Chronology - Quarter 4 1961 home
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1961 October 1 -
  • Mercury ship recovery demonstration. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Bland demonstrated capability of a destroyer to recover MR-2 Mercury capsule, with Virgil Grissom aboard, from water in series of pickups in lower Chesapeake Bay. References: 18.
1961 October 1 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Factory roll-out inspection of Mercury Atlas booster No. 93-D Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Factory roll-out inspection of Atlas booster No. 93-D was conducted at Convair. This booster was designated for the Mercury-Atlas 5 (MA-5) mission. References: 483.
1961 October 1 - Launch Site: Fort Wingate. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone 1012.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Successful missile test. Missed aimpoint by 197 m. References: 2.
1961 October 1 - Launch Site: San Nicolas. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Caleb. LV Configuration: Caleb SIP.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN NOTS. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). Satellite Interceptor Program (SIP) test vehicle. This was a follow-on to China Lake's "Notsnik" air-launched satellite and Caleb space-probe projects, SIP was a prototype air-launched satellite-killer system using primarily in-house technology and hardware. References: 2.
1961 October - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Titan II to be selected as the launch vehicle for NASA's advanced Mercury. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Gemini. Martin Company received informal indications from the Air Force that Titan II would be selected as the launch vehicle for NASA's advanced Mercury. Martin, Air Force, and NASA studied the feasibility of modifying complex 19 at Cape Canaveral from the Titan weapon system configuration to the Mercury Mark II launch vehicle configuration.
1961 October -
  • Apollo X Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Apollo X. Emanuel Schnitzer of LaRC suggested a possible adaptation for existing Apollo hardware to create a space laboratory, which he termed an 'Apollo X' vehicle. Schnitzer's concept involved using a standard Apollo command and service module in conjunction with an inflatable spheroid structure and transfer tunnel to create a space laboratory with artificial gravity potential. Additional Details: Apollo X.
1961 October 2 - 18:23 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 25E.
  • Research and development / Pod 7 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 3 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • S- IVB stage to have a single J-2 engine Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The MSFC-STG Space Vehicle Board at NASA Headquarters discussed the S- IVB stage, which would be modified by the Douglas Aircraft Company to replace the six LR-115 engines with a single J-2 engine. Funds of $500,000 were allocated for this study to be completed in March 1962. Additional Details: S- IVB stage to have a single J-2 engine. References: 16.
1961 October 3 - 18:40 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 1-23-39.
  • X-15A VO Stability test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Flight made with lower ventral off. Maximum Speed - 4553 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23770 m. References: 2.
1961 October 4 - 11:19 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2C. LV Configuration: Skylark-2C NASA 9.02GG.
  • Southern Sky Survey Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 195 km (121 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 4 - 14:22 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2X-15.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 5 - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: CERES. Launch Vehicle: Daniel. LV Configuration: Daniel 03.
  • Test / aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 5 - 13:42 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 30E.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). USAF Atlas fired 9,000 miles for Atlantic Missile Range into Indian Ocean, carrying dummy nuclear warhead and a data capsule which was recovered. References: 2.
1961 October 5 - 19:10 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Caleb. LV Configuration: Caleb NC17.116. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN NOTS. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 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 October 6 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-9. Model: Romashka. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E15001-21.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,160 km (720 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 7 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC19. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I M-4.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). USAF Titan I launched from Cape Canaveral carrying Titan II guidance system. References: 2.
1961 October 7 - 20:03 GMT - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. FAILURE: Failure.
  • PM-2 test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 3.00 km (1.80 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 8 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-9. Model: Romashka. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E15001-22. FAILURE: Failure.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1961 October 9 -
  • Bids received for Apollo prime contractor Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Five Bidding Teams: GD/Avco; GE/Douglas/Grumman/STL; McDonnell/Lockheed/Hughes/Vought; Martin/North American References: 26, 27.
1961 October 9 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Mercury Atlas booster No. 93-D delivered to Cape Canaveral Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Atlas booster No. 93-D was delivered to Cape Canaveral for the Mercury-Atlas 5 (MA-5) orbital flight mission. References: 483.
1961 October 9 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. LV Configuration: R-16U 2LU.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 9 - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: CERES. Launch Vehicle: Daniel. LV Configuration: Daniel 02.
  • Test / aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 10 - Launch Site: Forbes AFB. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E.
  • Atlas SMS 548 operational. Nation: USA. Forbes AFB SMS 548 operational References: 4460.
