Chronology - Quarter 3 1961 home
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1961 July - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Martin proposal for a Titan-boosted Mercury vehicle. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury Mark I. James L. Decker of Martin Company submitted a proposal for a Titan-boosted Mercury vehicle. A Mercury-Titan program, expected to span an 18-month flight schedule, would benefit from the Air Force's booster development and test of the ballistic missile system and the considerable design and test that the Air Force had expended in the Dyna-Soar program to adapt the vehicle to manned spaceflight. The Titan, with its sea-level rating of 430,000 pounds of thrust in the first stage and 100,000 pounds in the second stage, was capable of lifting significantly heavier spacecraft payloads than the Mercury-Atlas. Its hypergolic propulsion system, using storable liquid propellants, was a much simpler system than the cryogenic propellant system in Atlas. A highly reliable booster could be provided, employing complete redundancy in the flight control systems in the form of a three-axis reference system, autopilot, servo, electrical, and hydraulic systems. The short time he proposed would depend on the availability of pad 19 at Cape Canaveral, planned for conversion to the Titan II configuration. Pad 19, unlike the other three Titan I pads, had been intended for space applications and was better designed for required prelaunch test programs.
1961 Q3 - 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.
1961 Q3 - 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.
1961 July 3 -
  • Khrunichev plant named. Nation: USSR. Decree 'On naming OKB-23 plant after M. V. Khrunichev' was issued. References: 474.
1961 July 4 - 04:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7A. LV Configuration: R-7A L2-4.
  • R-7A II-5 test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 4 - 20:20 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7A. LV Configuration: R-7A L2-2.
  • R-7A II-6 test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). Two launches from one launch complex in the same day. References: 2.
1961 July 6 - Launch Site: Fort Wingate. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone 1005.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Successful missile test. Missed aimpoint by 266 m. References: 2.
1961 July 7 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • NASA and DoD to study development of large launch vehicles Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The NASA Administrator and the Secretary of Defense concluded an agreement to study development of large launch vehicles for the national space program. For this purpose, the DOD-NASA Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group was created, reporting to the Associate Administrator of NASA and to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering). References: 16.
1961 July 7 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Centaur LV-3C.
  • McDonnell studies of the redesigned Mercury spacecraft. Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Spacecraft: Gemini. Walter F. Burke of McDonnell summarized the company's studies of the redesigned Mercury spacecraft for Space Task Group's senior staff. McDonnell had considered three configurations: (1) the minimum-change capsule, modified only to improve accessibility and handling, with an adapter added to carry such items as extra batteries; (2) a reconfigured capsule with an ejection seat installed and most of the equipment exterior to the pressure vessel on highly accessible pallets; and (3) a two-man capsule, similar to the reconfigured capsule except for the modification required for two rather than one-man operation. The capsule would be brought down on two Mercury-type main parachutes, the ejection seat serving as a redundant system. In evaluating the trajectory of the two-man capsule, McDonnell used Atlas Centaur booster performance data.
1961 July 7 - 04:51 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 22E.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). Successful Atlas E flight, 9054 miles, from AMR to Indian Ocean (with GE Mark 3 nose cone) References: 2.
1961 July 7 - 23:29 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 308 / Agena B 1109.
  • Discoverer 26 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9019 / Agena B 1109. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 228 km (141 mi). Apogee: 803 km (498 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 94.90 min. COSPAR: 1961-Pi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 160. Decay Date: 1961-12-05. KH-2; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Main camera malfunctioned on pass 22. References: 2, 6.
1961 July 11 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • F-1 engine begins static testing. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA announced that a complete F-1 engine had begun a series of static test firings at Edwards Rocket Test Center, Calif. References: 18, 27.
1961 July 11 - Launch Vehicle: SLS, Titan.
  • Phoenix A388 space launch system recommended for Dyna-Soar Step IIA booster. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Dyna-Soar Directorate of the Space Systems Division recommended employment of the Phoenix A388 space launch system for the Step IIA booster.
1961 July 12 -
  • First large space simulator in the United States Nation: USA. Program: Ranger. Spacecraft: Ranger 1-2. Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced that construction was under way on the first large space simulator in the United States capable of testing full-scale spacecraft of the Ranger and Mariner classes. Three primary space effects could be simulated: solar radiation, cold space heat sink, and a high vacuum equivalent to about one part in a billion of the atmospheric pressure at sea level. References: 16.
1961 July 12 - 10:25 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Delta. LV Configuration: Thor Delta 286/D5.
  • Tiros 3 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: Tiros C (A-3). Mass: 129 kg (284 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Tiros. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 723 km (449 mi). Apogee: 790 km (490 mi). Inclination: 47.90 deg. Period: 100.00 min. COSPAR: 1961-Rho-1. USAF Sat Cat: 162. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6.
1961 July 12 - 15:11 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Agena B. LV Configuration: Atlas Agena B 97D / Agena B 1201.
  • Midas 3 Nation: USA. Payload: Midas / Agena TV 1201. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Midas. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 3,343 km (2,077 mi). Apogee: 3,540 km (2,190 mi). Inclination: 91.20 deg. Period: 161.40 min. COSPAR: 1961-Sigma-1. USAF Sat Cat: 163. Missile Defense Alarm System. References: 2, 6, 171, 172, 278.
1961 July 13 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV.
  • Mercury MR-6 static engine test Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Flight: Mercury MR-6. Mercury-Redstone 6 was static tested for 30 seconds at Marshall Space Flight Center to ensure satisfactory operation of the turbopump assembly. References: 18.
1961 July 13 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2X-20.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 13 - 22:07 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.30GA.
  • Grenade Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi). Two Nike-Cajun rockets launched University of New Hamsphire-Goddard Space Flight Center payloads from NASA Wallops Station. References: 2.
1961 July 14 - 02:57 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.03UE.
  • Magnetic Fields Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 196 km (121 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 14 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.04UE.
