1960 October 1 - -
 Ongoing winged manned spacecraft project cancelled Nation: USSR. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: VKA-23 Design 1. In reduction of military-industrical complex, Myasishchev and Tsybin design bureaus are closed and work stopped on the three prototype winged manned spacecraft already built. References: 83.
1960 October 1 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. -
 Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 3 - Launch Vehicle: UR-200. - Chelomei acquires Myasishchev and Khrunichev OKBs. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Raketoplan. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 1057-434 'On transfer of OKB-23 as Branch No. I of OKB-52 and on course of work on IS anti-satellite system' was issued. Chelomei acquired the OKB-23 of Vladimir Mikhailovich Myasishchev, (which had formerly designed heavy bombers), as well as the M K Khrunichev heavy aviation factory. Both of these organisations had a very high level of technical and manufacturing expertise, and assisted Chelomei in quickly moving ahead on his new space projects.
References: 474.
1960 October 4 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. - Thor-based LV 100th launch. Nation: USA. COURIER I-B active communications satellite successfully placed into orbit by Thor-Able-Star launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral. After completing one orbit it received and recorded a transcribed message to the United Nations by President Eisenhower transmitted from Fort Monmouth, N.J., and retransmitted it to another earth station in Puerto Rico. This marked the 100th launch of the Douglas Thor, military and scientific combined, and a Thor record of 60 percent of the U.S. satellites boosted into orbit.
References: 17.
1960 October 4 - 15:23 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout X-1. LV Configuration: Scout X-1 ST-2. - Radiation Probe Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 5,600 km (3,400 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 4 - 17:50 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Ablestar. LV Configuration: Thor Ablestar 293 AB005. - Courier 1B Nation: USA. Mass: 230 kg (500 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Comsat. Spacecraft: Courier. Agency: U.S. Army. Perigee: 967 km (600 mi). Apogee: 1,214 km (754 mi). Inclination: 28.30 deg. Period: 107.10 min. COSPAR: 1960-Nu-1. USAF Sat Cat: 58. Experimental communications. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6.
1960 October 5 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. - Discussion of Saturn and Apollo guidance integration Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Members of STG visited the Marshall Space Flight Center to discuss possible Saturn and Apollo guidance integration and potential utilization of Apollo onboard propulsion to provide a reserve capability. Agreement was reached on tentative Saturn vehicle assignments on abort study and lunar entry simulation; on the use of the Saturn guidance system; and on future preparations of tentative flight plans for Saturns SA-6, 8, 9, and 10.
References: 16.
1960 October 5 - 16:04 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-49. - Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 5 - 19:52 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.43GP. - AMPP Remote sensing mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 6 - 03:44 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone 2037. FAILURE: Control system malfunction during re-entry at 375 sec. - Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Missile test failure. Missed aimpoint by 221 m. References: 2.
1960 October 7 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-3, Saturn I, Saturn V. - NERVA test facilities bidder's conference. Nation: USA. Program: NERVA. AEC briefing held at the Nevada Test Site at Jackass Flats, Nev., for representatives of 26 companies for proposals to study the requirements for a National Nuclear Rocket Engine Development Facility. Existing test facilities are fully committed to the development of nuclear reactors.
References: 17.
1960 October 7 - 15:50 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I J-3. - Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 9 - - Contractors' proposals for an advanced manned spacecraft Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Contractors' proposals on feasibility studies for an advanced manned spacecraft were received by STG. Sixty-four companies expressed interest in the Apollo program, and of these 14 actually submitted proposals: The Boeing Airplane Company; Chance Vought Corporation; Convair/Astronautics Division of General Dynamics Corporation; Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, Inc.; Douglas Aircraft Company; General Electric Company; Goodyear Aircraft Corporation; Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation; Guardite Division of American Marietta Company; Lockheed Aircraft Corporation; The Martin Company; North American Aviation, Inc.; and Republic Aviation Corporation. These 14 companies, later reduced to 12 when Cornell and Guardite withdrew, were subsequently invited to submit prime contractor proposals for the Apollo spacecraft development in 1961. The Technical Assessment Panels began evaluation of contractors' proposals on October 10.
References: 16.
1960 October 10 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-53. - Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 10 - 14:27 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78 L1-4M. FAILURE: At T+300.9 sec, the launcher went out of control and the destruct command was given at T+324.2 sec - the engine of Stage 3 cut off after 13.32 s of burning. - Mars probe 1M s/n 1 failure. Nation: USSR. Program: Mars. Payload: 1M s/n 1. Mass: 640 kg (1,410 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Mars. Spacecraft: Mars 1M. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F601010A. Decay Date: 1960-10-10. This was the Soviet Union's first attempt at a planetary probe. Mars probe intended to photograph Mars on a flyby trajectory. The possible cause lay in resonance vibrations of upper stages during Stage 2 burning, which led to break of contact in the command potentiometer of the gyrohorizon. As a result a pitch control malfunctioned and the launcher began to veer off the desired ascent profile. On exceeding 7 degrees of veering in pitch, the control system failed. The upper stage with the payload reached an altitude of 120 km before burning up on re-entry into the atmosphere above East Siberia.