1961 October 10 - 17:40 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.23GA.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,544 km (959 mi). NASA Argo D-4 rocket was launched from Wallops, reaching an altitude of 585 miles and landing 817 miles out in the Atlantic, to gather data on the density of electrically charged helium atoms in the upper atmosphere. References: 2.
1961 October 11 -
  • Presentations by industrial teams on the Apollo spacecraft Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Officials of STG heard oral reports from representatives of five industrial teams bidding on the contract for the Apollo spacecraft: General Dynamics/Astronautics in conjunction with the Avco Corporation; General Electric Company, Missile and Space Vehicle Department, in conjunction with Douglas Aircraft Company, Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, and Space Technology Laboratories, Inc.; McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in conjunction with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Hughes Aircraft Company, and Chance Vought Corporation of Ling-Temco-Vought, Inc.; The Martin Company; and North American Aviation, Inc. Additional Details: Presentations by industrial teams on the Apollo spacecraft. References: 16.
1961 October 11 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. LV Configuration: R-16U 1LU. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1961 October 11 - 20:20 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 2-20-36. FAILURE: Left windshield cracks.
  • X-15A Alt, Aero, Low q test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 66 km (41 mi). Outer panel of left windshield cracked. Maximum Speed - 5868 kph. Maximum Altitude - 66150 m. References: 2.
1961 October 12 - Launch Vehicle: N1.
  • TMK-1 draft project was completed. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: TMK-1. Design of the manned Mars flyby spacecraft had involved nearly all sections of Korolev's OKB-1. Those who worked on the TMK included A I Dylnev, A K Algypov, A A Kochkin, A A Dashkov, V N Kubasov, V E Bugrov, and N N Protacov. Kubasov would be selected as a cosmonaut in 1966.
1961 October 12 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-9. Model: Romashka. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E15001-23.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,160 km (720 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 12 - 13:21 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AA3.146.
  • Ultraviolet absorption Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 192 km (119 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 13 - Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor.
  • Thor 100th launch. Nation: USA. Discoverer XXXII was placed into polar orbit; its capsule contained components of USAF satellite systems. This marked the 100th successful firing of the Thor booster rocket. References: 18.
1961 October 13 - Launch Vehicle: SLS, Titan.
  • Titan III selected as the space launch system for the Air Force. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Department of Defense approved the Titan III as the space launch system for the Air Force.
1961 October 13 - 19:22 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 328 / Agena B 1115.
  • Discoverer 32 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9025 / Agena B 1115. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 233 km (144 mi). Apogee: 391 km (242 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 90.70 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Gamma-1. USAF Sat Cat: 189. Decay Date: 1961-11-13. KH-3; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later. Capsule recovered on orbit 18. 96% of film out of focus. References: 2, 6.
1961 October 14 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150.
  • Lunar X-ray X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 14 - 04:26 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.17AI.
  • Topside Sounder Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,055 km (655 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 15 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: LC41/pad?. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. LV Configuration: R-16U 4LU.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 16 - 14:54 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-38.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 17 - 18:57 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 1-24-40.
  • X-15A Mach 5, Aero, Stab test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). Maximum Speed - 6275 kph. Maximum Altitude - 33100 m. References: 2.
1961 October 18 - 13:25 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.40NP.
  • LeRC LH2 test Technology test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 19 - 17:38 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout X-1. LV Configuration: Scout X-1 ST-7.
  • P-21 Plasma / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 6,855 km (4,259 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 20 - Launch Vehicle: R-16.
  • R-16 accepted into military service. Nation: USSR. Decree 'On adoption of the R-16 into armaments' was issued. References: 474.
1961 October 20 - 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 October 21 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5A.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 21 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5A.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 21 - 13:53 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Agena B. LV Configuration: Atlas Agena B 105D.
  • Midas 4 Nation: USA. Payload: Midas / Agena TV 1202. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Midas. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 3,482 km (2,163 mi). Apogee: 3,763 km (2,338 mi). Inclination: 95.90 deg. Period: 165.90 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Delta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 192. Missile Defense Alarm System. Deployed subsatellites. References: 2, 6, 171, 172, 278.
  • Westford Nation: USA. Payload: Westford. Spacecraft: WestFord Needles. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1961-A-Delta-3. USAF Sat Cat: 194. References: 2, 279.
1961 October 22 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: LC41/pad?. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. LV Configuration: R-16U 3LU.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 23 -
  • Freedom 7 deposited in Smithsonian. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. The Freedom 7 Mercury capsule in which Alan B. Shepard, Jr., made the first suborbital space flight, was presented to the National Air Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. In his presentation, NASA Administrator Webb said: "To Americans seeking answers, proof that man can survive in the hostile realm of space is not enough. A solid and meaningful foundation for public support and the basis for our Apollo man-in-space effort is that U.S. astronauts are going into space to do useful work in the cause of all their fellow men." References: 18.