  • Magnetic Fields Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 14 - 16:02 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.31GA.
  • Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 101 km (62 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 15 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Mercury Atlas launch vehicle 88-D delivered to Cape Canaveral Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Atlas launch vehicle 88-D was delivered to Cape Canaveral for the Mercury-Atlas 4 (MA-4) mission. References: 483.
1961 July 18 -
  • NASA-Industry Apollo Technical Conference Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. 1,000 persons from 300 potential Project Apollo contractors and government agencies attended the conference. STG pushed the conical CM shape, in defiance of Gilruth's preference for the competitive blunt body/lifting body designs. Scientists from NASA, the General Electric Company, The Martin Company, and General Dynamics/Astronautics presented the results of studies on Apollo requirements. Within the next four to six weeks NASA was expected to draw up the final details and specifications for the Apollo spacecraft. References: 26, 27.
1961 July 18-19 -
  • Two attempts made to launch Mercury MR-4 Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Flight: Mercury MR-4. Two attempts were made to launch Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) with astronaut Virgil Grissom aboard the spacecraft, but unfavorable weather forced mission postponement. References: 483.
1961 July 19 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV.
  • Mercury MR-4 launch scrubbed. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. Flight: Mercury MR-4. Mercury-Redstone (MR-4) with manned Liberty Bell 7 capsule canceled within minutes of launch because of adverse weather. References: 18.
1961 July 20 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group, established on July 7, 1961, began its formal existence with seven DOD and seven NASA members and alternates. Additional Details: Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group. References: 16.
1961 July 20 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.32GA.
  • Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 124 km (77 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 20 - 13:12 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.05UE.
  • Magnetic Fields Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 21 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I AJ-18.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 21 - 02:42 GMT - Launch Site: Akita. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 8. LV Configuration: Kappa 8 K-8-7 TW-10/ID-6.
  • Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 158 km (98 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 21 - 12:20 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV. LV Configuration: Redstone MRLV-8.
  • Mercury MR-4 Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 189 km (117 mi). The Mercury capsule, Liberty Bell 7, manned by Astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, boosted by a Redstone rocket, reached a peak altitude of 190.3 km and a speed of 8,335 km per hour. After a flight of 15 minutes and 37 seconds, the landing was made 487 km downrange from the launch site. The hatch blew while still in water, and the capsule sank; Grissom saved, though his suit was filling up with water through open oxygen inlet lines.

    This was the second and final manned suborbital Mercury Redstone flight, and the first flight with trapezoidal window. Further suborbital flights (each astronaut was to make one as a training exercise) were cancelled. An attempt to recover the capsule in very deep water in 1994 not successful. It was finally raised in the summer of 1999. References: 2.

1961 July 21 - 22:35 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 322 / Agena B 1110. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Discoverer 27 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9020A. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F610721A. Decay Date: 1961-07-21. KH-5; destroyed by range safety. Mission failed. References: 126.
  • SRV 524 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F610721B. References: 279.
1961 July 22 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. LV Configuration: R-16 13L-15T. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1961 July 24 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-2, Saturn I.
  • Changes in Saturn launch vehicle configurations Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Changes in Saturn launch vehicle configurations were announced :

    C-1:
    Stages S-I (1.5 million pounds of thrust) and S-IV
    C-2:
    Stages S-I, S-II, and S-IV
    C-3:
    Stages S-IB (3 million pounds of thrust), S-II, and S-IV.
    References: 16.
1961 July 24 -
  • Contract for television system for Ranger Nation: USA. Program: Ranger. Spacecraft: Ranger 3-4-5. NASA issued a letter contract to the Astro-Electronic Division of Radio Corporation of America to develop and fabricate the high-resolution television system (including associated communication and electronic equipment) for the Ranger program. References: 16.
1961 July 25 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-9. Model: Romashka. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E10312.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,160 km (720 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 25 - 19:05 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC19. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I M-2.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 26 - 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.
1961 July 26 - 19:22 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.57UA.
  • Composition Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 143 km (88 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 27-28 -
  • Advanced Mercury concepts Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury Mark I, Gemini. Flight: Mercury MA-10, Mercury MA-11, Mercury MA-12. After the 2-man space concept (later designated Project Gemini) was introduced in May 1961, a briefing between McDonnell and NASA personnel was held on the matter. As a result of this meeting, space flight design effort was concentrated on the 18-orbit 1-man Mercury and on a 2-man spacecraft capable of advanced missions. References: 483.
1961 July 27 - 15:09 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC31A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1A 403.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 28 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.
  • NASA invitation to bids for Apollo prime contract Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. NASA invited 12 companies to submit prime contractor proposals for the Apollo spacecraft by October 9: The Boeing Airplane Company, Chance Vought Corporation, Douglas Aircraft Company, General Dynamics/Convair, the General Electric Company, Goodyear Aircraft Corporation, Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, The Martin Company, North American Aviation, Inc., and Republic Aviation Corporation. Additional Details: NASA invitation to bids for Apollo prime contract. References: 16.
1961 July 30 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-9. Model: Romashka. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E15001-25.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,160 km (720 mi). References: 2.
1961 July 31 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • Unions agree to no strikes at Cape Canaveral. Nation: USA. At Cape Canaveral with the President's Missile Sites Labor Commission, Secretary of Labor Goldberg made public President Kennedy's message praising the voluntary, no-strike, no-lockout pledges covering labor-management relations at missile and space sites. The President's message stated that "the Nation cannot afford the luxury of avoidable delay in our missile and space program. Neither can we tolerate wasteful and expensive practices which add to the great financial burden our defense effort already places on us." References: 18.