References: 64, 65, 118, 296.
1960 October 11 - - Plan for first Vostok flight. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Vostok. Decree 'On plan to launch the first human in space on Vostok' was issued. References: 474.
1960 October 11 - 19:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 3E. FAILURE: Failure. - Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). First E missile flown with MA-3 engine, unsuccessful References: 2.
1960 October 11 - 20:33 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Agena A. LV Configuration: Atlas Agena A 57D / Agena A 2101. FAILURE: Second stage failure. - Samos 1 Nation: USA. Payload: Samos E-1 no. 1. Mass: 1,845 kg (4,067 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Samos. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F601011A. Decay Date: 1960-10-11. First generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images; Satellite and Missile Observation Satellite. References: 126, 278.
1960 October 11 - 21:53 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LE-8. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 186. - Combat training launch Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 12 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hopi. Model: Kiva/Hopi. - Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 13 - 04:53 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576B3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 81D. FAILURE: Failure. - Initial operational capability demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 13 - 09:34 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 71D. - Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). USAF Atlas launched at AMR placed nose cone containing three black mice 650 miles up and 5,000 miles downrange at 17,000 mph. Nose cone was recovered in target area near Ascension Island, the three mice surviving the flight in "good condition." References: 2.
1960 October 14 - 13:51 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78 L1-5M. FAILURE: At T+290 sec Stage 3's engine 8D715K failed to ignite because a LOX leak froze kerosene in the fuel inlet to the pump on the launch pad due to a faulty LOX valve seal. - Mars probe 1M s/n 2 failure. Nation: USSR. Program: Mars. Payload: 1M s/n 2. Class: Planetary. Type: Mars. Spacecraft: Mars 1M. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F601014A. Decay Date: 1960-10-14. Mars probe intended to photograph Mars on a flyby trajectory. This was the Soviet Union's second attempt at a planetary probe. The upper stages and payload broke up on re-entry into the atmosphere. References: 64, 65, 118, 296.
1960 October 15 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 500NM. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1FP-6. - Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 15 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 500NM. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1FP-5. - Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 16 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 500NM. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1FP-7. - Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 17 - - Mercury weather support group formed. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Project Mercury weather support group established at NASA's request in the Office of Meteorological Research of the Weather Bureau. References: 17.
1960 October 17 - 21:04 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AA6.340. - UM density / pressure Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 18 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 500NM. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1FP-8. - Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 18 - 14:17 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Iris. LV Configuration: Iris NASA 5.02GT. - Aeronomy / test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Second Iris rocket rose to 225 km with a payload of 56 kg from Wallops Station. References: 2.
1960 October 19 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-3, Saturn I, Saturn V. - Project Rover request for bids. Nation: USA. Program: NERVA. Kiwi-A No. 3 static test of nuclear rocket propulsion was successfully conducted at AEC Nevada test site, resulting in NASA-AEC call for bids for industrial development phase of Project Rover on November 1, 1960. References: 17.
1960 October 19 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: HJ Nike Gosling. - E48 Re-entry vehicle Stability test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 20 - Launch Vehicle: DF-1. -
 DF-1 launch preparations Nation: China. Tsien goes to Jiuquan to supervise preparations for launch of the first Chinese-built R-2.
1960 October 20 - 16:02 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM CM-217. - LST test Nation: USA. Agency: ABMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Jupiter missile Live System Test 217, the first to be fired under simulated tactical conditions using GSE prescribed for the Jupiter deployed to NATO I, was fired from AMR at 1102 hours EST. The missile successfully accomplished all primary and secondary missions. The nose cone impacted 1.1 nm over and 0.2 nm right of the pre-determined target 962.5 nm downrange.
References: 2.
1960 October 20 - 17:30 GMT - Launch Site: Palmdale Omni DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.7 N x 118.0 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 1-14-27. - X-15A Stability/Control test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2059 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16398 m. References: 2.
1960 October 21 -
1960 October 21 - - Evaluation completed on proposals for an advanced manned spacecraft Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The Technical Assessment Panels presented to the Evaluation Board their findings on the contractors' proposals for feasibility studies of an advanced manned spacecraft. On October 24, the Evaluation Board findings and recommendations were presented to the STG Director.