1961 October 23 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV.
  • Mercury Freedom 7 presented to the Smithsonian Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Flight: Mercury MR-3. Freedom 7, the Mercury-Redstone 3 (MR-3) spacecraft, was presented by NASA to the National Air Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. References: 483.
1961 October 23 - 16:38 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2E-X1 (A2X-4).
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). First underwater launching of Navy Polaris A-2, and first firing from submarine, U.S.S. Ethan Allen. References: 2.
1961 October 23 - 19:23 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 329 / Agena B 1116. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Discoverer 33 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9026. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F611023A. Decay Date: 1961-10-23. KH-3; Mission failed. References: 126.
  • SRV 513 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F611023B. References: 279.
1961 October 24 - Launch Vehicle: Nova. Model: Nova A.
  • Nova launch vehicle studies begun. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Studies of "unconventional" rockets using liquid fuels in the thrust range from 2 to 24 million pounds announced by NASA; 2 contracts being carried out by Aerojet-General and Rocketdyne Division of North American Aviation. References: 18, 27.
1961 October 24 - 00:23 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL37.
  • Solar X-rays / Meteors / SpE Solar / aeronomy / chemica mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 24 - 03:59 GMT - Launch Site: Akita. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 8. LV Configuration: Kappa 8 K-8-8.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 24 - 23:28 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I AJ-21.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 25 - Launch Vehicle: Nova, Saturn V.
  • Saturn static test stand site selected. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA selected Pearl River site in southwestern Mississippi, 35 miles from Michoud plant in New Orleans, for static test facility for Saturn and Nova-class vehicles, completed facility to operate under direction of Marshall Space Flight Center. References: 18, 27.
1961 October 25 - 06:59 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AB3.351.
  • AS&E-2 X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SS. Apogee: 232 km (144 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 26 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-9. Model: Romashka. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E15001-24. FAILURE: Failure.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1961 October 27 -
  • Dynasoar accelerated. Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Secretary of Defense McNamara announced that progress of the Administration's accelerated defense buildup made unnecessary the use of additional defense funds appropriate by the Congress above the amount requested by the administration. The Congress had voted $514.5 million for additional long-range bombers; $180 million additional for the B-70; and $85.8 million additional for Dyna-Soar. References: 18.
1961 October 27 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas, Titan.
  • Program of manned spaceflight for 1963-1965. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Gemini. Space Task Group (STG), assisted by George M. Low, NASA Assistant Director for Space Flight Operations, and Warren J. North of Low's office, prepared a project summary presenting a program of manned spaceflight for 1963-1965. This was the final version of the Project Development Plan, work on which had been initiated August 14. Additional Details: Program of manned spaceflight for 1963-1965..
1961 October 27 - 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 October 27 - 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 October 27 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M.
  • Nuclear Test K-1 Nuclear test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Two R-12's (other sources say R-5M's or an R-12 and an R-5M) were salvo fired, at least one with a live nuclear warhead, to Sary Shagan to support ABM-related research on the effects of nuclear explosions on rocket systems. References: 2.
1961 October 27 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M.
  • Nuclear Test K-2 Nuclear test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi). Two R-12's (other sources say R-5M's or an R-12 and an R-5M) were salvo fired, at least one with a live nuclear warhead, to Sary Shagan to support ABM-related research on the effects of nuclear explosions on rocket systems. References: 2.
1961 October 27 - 09:35 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.52CI.
  • Langmuir Probe Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 148 km (91 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 27 - 15:06 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC34. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Model: Saturn C-1. LV Configuration: Saturn C-1 SA-1.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 136 km (84 mi). Largest known rocket launch to date, the Saturn I 1st stage booster, successful on first test flight from Atlantic Missile Range. With its eight clustered engines developing almost 1.3 million pounds of thrust at launch, the Saturn (SA-1) hurled waterfilled dummy upper stages to an altitude of 84.8 miles and 214.7 miles down range. In a postlaunch statement, Administrator Webb said: "The flight today was a splendid demonstration of the strength of our national space program and an important milestone in the buildup of our national capacity to launch heavy payloads necessary to carry out the program projected by President Kennedy on May 25.". References: 2.
1961 October 27 - 16:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Mayak-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: Kosmos 63S1. FAILURE: First stage failed.