1961 July 31 - Launch Vehicle: Nova, Saturn C-3, Saturn V.
  • NASA-DOD report on launch sites for Apollo Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Phase I of a joint NASA-DOD report on facilities and resources required at launch sites to support the manned lunar landing program was submitted to Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., by Kurt H. Debus, Director, Launch Operations Directorate, and Maj. Gen. Leighton I. Davis, Commander of the Air Force Missile Test Center. The report, requested by Seamans on June 23, was based on the use of Nova- class launch vehicles for the manned lunar landing in a direct ascent mode, with the Saturn C-3 in supporting missions. Eight launch sites were considered: Cape Canaveral (on-shore); Cape Canaveral (off- shore); Mayaguana Island (Atlantic Missile Range downrange); Cumberland Island, Ga.; Brownsville, Tex.; White Sands Missile Range, N. Mex.; Christmas Island, Pacific Ocean; and South Point, Hawaii. On the basis of minimum cost and use of existing national resources, and taking into consideration the stringent time schedule, White Sands Missile Range and Cape Canaveral (on-shore) were favored. White Sands presented serious limitations on launch azimuths because of first-stage impact hazards on populated areas. References: 16.
1961 July - Launch Vehicle: Nova, Saturn C-3.
  • Improved Mercury proposed for lunar landing Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini LOR, Apollo Lunar Landing. James A. Chamberlin and James T. Rose of STG proposed adapting the improved Mercury spacecraft to a 35,000-pound payload, including a 5,000-pound "lunar lander." This payload would be launched by a Saturn C-3 in the lunar orbit rendezvous mode. The proposal was in direct competition with the Apollo proposals that favored direct landing on the moon and involved a 150,000-pound payload launched by a Nova-class vehicle with approximately 12 million pounds of thrust. References: 16.
1961 July 31 - 21:32 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 21E.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 1 -
  • McDonnell proposal for Gemini Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Gemini. Baseline 10 earth orbit flights; also proposed for docking with Centaur and circumlunar flights by March 1965. NASA not interested - threat to Apollo. References: 26.
1961 August 1 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Centaur LV-3C.
  • Centaur operational contracts initiated. Nation: USA. NASA directed Marshall Space Flight Center to enter contract negotiations with contractors for procurement of five operational Atlas-Centaur vehicles. These launchings were planned to begin in second quarter of 1964. References: 18, 278.
1961 August 1 - Launch Site: Fort Wingate. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone 1009. FAILURE: Human error in laying launch azimuth. Drop in inter-compartment pressure suspected.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Missile test failure. Missed aimpoint by 5,085 m. References: 2.
1961 August - Launch Vehicle: UR-200.
  • UR-200 universal ICBM / space booster authorised. Nation: USSR. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On course of work on the UR-200 missile and launcher' was issued. References: 474.
1961 August 1 - 11:02 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL34.
  • Ultraviolet Camera Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 124 km (77 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 1 - 20:18 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee 1500. LV Configuration: Astrobee 1500 AA16.304. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test / geodetic mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 2 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Apollo launch site study begun. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA headquarters announced that it was making a world-wide study of possible launching sites for Moon vehicles; the size, power, noise, and possible hazards of Saturn-Nova type rockets requiring greater isolation for public safety than presently available. References: 18, 27.
1961 August 2 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2X-21.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 3 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Martin briefed Space Task Group on Titan II technical characteristics and performance. Nation: USA. Representatives of Martin Company briefed Director Robert R. Gilruth and some of the senior staff of Space Task Group on Titan II technical characteristics and expected performance. At a senior staff meeting four days later, August 7, Gilruth commented on the Titan II's promise for manned spaceflight, particularly its potential ability to place larger payloads in orbit than could Atlas, which would make it 'a desirable booster for a two-man spacecraft.' Martin had estimated the cost of procuring and launching nine Titan II boosters, with cost of ancillary equipment, at $47.889 million spread over fiscal years 1962 through 1964.
1961 August 3 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-9. Model: Romashka. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E10313. FAILURE: Failure.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1961 August 4 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I AJ-19.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 4 - 00:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 309 / Agena B 1111. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Discoverer 28 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9021. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F610804A. Decay Date: 1961-08-03. KH-2; Mission failed. References: 126.
  • SRV 512 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F610804B. References: 279.
1961 August 5 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.
  • First Saturn I leaves factory. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. First Saturn (SA-1) booster began water trip to Cape Canaveral on Navy barge Compromise after overland detour around Wheeler Dam. References: 18, 27.
1961 August 5 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3C.
  • Solid motor segment test. Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Segmented solid-propellent rocket engine fired by United Technology Corp. at Sunnyvale, generating over 200,000 pounds of thrust in 80-second firing. Developed under NASA contract, center section of engine contained over 55,000 pounds of propellant, the largest single piece yet manufactured in the United States. References: 18.
1961 August 5 to October 12 -
  • Tests conducted on the Mercury spacecraft explosive hatch Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Flight: Mercury MR-4. A series of environmental tests was conducted on the spacecraft explosive egress hatch because of the difficulties experienced during the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission. References: 483.
1961 August 5 - 00:19 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM CM-218.
  • CTL Nation: Italy. Agency: Italia. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). The second Jupiter to be fired under the operational control of NATO troops in the Combat Training Launch program was fired from AMR at 1919 hours and 06 seconds EST to a range of 1,516 nm. The missile was originally scheduled for firing on 3 August but was postponed because of problems with the fuel probe in the fuel start tank and the micro-switch on the fuel pumping lever arm which controls the fuel flow rate. All missions assigned to the missile and to the NATO training launch crew were successfully accomplished. References: 2.