References: 16.
1960 October 22 - 03:09 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trailblazer. Model: Trailblazer 1. LV Configuration: Trailblazer 1 TB Ie. - D58 Trailblazer re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 260 km (160 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 22 - 05:13 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 55D. - Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 24 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Caleb. LV Configuration: Caleb NOTS EV-II. FAILURE: Second stage failed. - TV-2 test Nation: USA. Agency: USN NOTS. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). Research and Development Flight (TV-2) References: 2.
1960 October 24 - 15:45 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. LV Configuration: R-16 LKI. FAILURE: Exploded on pad, killing nearly 100 people. - Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). First attempted launch of R-16 ICBM results in explosion on pad, killing over 100 military, engineers, and technicians, including Strategic Rocket Forces Marshal Nedelin. The first R-16 prototype was fuelled and on the pad, awaiting launch. An electrical problem developed, leading to a hold. Marshal Nedelin, commander of the Strategic Rocket Forces, ordered the engineers and technicians to fix the problem without the long delay of defuelling and refurbishing the missile. He personally had a deck chair brought out to the pad so he could watch the work first-hand. At 18:45 local time a spurious radio signal ordered the second stage of the rocket to fire while workers swarmed around the missile in its gantry. The missile exploded, killing a good part of the Soviet Union's rocket engineering and management talent. Among the dead were Nedelin, Konoptev, Grishin, Nosov, Kontsevsky, and Lev Berlin. 74 people were killed immediately, and 48 died in the ensuing weeks from burns or contact with the toxic and corrosive propellants. The total included 38 civilian engineers and 84 officers and enlisted rocket technicians. Yangel, the rocket's designer, was spared only because he had slipped into a bunker for a cigarette when the explosion occurred.
References: 2.
1960 October 24 - 23:16 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC19. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I J-6. - Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Titan ICBM fired 6,100 miles / 9800 km, 100 miles longer than any previous shot, with tactical-type nose cone. References: 2.
1960 October 25 - - Apollo Initial Study Contracts Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. From 16 bids, Convair, General Electric, and Martin selected to conduct $250,000 study contracts. Meanwhile Space Task Group Langley undertakes its own studies, settling on Apollo CM configuration as actually built by October 1960. References: 26, 27.
1960 October 25 - - Saturn flight schedule plans Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Included in the current Saturn flight schedule were: mid-1961, begin first-stage flights with dummy upper stages; early 1963, begin two-stage flights; late 1963, begin three-stage flights; early 1964, conclude ten-vehicle research and development flight test program.
References: 16.
1960 October 25 - - Convair, General Electric, and Martin selected to prepare Apollo spacecraft feasibility studies Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. NASA selected three contractors to prepare individual feasibility studies of an advanced manned spacecraft as part of Project Apollo. The contractors were Convair/Astronautics Division of General Dynamics Corporation, General Electric Company, and The Martin Company.
References: 16.
1960 October 26 - 20:26 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 253 / Agena B 1061. FAILURE: Failure. - Discoverer 16 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9011. Mass: 1,091 kg (2,405 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F601026A. Decay Date: 1960-10-26. KH-1; mission failed. References: 126.
- SRV 506 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F601026B. References: 279.
1960 October 27 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hopi. Model: Kiva/Hopi. - Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 October 28 - - Air Force lunar base briefing to NASA Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunex Lunar Expedition. Key staff members of NASA Headquarters and the Commander, U.S. Air Force Research and Development Command, met at the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division, Los Angeles, Calif., to attend briefings and discuss matters of mutual concern.
At an executive session, Air Force and NASA programs of orbital rendezvous, refueling, and descent from orbit were discussed. Long-range Air Force studies on a lunar base were in progress as well as research on more immediate missions, such as rendezvous by an unmanned satellite interceptor for inspection purposes, manned maintenance satellites, and reentry methods. NASA plans for the manned lunar landing mission included the possible use of the Saturn booster in an orbital staging operation employing orbital refueling. Reentry studies beyond Mercury were concentrated on reentry at escape speeds and on a spacecraft configuration capable of aerodynamic maneuvering during reentry.
References: 16.
1960 October 28 - 17:43 GMT - Launch Site: Palmdale Omni DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.7 N x 118.0 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 1-15-28. - X-15A Stability/Control test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2145 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15453 m. References: 2.
1960 October 30 - - Development begun of Meteor, the first Soviet weather satellite. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Meteor. Work began in 1961 at OKB-586 GKOT; in 1962 it was transferred to NII-627. Final development was completed in 1964.
1960 October 30 - - Full development of Molniya-1 communications satellite authorised by government decree. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Three such satellites could provide long-distance communications coverage for the entire Soviet Union. Original designed life was 1.5 to 2.0 years. Development was completed in May 1963.