  • DS-2 s/n 1 Nation: USSR. Program: DS. Payload: DS-1. Mass: 300 kg (660 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: DS-1. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F611027A. Failed first attempt to launch a DS-1 technology test version of the DS satellite atop a Cosmos 63S1 small launch vehicle. The boster didn't reach orbital velocity due to the failure of an acceleration integrator in the velocity regulation control. References: 2.
1961 October 28 -
  • Zenit-2 priority delays manned space flights Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Spacecraft: Zenit-2, Vostok. Flight: Vostok 3, Vostok 4. Plans for a November group flight are delayed due to the priority of the spy satellite program. Korolev wants to fly manned Vostoks in December 1961/January 1962, but Kamanin and the VVS oppose this due to poor weather during that period. References: 376.
1961 October 28 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: LC41/pad?. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. LV Configuration: R-16U 5LU.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 29 -
  • Mercury-Scout launch announced. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Technology. Type: Tracking network. Spacecraft: Radio Test Spacecraft. NASA announced that first Mercury-Scout launch to verify the readiness of the worldwide Mercury tracking network would take place at Atlantic Missile Range. References: 18.
1961 October 29 -
  • U.S.S.R. fires 50-megaton hydrogen bomb, biggest explosion in history Nation: USSR.
1961 October 29 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: LC41?/pad?. Launch Vehicle: R-16.
  • K (OT) test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 30 -
  • Soviet military space plans through 1965 approved. Nation: USSR. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On plans for the military use of space during the period 1961-65' was issued. This formalised the first true military space plans - prior to that date only the Zenit-2 and Zenit-4 reconnaissance satellites had been authorised. The following missions were identified:

    • Photo reconnaissance / cartography
    • ELINT
    • Television reconnaissance
    • Communications satellites
    • Ocean reconnaissance
    • Navigation
    • Meteorology
    • Training/target objects
    • Geodesy
    References: 474.
1961 October 30 -
  • Molniya-1 and Meteor-1 satellites authorised. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Molniya-1, Molniya-2, Meteor. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On approval of work on the Molniya-1 communications satellite and Meteor-1 weather satellite' was issued. Thedecree authorised work on the Molniya-1M production model, providing international communications on the centimetre band. But the protoype Molniya-1 worked so well that it was taken directly into service, and the -1M was skipped. References: 474.
1961 October 30 - 11:13 GMT - Launch Site: Akita. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 8. LV Configuration: Kappa 8 K-8-9.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 175 km (108 mi). References: 2.
1961 October 31 - Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 65S3.
  • Kosmos 65S3 intermediate launch vehicle development authorised. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Meteor, Strela-1, Strela-2. Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On the Creation of the Space Carrier 65S3--start of work on a launch vehicle based on the R-14 for launch of the Meteor, Strela, and Pchela satellites.' was issued. References: 474.
1961 October 31 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: R-12.
  • First launch of R-12U from silo. Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 402 km (249 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 1 -
  • STG redesignated the Manned Spacecraft Center Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Space Task Group was formally redesignated the Manned Spacecraft Center, Robert R. Gilruth, Director. References: 16.
1961 November - Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton 8K82.
  • Preliminary design work by Chelomei on UR-500 (Proton) rocket. Nation: USSR. OKB-52 began to collaborate with V P Glushko’s OKB-456 in developing an appropriate engine. Glushko had completed a storable liquid engine design of 150 tonnes for use in Korolev’s N1. However Korolev refused to accept this design, due to his refusal to use toxic propellants in his rockets and his belief that such propellants could never deliver the required specific impulse.
1961 November 1 - 03:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 ND3.122.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 1 - 15:32 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18B. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Blue Scout 2. LV Configuration: Blue Scout II D-8. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Mercury MS-1 Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Payload: Radio Test Spacecraft. Class: Technology. Type: Tracking network. Spacecraft: Radio Test Spacecraft. Agency: USAF. Small satellite was to have verified the readiness of the worldwide Mercury tracking network. An attempt was made to launch Mercury-Scout 1 (MS-1) into orbit with a communications package further to qualify the radar tracking of the Mercury global network prior to manned orbital flight. Shortly after lift-off, the launch vehicle developed erratic motions and attending high aerodynamic loads, and was destroyed by the Range Safety Officer after 43 seconds of flight. No further attempts were planned. The Mercury-Atlas 4 (MA-4) mission and the successful Mercury-Atlas 5 (MA-5), flown on November 29, 1961, disclosed that the network met all requirements. References: 126, 26, 483.
1961 November 1 - 17:56 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2C. LV Configuration: Skylark-2C NASA 9.03GG.