1961 August 6 - 06:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8K72K. LV Configuration: Vostok 8K72K E103-17.
  • Vostok 2 Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Payload: Vostok 3KA s/n 4. Mass: 4,730 kg (10,420 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Vostok. Agency: RVSN. Perigee: 172 km (106 mi). Apogee: 221 km (137 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 88.40 min. COSPAR: 1961-Tau-1. USAF Sat Cat: 168. Duration: 1.00 days. Decay Date: 1961-08-07. Crew: Titov. Flight: Vostok 2. Second manned orbital flight. The Soviet Union successfully launched Vostok II into orbit with Gherman S. Titov as pilot. The spacecraft carried life-support equipment, radio and television for monitoring the condition of the cosmonaut, tape recorder, telemetry system, biological experiments, and automatic and manual control equipment. Flight objectives: Investigation of the effects on the human organism of a prolonged flight in orbit and subsequent return to the surface of the Earth; investigation of man's ability to work during a prolonged period of weightlessness. Titov took manual control of spacecraft but suffered from space sickness. He was equipped with a professional quality Konvas movie camera, with which ten minutes of film of the earth were taken through the porthole. Both television and film images were taken of the interior of the spacecraft. Like Gagarin, Titov experienced problems with separation of the service module after retrofire. Titov was never to fly again, after being assigned to the Spiral spaceplane, which turned out to be a dead-end project. A biography of him by Martin Caidin ('I Am Eagle') made him somewhat more accessible than Gagarin to the West. References: 2, 6, 32, 33, 60, 175.
1961 August 7 -
  • Gagarin World Tour Completed Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Flight: Vostok 2. Between 27 May and 7 August Gagarin and Kamanin travel to Czechoslovakia, Finland, England, Iceland, Cuba, Brazil, Canada, Hungary. In July they are at Paris at the FAI, where the records supporting the record flights of Shepard and Gagarin are examined. Kamanin has no time to write up the materials from the tour. Both he and Gagarin are out of the country during preparations for and the actual flight of Titov aboard Vostok 2. References: 376.
1961 August 7 -
  • Landing of Vostok 2 Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Flight: Vostok 2. After 17.5 orbits, the spacecraft reentered on August 7 and landed safely at 7:18 GMT near Krasny Kut, Saratov. Titov made a separate parachute landing after riding his ejection seat out of the capsule.
1961 August 9 -
  • First Apollo development contract Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. NASA selected MIT's Instrumentation Laboratory to develop the guidance-navigation system for Project Apollo spacecraft. This first major Apollo contract was required since guidance-navigation system is basic to overall Apollo mission. The Instrumentation Laboratory of MIT, a nonprofit organization headed by C. Stark Draper, has been involved in a variety of guidance and navigation systems developments for 20 years. This first major Apollo contract had a long lead-time, was basic to the overall Apollo mission, and would be directed by STG. References: 18, 27.
1961 August 9 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Retrofire-from-orbit mission rules for Mercury MA-4 Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Retrofire-from-orbit mission rules were published for the unmanned Mercury-Atlas 4 (MA-4) orbital flight. References: 483.
1961 August 9 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Key personnel operational assignments for the Mercury MA-4 Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Key personnel operational assignments for the Mercury-Atlas 4 (MA-4) unmanned orbital mission were made by the Space Task Group. References: 483.
1961 August 9 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. LV Configuration: R-16 12L-14T.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 9 - 04:31 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F. LV Configuration: Atlas F 2F.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,400 km (800 mi). First F flight, at AMR), successful References: 2.
1961 August 10 - 18:27 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 1-22-37.
  • X-15A XLR-99, beta-dot test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4401 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23830 m. Lost cabin pressure. References: 2.
1961 August 11 - 14:30 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Exos. LV Configuration: Exos CRL AA13.194.
  • Ion density Test / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 12 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-36.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 12 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-42.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 12 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-43.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 12 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-34.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 12 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-35.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 12 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-37.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 12 - 10:57 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.42NP.
  • LeRC LH2 test Technology test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 153 km (95 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 13 -
  • East Germans erect Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin to halt flood of refugees Nation: Germany.
1961 August 13 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. LV Configuration: R-16 21L. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1961 August 14 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.
  • First Saturn I arrives at Cape Canaveral. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Navy barge Compromise, carrying first Saturn booster, stuck in the mud in the Indian River just south of Cape Canaveral. Released several hours later, the Saturn was delayed only 24 hours in its 2,200-mile journey from Huntsville. References: 18, 27.
1961 August 14-15 -
  • Apollo pre-proposal bidders' briefing Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing. STG held a pre-proposal briefing at Langley Field, Va., to answer bidders' questions pertaining to the Request for Proposal for the development of the Apollo spacecraft. 14 companies (Boeing, Vought, Douglas, GD, Goodyear, Grumman, Lockheed, Martin, McDonnell, Radio Corp, Republic, STL) attended. The winning bidder would receive contract for CSM (but not LM, if any) and integrate spacecraft with launch vehicle. References: 16.
1961 August 15 - Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton 8K82.
  • Chelomei begins UR-500 Proton design studies. Nation: USSR. Program: GR-2. Manufacturer: OKB-52. At first the launch vehicle was simply to consist of 4 two-stage UR-200 rockets lashed together, the first and second stages working in parallel in clusters. A third stage would be modified from the UR-200 second stage. However study of this configuration, which included manufacturing of a dynamic test article, indicated that the payload capacity could not meet the military’s requirements. References: 273.
1961 August 15 -
  • Korolev proposes a Vostok group flight Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Flight: Vostok 3, Vostok 4. Korolev proposes to Kamanin the launch of three manned Vostok spacecraft at one-day intervals: the first on a three-day flight, and the second and third on two- or three-day flights. Three Soviet manned spacecraft would be in orbit at once. Kamanin has no problem in principle, but does not believe any such flight could take place until 1962, rather than the November 1961 schedule proposed by Korolev. Kamanin goes so far as to write a letter from the VVS saying they would not agree to such a schedule. Due to problems on Titov's one-day flight, Kamanin believed the next flight should not exceed two days, which implied a maximum of only two spacecraft could be in space at one time. Korolev is furious -- and his relationship with the VVS and Kamanin are poor thereafter. References: 376.