1960 November 1 - - Chelomei R winged manned spacecraft project starts Nation: USSR. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Raketoplan, SAINT, SAINT II. Immediately after cancellation of similar projects at Myasishchev and Tsybin bureaus, Chelomei's new bureau is assigned to build equivalent of US Dynasoar / Saint II. Winged manned spacecraft for interception, inspection, and destruction of US satellites up to 290 km altitude. Two man crew, 24 hour mission duration, large aft drag brakes.
References: 83.
1960 November 1 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Centaur LV-3C. - Centaur tracking network test. Nation: USA. Under arrangements of the AACB (Aeronautics and Astronautics Coordinating Board), NASA will utilize existing NASA tracking stations for initial Centaur development vehicles and switch to the Advent network (which is to be planned, funded, and constructed by DOD) when Centaur is operational, perhaps as early as the fourth of 10 development launchings of Centaur.
References: 17, 278.
November 1960-August 1961 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. - Crash program instigated to get Atlas sites operational. Nation: USA. Golden Ram program accomplished at SMS 576-B2 & B3 References: 4460.
1960 November 2 - - Lunar atlas prepared by USAF. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Lunar atlas prepared for USAF by group under technical direction of G. P. Kuiper was released, an "Orthographic Atlas of the Moon" charted 5,000 base points combined with best available photos and grids. References: 17, 27.
1960 November 2 - 22:25 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.09UA. - Composition Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 109 km (67 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 3 - - US Geological Survey studies of lunar geology Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Department of the Interior announced that the U.S. Geological Survey would undertake detailed studies of lunar geology as part of a new $205,000 program in astrogeology financed by NASA. Additional Details: US Geological Survey studies of lunar geology. References: 16.
1960 November 3 - 05:23 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. Model: Juno II. LV Configuration: Juno II AM-19D. - Explorer 8 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: S-30. Mass: 41 kg (90 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Ionosphere. Spacecraft: S-30. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 394 km (244 mi). Apogee: 1,331 km (827 mi). Inclination: 49.90 deg. Period: 102.20 min. COSPAR: 1960-Xi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 60. Ionospheric research. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 2, 6.
1960 November 3 - 21:19 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NASA 03.29GT. - Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 4 - 20:43 GMT - Launch Site: Palmdale Omni DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.7 N x 118.0 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 1-16-29. - X-15A Stability/Control test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 2071 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14905 m. References: 2.
1960 November 5 - Launch Site: Chelkar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5. LV Configuration: R-5 V-1000 target. FAILURE: Failure. - Target mission Nation: USSR. Agency: OKB-30. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 5 - 01:00 GMT - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: DF-1. - Nation: China. Agency: PRC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). First launch of all-Chinese version of Russian R-2, model 1059. Radio guidance was used. Nie Rongzhen is present to observe the event. References: 2.
1960 November 7 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-46. - Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 8 - - Mercury Little Joe 5 (LJ-5) Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. LJ-5, the first of the series with a McDonnell production spacecraft, was launched from Wallops Island to check the spacecraft in an abort simulating the most severe launch conditions. The launch was normal until 15.4 seconds after lift-off, at which time the escape rocket motor was prematurely ignited. The spacecraft did not detach from the launch vehicle until impact and was destroyed. Failure to attain mission objectives was attributed to several possible causes. One of these was failure of the spacecraft-to-adpater clamp-ring limit switches. Another possibility was failure of the escape tower clamp-ring limit switches. And the third was improper rigging of the limit switches in either of those locations so that vibration or deflection could have caused switch closure. Since the test objectives were not met, a repeat of the mission was planned.
References: 483.
1960 November 8 - 13:18 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18A. Launch Pad: LC18A. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Blue Scout Jr. LV Configuration: Blue Scout Jr D-2. FAILURE: Failure. - HETS Magnetospheric mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 8 - 15:18 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-5. FAILURE: At 15.4 seconds the escape rocket motor and tower jettison motor ignited prematurely. - Mercury LJ-5 Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Little Joe 5 with a Mercury production spacecraft was launched from Wallops Island to test the spacecraft in an abort simulating the most severe launch conditions. At 15.4 seconds after liftoff, the escape rocket motor and tower jettison motor ignited prematurely. Booster, capsule, and tower remained mated through ballistic trajectory until destroyed on impact.
References: 2.
1960 November 10 - 01:44 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.04CA. - Ionosphere Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 975 km (605 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 10 - 02:35 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 ND3.101. - Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 211 km (131 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 10 - 16:22 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2X-1. - Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Advanced Polaris (A-2) successfully launched on record 1,600-mile flight at AMR. References: 2.