  • Southern Sky Survey Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 3 - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Europa.
  • Woomera selected for Europa launches. Nation: Europe. Nine-nation Western European Conference in London announced decision to launch a satellite in mid-1965, using a British Blue Streak first stage, a French Veronique second stage, and a West German third stage, from the Woomera range in Australia. References: 18.
1961 November 3 - 14:01 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-39.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Three Polaris A-2 missiles successfully fired within 3-hour period from submarine period from submarine Ethan Allen. References: 2.
1961 November 3 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-40.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 3 - 17:00 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1E-41.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 5 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 330 / Agena B 1117.
  • Discoverer 34 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9027 / Agena B 1117. 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: 859 km (533 mi). Inclination: 82.40 deg. Period: 95.60 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Epsilon-1. USAF Sat Cat: 197. Decay Date: 1962-12-07. KH-3; film capsule recovery not attempted. Mission failed. Improper launch angle resulted in extreme orbit. References: 2, 6.
  • SRV 553 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1961-A-Epsilon-x. References: 2, 279.
1961 November 6 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Saturn S-II to use five J-2 engines Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Marshall Space Flight Center directed NAA to redesign the advanced Saturn second stage (S-II) to incorporate five rather than four J-2 engines, to provide a million pounds of thrust. References: 16.
1961 November 8 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark-2 SL35.
  • Ozone / Meteors / SpE Aeronomy / chemical / ionosphere mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 8 - 16:10 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2E-X2.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 9 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2X-14 (A2G-1).
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 9 - 17:57 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 2-21-37. FAILURE: Right windshield cracks.
  • X-15A Mach 6, Aero, Stab test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Design speed achieved. Outer right windshield shattered. Maximum Speed - 6586 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30950 m. References: 2.
1961 November 10 - 14:55 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 32E. FAILURE: Sustainer engine failed 15 seconds after launch.
  • Research and development test / Pod 13 chemical release Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). USAF Atlas with capsule containing squirrel monkey destroyed by range safety officer at Atlantic Missile Range when main sustainer engine failed 15 seconds after launch. References: 2.
1961 November 12 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Mercury 5 launch postponed Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. Mercury-Atlas 5, scheduled for launch no earlier than November 14, ran into technical difficulties, postponing launch for several days. References: 18, 278.
1961 November 14 - Launch Vehicle: Al Zahar.
  • Egypt first rocket launch. Nation: Egypt. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). United Arab Republic neither confirmed nor denied reports of November 8 that it had successfully launched its first rocket. Dr. Eugen Saenger of the Stuttgart Jet Propulsion Institute in Germany denied any connection with the United Arab Republic program as charged by Israel. References: 18.
1961 November 15 - Launch Vehicle: Argus.
  • NASA Bios - failure. Nation: USA. NASA Bios (biological investigation of space) payload launched by Argo D-8 booster rocket from Pacific Missile Range, but veered sharply off course 57 seconds after launch. References: 18.
1961 November 15 - Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton 8K82.
  • Development of RD-253 engine begun. Nation: USSR. Program: GR-2. Manufacturer: OKB-52. OKB-52 began to collaborate with V P Glushko’s OKB-456 in developing a high thrust storable propellant engine for the UR-500 Proton launch vehicle. Glushko had completed a storable liquid engine design of 150 tonnes for use in Korolev’s N1. However Korolev refused to accept this design, due to his categorical refusal to use toxic propellants in his rockets and his belief that such propellants could never deliver the required specific impulse. Korolev insisted on development of an oxygen-kerosene engine; Glushko categorically refused to do so. As a result, the two leading Soviet rocket designers irrevocably split. Korolev had to turn for development of his N1 engines to the aviation engine design OKB of N D Kuznetsov. References: 273.
1961 November 15 -
  • Houbolt letter on lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) plan Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. In a letter to NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., John C. Houbolt of Langley Research Center presented the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) plan and outlined certain deficiencies in the national booster and manned rendezvous programs. This letter protested exclusion of the LOR plan from serious consideration by committees responsible for the definition of the national program for lunar exploration. References: 16.
1961 November 15 - 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 November 15 - 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 November 15 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: RN. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Asp Apache.
  • Highball Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA?. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 15 - 13:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5.
  • Aeronomy / ionosphere / Fields mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 430 km (260 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 15 - 13:42 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Journeyman. LV Configuration: Journeyman NASA 11.04GB.
  • BIOS I Biological mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,057 km (656 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 15 - 21:23 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 326 / Agena B 1118.