1961 August 15 - 17:21 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AA3.130.
  • Extreme ultraviolet Monochromator Solar extreme ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 271 km (168 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 16 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • First F-1 firing. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. F-1 rocket engine tested in first of firing series of the complete flight system. References: 18, 27.
1961 August 16 - 03:21 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Delta. LV Configuration: Thor Delta 312/D6.
  • Explorer 12 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: EPE A (S-3). Mass: 38 kg (83 lb). Class: Solar. Spacecraft: EPE. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 790 km (490 mi). Apogee: 76,620 km (47,600 mi). Inclination: 33.40 deg. Period: 1,587.30 min. COSPAR: 1961-Upsilon-1. USAF Sat Cat: 170. Decay Date: 1963-08-31. Radiation and solar wind data. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 2, 6.
1961 August 16 - 20:27 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.02GT.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 182 km (113 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 17 - 14:29 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18A. Launch Pad: LC18A. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Blue Scout Jr. LV Configuration: Blue Scout Jr O-1.
  • HETS Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 225,000 km (139,000 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 18 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV.
  • Further Mercury suborbital flights cancelled. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. Flight: Mercury MR-5. NASA announced that analysis of Project Mercury suborbital data indicated that all objectives of that phase of the program had been achieved, and that no further Mercury-Redstone flights were planned. References: 18.
1961 August 18 - 03:06 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.51CI.
  • Langmuir Probe Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 141 km (87 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 23 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Golovin Committee evaluates three rendezvous methods for manned lunar landing Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. The Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group (Golovin Committee) notified the Marshal! Space Flight Center (MSFC), Langley Research Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) that the Group was planning to undertake a comparative evaluation of three types of rendezvous operations and direct flight for manned lunar landing. Rendezvous methods were earth orbit, lunar orbit, and lunar surface. MSFC was requested to study earth orbit rendezvous, Langley to study lunar orbit rendezvous, and JPL to study lunar surface rendezvous. The NASA Office of Launch Vehicle Programs would provide similar information on direct ascent. Additional Details: Golovin Committee evaluates three rendezvous methods for manned lunar landing. References: 16.
1961 August 23 - 01:16 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576B3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 101D.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 23 - 10:04 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Agena B. LV Configuration: Atlas Agena B 111D (AA1) / Agena B 6001 (AA1). FAILURE: Agena B second stage failure.
  • Ranger 1 Nation: USA. Program: Ranger. Payload: NASA P-32 (RA-1). Mass: 306 kg (674 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Ranger 1-2. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 179 km (111 mi). Apogee: 446 km (277 mi). Inclination: 32.90 deg. Period: 90.60 min. COSPAR: 1961-Phi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 173. Decay Date: 1961-08-30. Lunar probe; failed to leave Earth orbit. Ranger 1, a test version of the spacecraft which would attempt an unmanned crash landing on the moon, was launched from the Atlantic Missile Range by an Atlas-Agena B booster. The 306 kg spacecraft did not attain the scheduled extremely elongated orbit because of the misfiring of the Agena B rocket. Although the spacecraft systems were tested successfully, only part of the eight project experiments could be carried out. Ranger 1 reentered on August 29 after 111 orbits. Ranger 1's primary mission was to test the performance of those functions and parts that are necessary for carrying out subsequent lunar and planetary missions using essentially the same spacecraft design. References: 2, 6, 278, 296.
1961 August 23 - 17:02 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150.
  • Extreme ultraviolet Mon / X-ray counter Aeronomy / solar extreme ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 24 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nova, Saturn V.
  • Merritt Island selected for Saturn V launch site. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing. After considering Cape Canaveral, Cape Canaveral-Merritt Island, Mayaguana-Bahamas, Cumberland-Georgia, Brownville-Texas, Christmas Island, Hawaii, and White Sands, Merritt Island selected as launch site for manned lunar flights and other missions requiring Saturn and Nova class vehicles. Based upon national space goals announced by the President in May, NASA plans called for acquisition of 80,000 acres north and west of AFMTC, to be administered by the USAF as agent for NASA and as a part of the Atlantic Missile Range. Additional Details: Merritt Island selected for Saturn V launch site.. References: 18, 27.
1961 August 24 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Mercury-Atlas 4 (MA-4) unmanned orbital flight was postponed. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. References: 483.
1961 August 25 -
  • Explorer XIII Nation: USA. , designed in part to measure the effects of micrometeoroids on spaceflight, failed to meet expectations, thereby necessitating further tests in this area. References: 483.
1961 August 25 - 18:29 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout X-1. LV Configuration: Scout X-1 ST-6. FAILURE: Partial Failure.
  • Explorer 13 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: S-55A. Mass: 86 kg (189 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Micrometeoroid. Spacecraft: S-55. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 125 km (77 mi). Apogee: 1,164 km (723 mi). Inclination: 37.70 deg. Period: 97.50 min. COSPAR: 1961-Chi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 180. Decay Date: 1961-08-28. Useless orbit; micrometeoroid research. Partial Failure. References: 2, 6.
1961 August 27 -
  • Russia explains secrecy on space designers. Nation: USSR. The Soviet Communist Party organ, Pravda, explained why Russian space techniques and the names of spaceship designers were kept secret as follows: "A corrupt capitalist society, by it very nature, is extremely capable of turning the greatest peaceful achievements of mankind into the total means of destruction of mankind. This is why it is risky to open even the smallest loopholes in the world of Soviet rocket technique for the gentlemen who are lagging considerably behind as far as their technique is concerned, but who become militarily agitated and distracted from an honest program of general and complete disarmament and who mumble something about the right of inspection of neighbors' orchards and storerooms. That is why the wonderful group of heroes who insured the mastering of the cosmos remain nameless until now." References: 18.
1961 August 28 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-3, Saturn I, Saturn V.
  • NERVA facilities contract. Nation: USA. Program: NERVA. NASA selected Vitro Engineering Co. for negotiation of a design contract for an engine maintenance and disassembly building, one of the facilities to be a part of the National Nuclear Rocket Development Center. References: 18.
