extreme ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 27 - 05:30 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.05GG. Ultraviolet star photometer Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 215 km (133 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 27 - 17:20 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC16. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I G-9. RVX-4 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1960 May 30 - Korolev space development plan Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Kosmoplan. Korolev revised his earlier, disapproved plan with one that now included participation of his rivals, Chelomei and Yangel. 1960 May 31 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Echo development flight. Nation: USA. 100-foot inflatable sphere launched from NASA Wallops Station to an altitude of 210 miles to test payload configuration carrying two beacon transmitters, a development flight of Project Echo. References: 17. 1960 May 31 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I, Saturn V. Selection of Rocketdyne for the J-2 rocket engine Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA selected Rocketdyne Division of NAA to develop the J-2, a 200,000-pound-thrust rocket engine, burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. (A decision was later made to use the J-2 in the upper stages of the Saturn C-5.) References: 16. 1960 May 31 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. Model: Shotput. LV Configuration: Shotput 5. E60 Echo spacecraft test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA LaRC. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). References: 2. 1960 June - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. Martin awarded a contract to develop the Titan 2 ICBM. Nation: USA. Summer 1960 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1. Beijing-Jiuquan rail link Nation: China. The railway from Beijing to the Chinese missile launch site at Jiuquan is completed. The trip to the site takes four to five days. 1960 June 2 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: ALA3. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone 2022. Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). Successful missile test. Missed aimpoint by 336 m. References: 2. 1960 June 4 - Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78. Molniya launch vehicle and initial Vostok flights approved. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Vostok. Central Committee and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 587-238 'On the Realisation of the Plan to Master Cosmic Space in 1960 and the First Half of 1961 -creation of a four-stage launcher for interplanetary missions and schedule for the Korabl-Sputniks' References: 474. 1960 June 4 - 15:49 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 L1-9. UBP (Readiness) operational test launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). R-7 readiness verification test. References: 2. 1960 June 6 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: R-14. State trials test launch 1 Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 675 km (419 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 6 - 17:10 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.17GE. SBE Solar Beam Experiment Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 8 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Full Saturn I engine cluster full duration test. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Complete eight-engine static firing of Saturn successfully conducted for 110 seconds at MSFC, the longest firing to date. References: 17, 27. 1960 June 8 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Martin to develop the Dyna-Soar booster airframe. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Air Force gave the Martin Company responsibility for the development of the Dyna-Soar booster airframe. 1960 June 11 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 54D. Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 13 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Blandine. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. LV Configuration: Veronique AGI20. Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: FR. Apogee: 176 km (109 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 14 - Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2, Kosmos 3, R-16, R-9. Development of Silo-Launched IRBM's and ICBM's approved. Nation: USSR. State Committee for Defence Technology (GKOT) Decree 'On creation of shaft units (silos) for the R-12, R-14, R-16, and R-9 missiles' was issued. References: 474. 1960 June 15 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Saturn C-1 first stage completed test series Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Saturn C-1 first stage successfully completed its first series of static tests at the Marshall Space Flight Center with a 122-second firing of all eight H-1 engines. References: 17, 27. 1960 June 15 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. Carried dogs (Otvazhnaya and one unnamed). Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi). References: 2, 283. 1960 June 15 - 02:43 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. Aeronomy / ionosphere / solar / biology mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 15 - 15:45 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NC3.107. NRL-57 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 224 km (139 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 15 - 22:56 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300 NASA 06.02UI. UM ionosphere probe Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 321 km (199 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 16 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Blandine. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. LV Configuration: Veronique AGI19. Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: FR. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 16 - 12:04 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL10. Sodium release / Meteorites Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 18 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. Atlas launch vehicle 50-D was delivered for the first Mercury-Atlas mission (MA-1). Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. References: 483. 1960 June 18 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Blandine. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. LV Configuration: Veronique AGI25. Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: FR. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 21 - Radiation and its effect on manned space flight Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Robert O. Piland, Head of the STG Advanced Vehicle Team, and Stanley C. White of STG attended a meeting in Washington, D. C., sponsored by the NASA Office of Life Sciences Programs, to discuss radiation and its effect on manned space flight. Their research showed that it would be impracticable to shield against the inner Van Allen belt radiation but possible to shield against the outer belt with a moderate amount of protection. Additional Details: Radiation and its effect on manned space flight. References: 16. 