1960 November 11 - 11:22 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.22GE. - SBE 6 Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 11 - 12:11 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.23GE. - SBE 7 Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 12 - 18:40 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.24GE. - SBE 8 (LE SCR) Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 12 - 20:43 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 297 / Agena B 1062. - Discoverer 17 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9012 / Agena B 1062. Mass: 1,091 kg (2,405 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 190 km (110 mi). Apogee: 984 km (611 mi). Inclination: 81.70 deg. Period: 96.40 min. COSPAR: 1960-Omicron-1. USAF Sat Cat: 61. Decay Date: 1960-12-29. KH-1; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Mission failed. Obtained orbit successfully. Film separated before any camera operation leaving only 1.7 ft of film in capsule. On December 2, the Air Force revealed that exceedingly valuable information had been obtained from human tissues carried by Discoverer 17 (the cover story for the mission). The tissues had been exposed to an unexpectedly heavy dose of radiation for more than 50 hours in flight.
References: 2, 6.
1960 November 12 - 23:32 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.15GE. - SBE 9 Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 13 - 16:03 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.16GE. - SBE 10 (LE SCR) Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 14 - Launch Vehicle: DF-3. - DF-3 ICBM development begun. Nation: China. Program: Long March. Tsien appoints himself head of the DF-3 project - a quantum leap to build a 10,000 km range liquid oxygen/kerosene propellant intercontinental ballistic missile. The objective proves much too ambitious and is eventually cancelled. It is the last missile project Tsien is allowed to manage.
References: 87.
1960 November 15 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. - Atlas D/AIG (All Inertial Guidance) scheduled design 95 % complete Nation: USA. References: 4460.
1960 November 15 - 05:54 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 83D. - Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 15 - 16:41 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.14GA. - Composition Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 227 km (141 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 15 - 17:59 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 2-10-21. - X-15A XLR-99 Checkout test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). First flight with XLR-99 engine. Maximum Speed - 3154 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24750 m. References: 2.
1960 November 16 - 11:02 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL33. -
 Test mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 105 km (65 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 16 - 17:37 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.10UA. - Composition Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 16 - 19:51 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.13GE. - SBE 11 Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 17 - 06:00 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.14GE. - SBE 12 Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 17 - 10:06 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. - Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA?. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 17 - 10:40 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2C. LV Configuration: Skylark-2C SL67. - Grenade / Chaff / Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 247 km (153 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 17 - 13:40 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AA3.144. - Ultraviolet detector Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 217 km (134 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 17 - 20:43 GMT - Launch Site: Palmdale Omni DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.7 N x 118.0 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 1-17-30. - X-15A test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2018 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16688 m. Lower XLR-11 shutdown but restarted. References: 2.
1960 November 18 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. - Mercury Spacecraft No. 8 delivered to Cape Canaveral Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Spacecraft No. 8 was delivered to Cape Canaveral for the Mercury-Atlas 3 (MA-3) unmanned orbital mission. References: 483.
1960 November 18 - 03:39 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.26GE. - SBE 13 Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 128 km (79 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 18 - 23:39 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.27GE. - SBE 14 Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 21 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV. - An attempt was made to launch Mercury-Redstone 1 (MR-1) from Cape Canaveral. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. This unmanned mission was unsuccessful because premature cut-off of the launch vehicle engines activated the emergency escape system when the vehicle was only about 1 inch off the pad. Engine cut-off was caused by premature loss of electrical ground power to the booster. The launch vehicle settled back on the pad with only slight damage. Since the spacecraft received a cut-off signal, the escape tower and recovery sequence was initiated. The undamaged spacecraft was recovered for reuse.
References: 483.
1960 November 21 - 14:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV. LV Configuration: Redstone MRLV-1. FAILURE: Engine cut off after 1 sec, vehicle fell back to the pad from a few centimeters height, but did not explode. This faulty ground-support circuitry had not been noted on some 60 previous Redstone firings. - Mercury MR-1 Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Suborbital launch attempt. After a four- or five-inch liftoff, MR-1 launched its escape tower but not the capsule. The undamaged spacecraft was recovered for reuse. References: 2.
1960 November 22 - 08:42 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.11GG. - Ultraviolet Spectrograph Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 183 km (113 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 22 - 21:25 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 2-11-22. - X-15A XLR-99, BCS test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). First restart with XLR-99 engine. Maximum Speed - 2665 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18867 m. References: 2.
1960 November 23 - 11:13 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Delta. LV Configuration: Thor Delta 245/D3. - Tiros 2 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: Tiros B (A-2). Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Tiros. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 547 km (339 mi). Apogee: 610 km (370 mi). Inclination: 48.50 deg. Period: 96.30 min. COSPAR: 1960-Pi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 63. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6.