1961 August 28 - 17:41 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp.
  • ELF D-region Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 29 -
  • Ranger launchings would be increased to nine Nation: USA. Program: Ranger. Spacecraft: Ranger 6-7-8-9. NASA announced that planned Ranger launchings would be increased from five to nine. These additional spacecraft would be equipped with six high-resolution television cameras. They would be programmed to begin operating at about 800 miles above the lunar surface and continue until moments before the spacecraft crash-landed. The final pictures would record features no more than eight inches across. About 1,600 photographs were expected from each spacecraft, which would no longer carry previously planned instrumented capsules. The objective of these spacecraft now was to provide information on the lunar surface in support of the manned lunar landing mission. References: 16.
1961 August 29 - 14:35 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NE3.110.
  • Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 260 km (160 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 30 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV.
  • Investigation of the Mercury MR-4 explosive egress hatch. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Flight: Mercury MR-4. An investigation was conducted as a result of the premature activation of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) explosive egress hatch. Tests were initiated in an environment more severe than had been conducted in prelaunch activities and tests, but no premature firings occurred. As a backup, McDonnell was asked to design a mechanical-type hatch. The model weighed some 60 pounds more than the explosive type, so other methods had to be sought to prevent any recurrence of the incident. A procedure was initiated which stipulated that the firing plunger safety pin would be left in place until the helicopter hook was attached to the spacecraft and tension was applied to the recovery cable. References: 483.
1961 August 30 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: RAM. Model: RAM A. LV Configuration: RAM A RAM A-1.
  • RAM A-1 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,280 km (790 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 30 - 18:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC32B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1A 404. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). References: 2.
1961 August 30 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 323 / Agena B 1112.
  • Discoverer 29 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9023 / Agena B 1112. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 152 km (94 mi). Apogee: 542 km (336 mi). Inclination: 82.10 deg. Period: 91.50 min. COSPAR: 1961-Psi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 181. Decay Date: 1961-09-09. KH-3; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. First use of KH-3 camera system. All frames out of focus. References: 2, 6.
1961 August 31 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-3.
  • Chamberlain proposes lunar landing by Gemini Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Gemini. Landing by Gemini using 4,000 kg wet/680 kg empty lander and Saturn C-3 booster. Landing by January 1966. References: 26, 27.
1961 August 31 -
  • FOBS threat. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: OGCh. U.S.S.R. announced policy of resumption of nuclear weapon testing which had been suspended March 31, 1958, and that bombs can be delivered anywhere in the world by "powerful rockets like those Majs. Yuri Gagarin and Gherman Titov rode to begin their unrivaled space flights around the Earth." References: 18.
1961 August 31 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus.
  • New mainstage test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1961 August - Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-3, Saturn V.
  • Heaton Committee recommends earth orbit rendezvous for Apollo mission Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing. The Ad Hoc Task Group for Study of Manned Lunar Landing by Rendezvous Techniques, Donald H. Heaton, Chairman, reported its conclusions: rendezvous offered the earliest possibility for a successful lunar landing, the proposed Saturn C-4 configuration should offer a higher probability of an earlier successful manned lunar landing than the C-3, the rendezvous technique recommended involved rendezvous and docking in earth orbit of a propulsion unit and a manned spacecraft, the cost of the total program through first lunar landing by rendezvous was significantly less than by direct ascent. References: 16.
1961 August -
  • Deep-space tracking station in South Africa completed Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The deep-space tracking station at Hartebeesthoek, South Africa, was completed. Dedication took place on September 8. NASA thus gained the capacity for continuous line-of-sight communication with lunar and interplanetary probes despite the earth's rotation. The other deep-space tracking stations were at Goldstone, Calif., and Woomera, Australia. References: 16.
1961 September 1 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16.
  • New ICBM tests announced. Nation: USSR. U.S.S.R. announced that it would launch a series of "more powerful and improved rockets. (Article in Red Star timed to coincide with first firing of new rocket series in the Pacific.) References: 18.
1961 September - Launch Vehicle: 8K79, MR.
  • Korolev closes work on MR, 8K79 missiles. Nation: USSR. From 1960 to 1961 Korolev's design bureau worked on the single stage 8K79 military rocket. The 25 tonne missile could hurl an 800 kg warhead over a 2300 km range. A competing missile was selected for the requirement. Korolev's MR was based on stages already designed for the 8K74 and 8K77 missiles. The three-stage space launch version of the rocket would have a total mass of 101 tonnes; an ICBM version would be composed of just the first and second stages, and an IRBM version from the first stage alone.
1961 September 2 -
  • Japan prepares biological payload. Nation: Japan. Scientists at Nagoya University, Japan, were reported to be training monkey for space flight next year, hopefully in conjunction with Japanese Government-financed rocket program carried out by Tokyo University's Institute of Industrial Science. References: 18.
1961 September 4 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. LV Configuration: R-16 23L.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 5 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Purchase of land for Saturn V launch facilities. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Authorization for NASA to acquire necessary land for additional launch facilities at Cape Canaveral was approved by the Senate. References: 18, 27.
1961 September 5, 9 and 14 -
  • Mercury rocket sled tests Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Three rocket sled tests were conducted at the Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake, California, to study the detailed launch vehicle-spacecraft, clamp-ring separation. From run to run, minor modifications were made, and by the third run the separation action was perfected. References: 483.
1961 September 6 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M.
  • Nuclear test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 6 - 22:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC10E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 165.
  • Combat training launch Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 7 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn C-3, Saturn V.