  • Discoverer 35 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9028 / Agena B 1118. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 238 km (147 mi). Apogee: 278 km (172 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Zeta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 201. Decay Date: 1961-12-03. KH-3; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later. All cameras operated satisfactorily. Grainy emulsion noted. References: 2, 6.
1961 November 15 - 22:19 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Ablestar. LV Configuration: Thor Ablestar 305 AB009?.
  • Transit 4B Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Mass: 86 kg (189 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: U.S. Navy. Perigee: 953 km (592 mi). Apogee: 1,104 km (685 mi). Inclination: 32.40 deg. Period: 105.70 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Eta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 202. Together, Transits 4A and 4B allowed the determination of harmonics in the Earth’s gravity field that had not yet been evaluated, and they also allowed firm navigational ties to be established from continent to continent as well as to isolated islands. As a result, it was discovered that the position of Hawaii was incorrect by 1 km. Carried SNAP 3 nuclear power source. References: 2, 6.
  • TRAAC Nation: USA. Mass: 109 kg (240 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: TRAAC. Agency: U.S. Navy. Perigee: 956 km (594 mi). Apogee: 1,107 km (687 mi). Inclination: 32.40 deg. Period: 105.80 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Eta-2. USAF Sat Cat: 205. Transit Research and Attitude Control. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 2, 6.
1961 November 16 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Second decision on launch vehicles Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Golovin Committe studies launch vehicles through summer, but found the issue to be completely entertwined with mode (earth-orbit, lunar-orbit, lunar-surface rendezvous or direct flight. Two factions: large solids for direct flight; all-chemical with 4 or 5 F-1's in first stage for rendezvous options. In the end Webb and McNamara ordered development of C-4 and as a backup, in case of failure of F-1 in development, build of 6.1 m+ solid rocket motors by USAF. References: 26, 27.
1961 November 16 - 20:37 GMT - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus.
  • PM-3 Dummy St 3 Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 17 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.
  • Contract issued for build of 20 Saturn I's. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA announced that the Chrysler Corporation had been chosen to build 20 Saturn first-stage (S-1) boosters similar to the one tested successfully on October 27 . They would be constructed at the Michoud facility near New Orleans, La. The contract, worth about $200 million, would run through 1966, with delivery of the first booster scheduled for early 1964. References: 18, 27.
1961 November 17 - 15:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC32B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1A 405.
  • Research and development test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Silo launch, 10,000 km range References: 2.
1961 November 17 - 16:06 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF?. Apogee: 610 km (370 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 18 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.72NA.
  • Airglow Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 18 - 08:12 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Agena B. LV Configuration: Atlas Agena B 117D (AA2) / Agena B 6002 (AA2). FAILURE: Agena B Second Stage failed to restart.
  • Ranger 2 Nation: USA. Program: Ranger. Payload: NASA P-33 (RA-2). Mass: 304 kg (670 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Ranger 1-2. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 150 km (90 mi). Apogee: 242 km (150 mi). Inclination: 33.30 deg. Period: 88.30 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Theta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 206. Decay Date: 1961-11-20. This was a flight test of the Ranger spacecraft system designed for future lunar and interplanetary missions. The spacecraft was launched into a low earth parking orbit, but an inoperative roll gyro prevented Agena restart resulting in Ranger 2 being stranded in low earth orbit. The orbit decayed and the spacecraft reentered Earth's atmosphere on 20 November 1961. References: 2, 6, 16, 278, 296.
1961 November 18 - 13:42 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Journeyman. LV Configuration: Journeyman NASA 11.05GB.
  • BIOS I Biological mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,057 km (656 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 19 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Centaur LV-3C.
  • RL-10 flight rating complete. Nation: USA. NASA announced the completion of the preliminary flight rating test of the Nation's first liquid-hydrogen rocket engine. The engine, the RL-10, was designed and developed by Pratt and Whitney, of United Aircraft, for the Marshall Space Flight Center, and 20 captive firings were competed within 5 days under simulated space conditions, consistently producing 15,000 pounds of thrust. RL-10, previously known as XLR-115, was initiated in October 1958 and over 700 firings were conducted in its development. References: 18, 278.
1961 November 20 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. Model: Saturn C-5.
  • Rosen Group recommends direct ascent for the lunar landing mission mode Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Milton W. Rosen, Director of Launch Vehicles and Propulsion, NASA Office of Manned Space Flight (OMSF), submitted to D. Brainerd Holmes, Director, OMSF, the report of the working group which had been set up on November 6. Additional Details: Rosen Group recommends direct ascent for the lunar landing mission mode. References: 16.