1960 Summer - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. Boilerplate Apollo spacecraft to be used on Saturn C-1 Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. H. Kurt Strass of STG and John H. Disher of NASA Headquarters proposed that boilerplate Apollo spacecraft be used in some of the forthcoming Saturn C-1 hunches. (Boilerplates are research and development vehicles which simulate production spacecraft in size, shape, structure, mass, and center of gravity.) These flight tests would provide needed experience with Apollo systems and utilize the Saturn boosters effectively. Four or five such tests were projected. On October 5, agreement was reached between members of Marshall Space Flight Center and STG on tentative Saturn vehicle assignments and flight plans. References: 16. 1960 June 21 - 10:05 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA5A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Knight. Model: Black Knight 201/C. LV Configuration: Black Knight-201/C BK.09. Gaslight Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: UK. Agency: RAE. Apogee: 484 km (300 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 22 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. LV Configuration: Nike Zeus 8. FAILURE: Failure. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2. 1960 June 22 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Blandine. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. LV Configuration: Veronique AGI26. Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: FR. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 22 - 05:54 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Ablestar. LV Configuration: Thor Ablestar 281 AB003?. Transit 2A Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Mass: 101 kg (222 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: U.S. Navy. Perigee: 604 km (375 mi). Apogee: 988 km (613 mi). Inclination: 66.70 deg. Period: 100.80 min. COSPAR: 1960-Eta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 45. Also returned geodetic data. Similar to Transit 1B, it transmitted until 26 October 1962. A planned Transit 2B was considered redundant and never built. References: 2, 6. Solrad 1 Nation: USA. Payload: GRAB 1. Mass: 19 kg (41 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: GRAB. Agency: U.S. Navy. Perigee: 596 km (370 mi). Apogee: 935 km (580 mi). Inclination: 66.70 deg. Period: 100.20 min. COSPAR: 1960-Eta-2. USAF Sat Cat: 46. Solar radiation data. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 2, 6. 1960 June 22 - 14:49 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 62D. FAILURE: Electrical Failure. Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). 50th Atlas to be flown at AMR, successful References: 2. 1960 June 22 - 23:26 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC10E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 233. Combat training launch Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 23 - Launch Vehicle: UR-200. Chelomei Raketoplan, UR-200 ICBM, and IS antisatellite system authorised. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Raketoplan, IS-A. Decree 715-295 'On approval of preliminary work on the Raketoplan, UR-200 ICBM, and IS anti-satellite system' was issued. References: 474. 1960 June 23 - Launch Vehicle: N1. Korolev tries to obtain support for a military orbital station Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: OS. Korolev wrote to the Ministry of Defence, trying to obtain support for a military orbital station (OS). The station would have a crew of 3 to 5, orbited at 350 to 400 km altitude. The station would conduct military reconnaissance, control other spacecraft in orbit, and undertake basic space research. The N-I version of the station would have a mass of 25 to 30 tonnes and the N-II version 60 to 70 tonnes. Korolev pointed out that his design bureau had already completed a draft project, in which 14 work brigades had participated. 1960 June 23 - Launch Vehicle: N1. Soviet plan for mastery of space issued. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: TMK-E. Decree 715-296 'On the Production of Various Launch Vehicles, Satellites, Spacecraft for the Military Space Forces in 1960-1967' authorised design of a range of spacecraft and launch vehicles by Korolev, Yangel, and Chelomei. The decree included the N1 (development of launch vehicles of up to 2,000 tonnes liftoff mass and 80 tonne payload, using conventional chemical propellants) and nuclear reactors for space power and propulsion. 1960 June 23 - 02:22 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-32. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 23 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A. Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 23 - 05:52 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-34. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 23 - 23:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. LV Configuration: R-2A No. 13. Ionosphere / aeronomy / biological mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 24 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-2. Model: R-2A. Carried dogs, final operational R-2A launch. Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi). References: 2, 283. 1960 June 24 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC15. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I G-10. RVX-4 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 24 - 06:25 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.06GG. Ultraviolet star photometer Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 211 km (131 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 26 - 06:17 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trailblazer. Model: Trailblazer 1. LV Configuration: Trailblazer 1 TB Ib. D58 Trailblazer re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 294 km (182 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 27 - Mercury Project Orbit Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. As a complement to the Mercury spacecraft reliability program, a decision was made that one production spacecraft would be withdrawn from the operational program for extensive testing. The test environment would involve vacuum, heat, and vibration conditions. This test series was later designated 'Project Orbit.' References: 483. 1960 June 27 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF?. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 27 - 13:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NC3.108. NRL-58 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 222 km (137 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 27 - 19:10 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp AA8.243. FAILURE: Failure. NAsp-III Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 28 - 02:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 27D. Research and development / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 28 - 05:10 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp AA8.242. NAsp-II Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 195 km (121 mi). References: 2. 1960 June 29 - 22:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena A. LV Configuration: Thor Agena A 160 / Agena A 1053. FAILURE: Failure. Discoverer 12 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-1 prototype. Mass: 790 kg (1,740 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F600629A. Decay Date: 1960-06-29. KH-1 prototype; designed to test capsule recovery system; did not carry camera. References: 126. SRV Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F600629B. References: 279. Previous Home Next Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments. Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site.. 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