  • Selection of Saturn first stage assembly plant Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. NASA announced that the government-owned Michoud Ordnance Plant near New Orleans, La., would be the site for fabrication and assembly of the Saturn C-3 first stage as well as larger vehicles. Finalists were two government-owned plants in St. Louis and New Orleans. The height of the factory roof at Michoud meant that an 8 x F-1 engined vehicle could not be built; 4 or 5 engines would have to be the maximum. References: 26, 27.
1961 September 7 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I AJ-17.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). USAF Titan successfully launched from Atlantic Missile Range, making 6,100-mile flight. References: 2.
1961 September 7 - 18:17 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp ISRC-RS-06.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: Italy. Agency: ISRC. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 8 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC19. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I M-3.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 8 - 04:11 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun ISRC-RS-08.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: Italy. Agency: ISRC. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 9 - 01:42 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 26E. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 9 - 19:28 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Agena B. LV Configuration: Atlas Agena B 106D / Agena B 2120. FAILURE: Exploded on launch pad.
  • Samos 3 Nation: USA. Payload: Samos E-2 no. 1. Mass: 1,890 kg (4,160 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Samos. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F610909A. Decay Date: 1961-09-09. First generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images. References: 126, 278.
1961 September 9 - 20:02 GMT - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. FAILURE: Failure.
  • PM-1 test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 10 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. LV Configuration: R-16 22L.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 10 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-9. Model: Romashka. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E10311. FAILURE: Failure.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1961 September 10 - 05:50 GMT - Launch Site: Novaya Zemlya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: R-12.
  • Nuclear test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 11 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • North American selected to build S-II stage. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing. NASA selected NAA to develop the second stage (S-II) for the advanced Saturn launch vehicle. The cost, including development of at least ten vehicles, would total about $140 million. The S-II configuration provided for four J-2 liquid-oxygen - liquid-hydrogen engines, each delivering 200,000 pounds of thrust. References: 18, 27.
1961 September 12 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: Novaya Zemlya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: R-12.
  • Nuclear test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 12 - 19:59 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 310 / Agena B 1113.
  • Discoverer 30 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9022 / Agena B 1113. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 219 km (136 mi). Apogee: 557 km (346 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 1961-Omega-1. USAF Sat Cat: 182. Decay Date: 1961-12-11. KH-3; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Best mission to date. Same out-of-focus condition as in 9023. References: 2, 6.
1961 September 12 - 22:40 GMT - Launch Site: Mud Lake DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 37.9 N x 117.1 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 2-18-34.
  • X-15A Mach 5, Aerodynamics, Stability test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 34 km (21 mi). Maximum Speed - 5821 kph. Maximum Altitude - 34840 m. Smoke in cockpit due to scorching paint. References: 2.
1961 September 13 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. LV Configuration: R-16 17L.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 13 - 09:32 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.06CA.
  • Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 331 km (205 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 13 - 14:04 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 88D.
  • Mercury MA-4 Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Payload: Mercury SC8A. Mass: 1,200 kg (2,600 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 156 km (96 mi). Apogee: 248 km (154 mi). Inclination: 32.80 deg. Period: 88.40 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Alpha-1. USAF Sat Cat: 183. Decay Date: 1961-09-13. Mercury-Atlas 4 (MA-4) was launched from Cape Canaveral with special vibration and noise instrumentation and a mechanical crewman simulator aboard in addition to the normal spacecraft equipment. This was the first Mercury spacecraft to attain an earth orbit. The orbital apogee was 123 nautical miles and the perigee was 86 nautical miles. After one orbit, the spacecraft's orbital timing device triggered the retrograde rockets, and the spacecraft splashed in the Atlantic Ocean 161 miles east of Bermuda. Recovery was made by the USS Decatur. During the flight, only three slight deviations were noted - a small leak in the oxygen system; loss of voice contact over Australia; and the failure of an inverter in the environmental control system. Overall, the flight was highly successful: the Atlas booster performed well and demonstrated that it was ready for the manned flight, the spacecraft systems operated well, and the Mercury global tracking network and telemetry operated in an excellent manner and was ready to support manned orbital flight. References: 2, 6, 16, 26, 59, 278.
1961 September 13 - 23:53 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.22CA.
  • Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 431 km (267 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 14 - 04:45 GMT - Launch Site: Kola Peninsula Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 70.0 N x 40.0 E. Launch Vehicle: R-13.
  • Nuclear test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 15 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 16 - Launch Site: Cuxhaven. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cirrus, Kumulus.
  • Cirrus rocket reaches 50 km altitude Nation: Germany. The first Cirrus rockets are launched. Cirrus I, a two stage rocket, with each stage providing 508 kgf, reached a velocity of 750 m/s (Mach 2.5) and 35 km altitude. Cirrus II, 4.155 m long, with a thrust of 1.8 tonnes, reached 1000 m/s and an altitude of 50 km. Kumulus I and II took biological specimens aloft. Each Kumulus had a mass of 28 kg, was 3 m long, produced 508 kgf, and reached 750 m/s, Mach 2.0. Kumulus I carried the Mexican salamander Lotte to an altitude of 12 km. Lotte landed safely in the Cuxhaven flats. Kumulus II took the goldfish Max to an altitude of 15 km, but Max, enclosed in a plexiglass globe, made a hard landing.
1961 September 16 - Launch Site: Cuxhaven. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cirrus. Model: Cirrus II.
  • Test mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DRG. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 16 - Launch Site: Cuxhaven. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cirrus. Model: Cirrus I.
  • Test mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DRG. Apogee: 35 km (21 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 16 - 04:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kola Peninsula Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 70.0 N x 40.0 E. Launch Vehicle: R-13.
  • Nuclear test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 16 - 21:39 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NASA 03.18CA.
  • Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 208 km (129 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 17 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • 36 companies invited to bid on the first stage of advanced Saturn Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA invited 36 companies to bid on a contract to produce the first stage of the advanced Saturn launch vehicle. Representatives of interested companies would attend a pre-proposal conference in New Orleans, La., on September 26. Bids were to be submitted by October 16 and NASA would then select the contractor, probably in November. References: 16.