1961 November 20 -
  • North American to proceed with the Paraglider Development Program. Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Spacecraft: Gemini. Manned Spacecraft Center notified North American to proceed with Phase II-A of the Paraglider Development Program. A letter contract, NAS 9-167, followed on November 21; contract negotiations were completed February 9, 1962; and the final contract was awarded on April 16, 1962. Phase I, the design studies that ran from the beginning of June to mid-August 1961, had already demonstrated the feasibility of the paraglider concept. Phase II-A, System Research and Development, called for an eight-month effort to develop the design concept of a paraglider landing system and to determine its optimal performance configuration. This development would lay the groundwork for Phase II, Part B, comprising prototype fabrication, unmanned and manned flight testing, and the completion of the final system design. Ultimately Phase III-Implementation-would see the paraglider being manufactured and pilots trained to fly it.
1961 November 20 - Launch Site: Warren AFB. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E.
  • Atlas SMS 549 operational. Nation: USA. Warren-3 AFB SMS 549 operational References: 4460.
1961 November 20 - 18:04 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2C. LV Configuration: Skylark-2C NASA 9.04GG.
  • Southern Sky Survey Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 209 km (129 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 21 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. LV Configuration: Nike Zeus-3.
  • PM-4 Dummy St 3 Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 22 - 00:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I AJ-22.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 22 - 20:45 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Agena B. LV Configuration: Atlas Agena B 108D / Agena B 2202. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Samos 4 Nation: USA. Payload: Samos E-5 no. 1. Mass: 1,860 kg (4,100 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Samos. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). COSPAR: F611122A. Decay Date: 1961-11-22. First generation photo surveillance; return of camera and film by capsule; SAMOS type satellite. References: 126, 278.
1961 November 22 - 21:04 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F. LV Configuration: Atlas F 4F.
  • Research and development / Pod 3, 22 test / ionosphere / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF RS. Apogee: 1,400 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 24 -
  • Bid Evaluation for Prime Contractor Completed Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Bid ratings: Martin 6.9; GD 6.6; North American 6.6; GE 6.4; McDonnell 6.4 References: 26, 27.
1961 November 24 - Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike-Cajun.
  • Nike-Cajun rockets tests in Norway. Nation: USA. First four U.S. Nike-Cajun rockets arrived in Norway for use in research program off Andoeya Island early next year. References: 18.
1961 November 27 -
  • Apollo spacecraft Statement of Work expanded Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The original Apollo spacecraft Statement of Work of July 28 had been substantially expanded, including a single-engine service module propulsion system using Earth-storable, hypergolic propellants. Additional Details: Apollo spacecraft Statement of Work expanded. References: 16.
1961 November 28 -
  • North American awarded Apollo prime contract Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo Lunar Landing. Despite an announcement at Martin on 27 November that they had won the Apollo program, the decision was reversed at the highest levels of the US government. NASA announced instead that the Space and Information Systems Division of North American Aviation, Inc., had been selected to design and build the Apollo spacecraft. The official line: 'the decision by NASA Administrator James E. Webb followed a comprehensive evaluation of five industry proposals by nearly 200 scientists and engineers representing both NASA and DOD. Webb had received the Source Evaluation Board findings on November 24. Although technical evaluations were very close, NAA had been selected on the basis of experience, technical competence, and cost'. NAA would be responsible for the design and development of the command module and service module. NASA expected that a separate contract for the lunar landing system would be awarded within the next six months. The MIT Instrumentation Laboratory had previously been assigned the development of the Apollo spacecraft guidance and navigation system. Both the NAA and MIT contracts would be under the direction of MSC. References: 26, 27.
1961 November 29 -
  • Glenn selected for the first Mercury manned orbital flight. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Astronaut John Glenn was selected as the pilot for the first Mercury manned orbital flight, with Scott Carpenter as backup pilot. Immediately, training was started to ready these two astronauts for the mission. The five remaining astronauts concentrated their efforts on various engineering and operational groups of the Manned Spacecraft Center in preparation for the mission. References: 483.
1961 November 29 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC19. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I M-5.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 29 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: LC41?/pad?. Launch Vehicle: R-16.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 29 - 15:07 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 93D.