1960 November 23 - 23:55 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL49. - CW Prop / Solar SX Ionosphere-solar mission Ionosphere-solar mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 25 - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: CERES. Launch Vehicle: Antares. LV Configuration: Antares 008. -
 Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 28 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. - Titan II instead of Titan I for Dyna-Soar. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force requested ARDC to examine the feasiblity of employing Titan II instead of Titan I for Dyna-Soar suborbital flights.
1960 November 29 - - Briefing on the Apollo and Saturn programs Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. A joint briefing on the Apollo and Saturn programs was held at Marshall Space Flight Center MSFC, attended by representatives of STG and MSFC. Maxime A. Faget of STG and MSFC Director Wernher von Braun agreed that a joint STG-MSFC program would be developed to accomplish a manned lunar landing. Areas of responsibility were: MSFC launch vehicle and landing on the moon; STG - lunar orbit, landing, and return to earth.
References: 16.
1960 November 29 - 11:16 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NB3.103. - NRL NB3.103 Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 197 km (122 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 30 - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: CERES. Launch Vehicle: Antares. LV Configuration: Antares 009. - Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 30 - 01:12 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 4E. FAILURE: Failure. - Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 30 - 05:01 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AA3.284. - MHD waves Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 241 km (149 mi). References: 2.
1960 November 30 - 18:42 GMT - Launch Site: Palmdale Omni DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.7 N x 118.0 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 1-18-31. - X-15A test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 1858 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14886 m. Only 7 of 8 XLR-11 chambers ignited. References: 2.
1960 November 30 - 19:50 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Ablestar. LV Configuration: Thor Ablestar 283 AB006. FAILURE: Failure. - Transit 3A Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Payload: Transit 3A. Mass: 91 kg (200 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: U.S. Navy. COSPAR: F601130A. Decay Date: 1960-11-30. Destroyed by range safety; launched with Solrad 2. Thor shut down too early. References: 126.
- Solrad 2 Nation: USA. Payload: GRAB 2. Mass: 18 kg (39 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: GRAB. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F601130B. References: 279.
1960 December 1 - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: DF-1. - Nation: China. Agency: PRC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Two further launches are made from Jiuquan. References: 2.
1960 December 1 - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: DF-1. - Test mission Nation: China. Agency: PRC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 1 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. - Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 1 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. - Guidance test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 1 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: HJ Nike Nike Recruit T55. - Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 1 - 07:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8K72. LV Configuration: Vostok 8K72 L1-13. - Korabl-Sputnik 3 Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Payload: Vostok 1K s/n 3. Mass: 4,563 kg (10,059 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Vostok. Agency: RVSN. Perigee: 123 km (76 mi). Apogee: 269 km (167 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 88.40 min. COSPAR: 1960-Rho-1. USAF Sat Cat: 65. Duration: 0.99 days. Decay Date: 1960-12-02. The Soviet Union launched its third spaceship satellite, Korabl Sputnik III, or Sputnik VI. The spacecraft, similar to those launched on May 15 and August 19, carried the dogs Pcheka and Mushka in addition to other animals, insects, and plants. Deorbited December 2, 1960 7:15 GMT. Burned up on reentry due to steep entry angle (retrofire engine did not shut off on schedule and burned to fuel depletion).
Officially: Medical and biological research under space flight conditions.
Officially: Medical and biological research under space flight conditions.
References: 2, 6, 16, 175.
1960 December 2 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. - Saturn I static firing. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. First of new series of static firings of Saturn considered only 50 percent successful in 2-second test at MSFC. References: 17, 27.
1960 December 4 - 05:35 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: OSTF. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I V-2. - Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1960 December 4 - 21:14 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout X-1. LV Configuration: Scout X-1 ST-3. FAILURE: Second stage malfunction. - Explorer (9) S 56 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: S-56. Mass: 6.00 kg (13.20 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: S-56. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: F601204A. Decay Date: 1960-12-04. References: 126.
1960 December 5 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2X-2. - Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Polaris A-2 successfully test fired 1,400 nautical miles down AMR. References: 2.
1960 December 6-8 - - First technical review of the General Electric Apollo feasibility study Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The first technical review of the General Electric Company Apollo feasibility study was held at the contractor's Missile and Space Vehicle Department. Company representatives presented reports on the study so that STG representatives might review progress, provide General Electric with pertinent information from NASA or other sources, and discuss and advise as to the course of the study.
References: 16.
1960 December 6 - 18:44 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hopi. Model: Kiva/Hopi. - PHOENIX I Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 367 km (228 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 6 - 23:29 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 2-12-23. - X-15A XLR-99, BCS test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 3027 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16268 m. References: 2.