1961 September 17 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. LV Configuration: R-16 15L.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 17 - 04:47 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trailblazer. Model: Trailblazer 1. LV Configuration: Trailblazer 1 TB Ii.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 260 km (160 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 17 - 10:03 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NASA 03.19CA.
  • Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 273 km (169 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 17 - 21:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 324 / Agena B 1114.
  • Discoverer 31 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9024 / Agena B 1114. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 231 km (143 mi). Apogee: 403 km (250 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 90.80 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Beta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 186. Decay Date: 1961-10-26. KH-3; film capsule recovery failed. Mission failed. Power failure and loss of control gas on orbit 33. References: 2, 6.
1961 September 18 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Mission rules for the Mercury-Atlas 5 (MA-5) orbital flight. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Mission rules for the Mercury-Atlas 5 (MA-5) orbital flight were published. Revisions were issued on October 16 and 25, 1961, and November 11, 1961. References: 483.
1961 September 18 - 12:15 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2C. LV Configuration: Skylark-2C NASA 9.01GG.
  • Southern Sky Survey Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi). First of four scheduled Skylark rocket firings was launched from Woomera in the joint United States-Australian ultraviolet survey of the southern skies. References: 2.
1961 September 19 -
  • Selection of Houston for control center. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA Administrator Webb announced that location of the new Manned Spacecraft Center would be in Houston, Tex., the conclusion of an intensive nationwide study by a site selection team. The Manned Spacecraft Center would be the command center for the manned lunar landing mission and all follow-on manned space flight missions. This announcement was the third basic decision on major facilities required for the expanded U.S. Range and the establishment of the spacecraft fabrication center at the Michoud Ordnance Plant near New Orleans, La. References: 18, 27.
1961 September 19 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-9. Model: Romashka. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E10314. FAILURE: Failure.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1961 September 21 -
  • D. Brainerd Holmes appointed NASA's Director of Manned Space Flight Programs. Nation: USA. As general manager of Radio Corporation of America's Major Defense Systems Division, Holmes had been project manager of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System. Congressman G. P. Miller (D.-Calif.) succeeded the recently deceased Congressman Overton Brooks of Louisiana as chairman of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics. References: 483.
1961 September 21 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: LC31?. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: R-7A. LV Configuration: R-7A E15003-03.
  • R-7A II-7 test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,350 km (830 mi). R-7A readiness verification test. References: 2.
1961 September 22 -
  • Mercury ship recovery provisions. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Announced at Space Task Group that a 30-cubic-foot balloon would be installed in Mercury spacecraft to allow for ship recovery should helicopter be forced to drop it as happened during the MR-4 recovery. References: 18.
1961 September 22 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. LV Configuration: R-16 16L. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1961 September 23 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11A.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 23 - 20:36 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 395-A1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I SM-2.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle research and development mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Launched from Titan II silo References: 2.
1961 September 24 -
  • NASA reorganization Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. NASA Administrator Webb announced major organizational changes and top-level appointments to become effective November 1. The reorganization should provide a clearer focus on major programs and allow center directors to have a louder voice in policy making. The new appointments included the following Directors of major program offices: Ira H. Abbott, Office of Advanced Research and Technology; Homer E. Newell, Office of Space Sciences; D. Brainerd Holmes, Office of Manned Space Flight; and an as yet unnamed Director of Office of Applications Programs. Also, Thomas F. Dixon was appointed Deputy Associate Administrator; Abe Silverstein was named Director of the Lewis Research Center, and Robert R. Gilruth was chosen Director of the Manned Spacecraft Center. References: 483.
1961 September 25 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • S-IC fabrication plant manager named. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Dr. George N. Constan of Marshall Space Flight Center named as acting manager of the new NASA Saturn fabrication plant near New Orleans by Director von Braun of Marshall Space Flight Center. References: 18, 27.
1961 September 26 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Bidders conference for S-IC stage. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing. NASA bidders conference on a contract to produce the booster (S-I) stage of the Saturn vehicle was held at the Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans. References: 18, 27.
1961 September 26 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-9. Model: Romashka. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E10315.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,160 km (720 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 26 - 21:56 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun OB6.16.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 128 km (79 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 27 - 00:25 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL40.
  • Solar X-rays / B field / SpE Ionosphere-solar mission Ionosphere-solar mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 153 km (95 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 28 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Centaur LV-3C.
  • Mariner moved to Atlas-Agena due to Centaur delay. Nation: USA. Program: Mariner. Class: Planetary. Type: Venus. Spacecraft: Mariner 1-2. NASA announced that instrumented Venus probe to be launched next year would be launched by an Atlas-Agena B rather than a Centaur rocket as originally planned. References: 18, 278.
1961 September 28 -
  • Tiros 2 rocket test. Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Pair of spinup rockets on Tiros II successfully fired after more than 10 months in orbit. References: 18.
1961 September 28 - Launch Site: Fairchild AFB. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E.
  • Atlas SMS 567 operational. Nation: USA. Fairchild AFB SMS 567 operational References: 4460.
1961 September 28 - 17:50 GMT - Launch Site: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 36.1 N x 116.0 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 2-19-35.
  • X-15A Mach 5, Heat Trans. test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5792 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31030 m. Test reentry heat limit. Smoke in cockpit due to scorching paint. References: 2.
1961 September 29 -
  • Dynasoar contracts issued. Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. USAF awarded three contracts for speeding development of the Dyna-Soar, a manned orbital space glider. Receiving contracts were Boeing Co. for development of the glider and related systems, Radio Corp. of America for communications and tracking devices, and Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co. for the guidance system. References: 18.
1961 September 29 - 01:52 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I AJ-20.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 29 - 14:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-50.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 September 30 - 14:30 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.25US.
  • OSO spectrometer Solar x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 223 km (138 mi). References: 2.
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