1960 December 7 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. - High altitude sodium tests. Nation: USA. Series of upper atmosphere sounding rockets from NASA Wallops Station, sodium vapor being ejected at about 212 miles altitude and a lithium flare released near peak altitude of about 450 miles to measure wind velocities and temperatures. References: 17.
1960 December 7-9 - - Martin presented the first technical review of its Apollo feasibility study Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The Martin Company presented the first technical review of its Apollo feasibility study to STG officials in Baltimore, Md. At the suggestion of STG, Martin agreed to reorient the study in several areas: putting more emphasis on lunar orbits, putting man in the system, and considering landing and recovery in the initial design of the spacecraft.
References: 16.
1960 December 7 - 20:20 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 296 / Agena B 1103. - Discoverer 18 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9013 / Agena B 1103. Mass: 1,240 kg (2,730 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 233 km (144 mi). Apogee: 510 km (310 mi). Inclination: 81.50 deg. Period: 92.00 min. COSPAR: 1960-Sigma-1. USAF Sat Cat: 67. Decay Date: 1961-04-02. KH-2; film capsule recovered 3.1 days later. First successful mission employing KH-2 camera system. References: 2, 6.
1960 December 8 - Launch Site: Chelkar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5. LV Configuration: R-5 V-1000 target. FAILURE: Failure. - Target mission Nation: USSR. Agency: OKB-30. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 8 - 16:52 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.25CI. - Langmuir Probe Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 9 - 11:20 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.12CA. - Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 146 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 9 - 19:52 GMT - Launch Site: Palmdale Omni DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 34.7 N x 118.0 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 1-19-32. - X-15A Ball nose, Stabil. test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). First hot nose flight. Maximum Speed - 1911 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15269 m. References: 2.
1960 December 10 - - Lunar orbit method of accomplishing the lunar landing mission Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Representatives of the Langley Research Center briefed members of STG on the lunar orbit method of accomplishing the lunar landing mission. References: 16.
1960 December 10 - Launch Site: Chelkar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5. LV Configuration: R-5 V-1000 target. - Target mission Nation: USSR. Agency: OKB-30. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 10 - 22:30 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.05CA. - Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 716 km (444 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 12 - 22:36 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.08GE. - Magnetic fields Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,140 km (700 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 13 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. - Saturn transport barge commissioned. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Palaemon, a 180-foot barge built to transport the Saturn launch vehicle from MSFC to Cape Canaveral by water, was formally accepted by MSFC Director from Maj. Gen. Frank S. Besson, Chief of Army Transportation. References: 17, 27.
1960 December 13 - 20:08 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LE-8. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 267. - Combat training launch Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 14 - - Seamans briefed on the lunar orbit rendezvous method Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Associate Administrator of NASA Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and his staff were briefed by Langley Research Center personnel on the rendezvous method as it related to the national space program. Clinton E. Brown presented an analysis made by himself and Ralph W. Stone, Jr., describing the general operational concept of lunar orbit rendezvous for the manned lunar landing. The advantages of this plan in contrast with the earth orbit rendezvous method, especially in reducing launch vehicle requirements, were illustrated. Others discussing the rendezvous were John C. Houbolt, John D. Bird, and Max C. Kurbjun.
References: 16.
1960 December 14 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hopi. Model: Kiva/Hopi. - Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 14 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hopi. Model: Kiva/Hopi. - Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 14-15 - - Frst technical review of the Convair Apollo feasibility study Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Convair/Astronautics Division of the General Dynamics Corporation held its first technical review of the Apollo feasibility study in San Diego, Calif. Brief presentations were made by contractor and subcontractor technical specialists to STG representatives. Convair/Astronautics' first approach was oriented toward the modular concept, but STG suggested that the integral spacecraft concept should be investigated.
References: 16.
1960 December 14 - 16:52 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.06GA. - Grenade Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 110 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 15 - 09:10 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Able. LV Configuration: Atlas Able 91D / Able-5. FAILURE: Atlas exploded 70 seconds after liftoff. - Pioneer (P 31) Nation: USA. Program: Pioneer. Payload: Pioneer P 31 / Able VB. Mass: 175 kg (385 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Pioneer P 3. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 13 km (8 mi). COSPAR: F601215A. Decay Date: 1960-12-15. The final launch in the Pioneer lunar probe program was unsuccessful; the Atlas-Able booster rocket went out of control and exploded at an altitude of 12,200 m off Cape Canaveral. References: 126, 278.
1960 December 16 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: VLAD. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Burya. LV Configuration: Burya 10-05. - Burya flight 16 Nation: USSR. Agency: SSSR. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Test of AN-2Sh astronavigation system capability for flight in both daytime and nighttime conditions. The missile flew a range of 6,425 km at Mach 3.1-3.2. The flight was only terminated when the cruise stage used up all of its propellant. References: 2.
1960 December 16 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hopi. Model: Kiva/Hopi. - Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 16 - 20:35 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576B3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 99D. - Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 17 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Bacchus. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: VE. Model: VE10 Aigle. - Test mission Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 17 - Launch Site: Chelkar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5. LV Configuration: R-5 V-1000 target. - Target mission Nation: USSR. Agency: OKB-30. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 19 - 16:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV. LV Configuration: Redstone MRLV-3. - Mercury MR-1A Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi). Mercury-Redstone 1A (MR-1A) was launched from Cape Canaveral in a repeat of the November 21, 1960, mission and was completely successful. This was the third attempt to accomplish the objectives established for this flight. The first attempt on November 7, 1960, was canceled as a result of a helium leak in the spacecraft reaction control system relief valve, and on November 21, 1960, the mission could not be completed because of premature cut-off of the launch vehicle engines. Objectives of the MR-1A flight were to qualify the spacecraft for space flight and to qualify the flight system for a primate flight scheduled shortly thereafter. Close attention was given to the spacecraft-launch vehicle combination as it went through the various flight sequences: powered flight; acceleration and deceleration; performance of the posigrade rockets; performance of the recovery system; performance of the launch, tracking, and recovery phases of the operation; other events of the flight including retrorocket operation in a space environment; and operation of instrumentation. Except that the launch vehicle cut-off velocity was slightly higher than normal, all flight sequences were satisfactory; tower separation, spacecraft separation, spacecraft turnaround, retrofire, retropackage jettison, and landing system operation occurred or were controlled as planned. The spacecraft reached a maximum altitude of 130.68 statute miles, a range of 234.8 statute miles, and a speed of 4,909.1 miles per hour. Fifteen minutes after landing in the Atlantic Ocean, the recovery helicopter picked up the spacecraft to complete the successful flight mission.
References: 2.
1960 December 20 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I J-9. FAILURE: Failure. - Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1960 December 20 - 20:32 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 258 / Agena B 1101. - Discoverer 19 Nation: USA. Payload: Midas test payload. Mass: 1,060 kg (2,330 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Midas. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Apogee: 359 km (223 mi). Inclination: 83.40 deg. Period: 90.00 min. COSPAR: 1960-Tau-1. USAF Sat Cat: 68. Decay Date: 1961-01-23. Tested IR sensors for Midas program; did not carry camera or film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1960 December 22 - - MIT proposal for a study of a navigation and guidance system for Apollo Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The MIT Instrumentation Laboratory submitted a formal proposal to NASA for a study of a navigation and guidance system for the Apollo spacecraft. References: 16.
1960 December 22 - Launch Site: Chelkar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5. LV Configuration: R-5 V-1000 target. - Target mission Nation: USSR. Agency: OKB-30. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 22 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8K72K. LV Configuration: Vostok 8K72K L1-13A. FAILURE: The third stage engine RO-7 failed just after ignition, 425 seconds in to flight. - Korabl-Sputnik Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Payload: Vostok 1K s/n 4. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Vostok. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F601222A. Decay Date: 1960-12-20. Unable to reach orbital velocity, the Vostok prototype separated while the third stage was still firing. While the ejection seat failed to operate, the capsule did make a hard landing in severe winter conditons in Siberia. It was recovered after some time, and the dogs Kometa and Shutka were alive. As a result of this flight the ejection seat was developed with a heat shield designed to protect the pilot in the event of a launch vehicle failure up to shut down of the first stage.
Additional Details: Korabl-Sputnik. References: 175, 376.
1960 December 22 - 18:34 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-13. - Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 23 - Launch Site: Chelkar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5. LV Configuration: R-5 V-1000 target. - Target mission Nation: USSR. Agency: OKB-30. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 24 - Launch Site: Chelkar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5. LV Configuration: R-5 V-1000 target. - Target mission Nation: USSR. Agency: OKB-30. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 24 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: R-14. - State trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 675 km (419 mi). References: 2.
1960 December 26 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3C. - First segmented solid motor test. Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Successful firing of a solid-propellant rocket motor using "building block" method was announced by NASA. References: 17.
1960 December 29 - - Grumman began work on a lunar orbit rendezvous study Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. The Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation began work on a company- funded lunar orbit rendezvous feasibility study. References: 16.
1960 December 31 - Launch Site: Chelkar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5. LV Configuration: R-5 V-1000 target. - Target mission Nation: USSR. Agency: OKB-30. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
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