  • Mercury MA-5 Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Payload: Mercury SC9. Mass: 1,300 kg (2,800 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 158 km (98 mi). Apogee: 237 km (147 mi). Inclination: 32.60 deg. Period: 88.30 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Iota-1. USAF Sat Cat: 208. Decay Date: 1961-11-29. Mercury-Atlas 5 (MA-5), the second and final orbital qualification of the spacecraft prior to manned flight was launched from Cape Canaveral with Enos, a 37.5 pound chimpanzee, aboard. Scheduled for three orbits, the spacecraft was returned to earth after two orbits due to the failure of a roll reaction jet and to the overheating of an inverter in the electrical system. Both of these difficulties could have been corrected had an astronaut been aboard. The spacecraft was recovered 255 miles southeast of Bermuda by the USS Stormes. During the flight, the chimpanzee performed psychomotor duties and upon recovery was found to be in excellent physical condition. The flight was termed highly successful and the Mercury spacecraft well qualified to support manned orbital flight. References: 2, 6, 16, 26, 59, 278.
1961 November 29 - 23:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576B2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 53D.
  • Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 30 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Mercury Atlas launch vehicle 109-D delivered to Cape Canaveral Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Atlas launch vehicle 109-D was delivered to Cape Canaveral for the Mercury-Atlas 6 (MA-6) first manned orbital mission. References: 483.
1961 November 30 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. LV Configuration: Nike Zeus-3.
  • First suc 3-stage Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1961 November 30 - 17:10 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NE3.123.
  • Solar extreme ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 238 km (147 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 1 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • Roksonde first Cape Launch. Nation: USA. Two Roksonde meteorological sounding rockets were successfully fired from Cape Canaveral, telemetered measurements of winds and temperatures at altitudes above 180,000 feet. Produced by Marquardt for the Army, Roksondes had already completed a series of tests at White Sands Missile Range and Pacific Missile Range. References: 18.
1961 December 1 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2X-23.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 1 - 20:40 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 35E.
  • Research and development / Pod 23 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 2 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant.
  • Black Brant launches from Wallops Island announced. Nation: Canada. Twelve Canadian Black Brant rockets for upper-atmosphere research were to be launched from NASA's Wallops Station, Virginia, as the Canadian Defence Research Board shifted the firing site from Fort Churchill because a fire largely destroyed the Canadian facilities. Capable of carrying a 150-pound payload to an altitude of 150 miles, Black Brants were to be fired from Wallops at the rate of two in December 1961, two in February 1962, six in April 1962, and two in May 1962. References: 18.
1961 December 2 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: LC41?/pad?. Launch Vehicle: R-16. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1961 December 4 -
  • Project Apollo Statement of Work completed Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. The Project Apollo Statement of Work for development of the Apollo spacecraft was completed. A draft letter based on this Statement of Work was presented to NAA for review. A prenegotiation conference on the development of the Apollo spacecraft was held at Langley Field, Va. References: 16.
1961 December 4 - 04:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Blue Scout Jr. LV Configuration: Blue Scout Jr O-2.
  • Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 44,400 km (27,500 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 5 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A1. LV Configuration: Polaris A1X-51.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 5 - 23:26 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2C. LV Configuration: Skylark-2C SL42.
  • RF probe / Solar X, SpE Ionosphere / solar x-rays mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 226 km (140 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 6 -
  • Preliminary project plan for the Mercury Mark II program Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Spacecraft: Gemini LOR. D. Brainerd Holmes, NASA Director of Manned Space Flight, outlined the preliminary project development plan for the Mercury Mark II program in a memorandum to NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr. The primary objective of the program was to develop rendezvous techniques; important secondary objectives were long-duration flights, controlled land recovery, and astronaut training. The development of rendezvous capability, Holmes stated, was essential:

    • It offered the possibility of accomplishing a manned lunar landing earlier than by direct ascent.
    • The lunar landing maneuver would require the development of rendezvous techniques regardless of the operational mode selected for the lunar mission.
    • Rendezvous and docking would be necessary to the Apollo orbiting laboratory missions planned for the 1965-1970 period.
    The plan was approved by Seamans on December 7. The Mercury Mark II program was renamed "Gemini" on January 3, 1962. References: 16.
1961 December 6 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Bacchus. Launch Pad: Bacchus?. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C06.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 6 - Launch Site: Reggane. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C02.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 6 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LE-8. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 214.
  • Combat training launch Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 6 - 22:37 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM CM-115.
  • CTL Nation: Italy. Agency: Italia. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). The third NATO operational control Combat Training Launch was fired from AMR at 1737 hours and 24 seconds EST to a prescribed range of 1,516 nm. The missile was well constrained to the intended flight path and within accuracy requirements of the Jupiter system. The missile impacted in the target area and all missions assigned to this test were successfully accomplished. References: 2.
1961 December 7 -
  • Mercury manned orbital flight postponed. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Mercury. NASA postponed its projected manned orbital flight from December 1961 until early in 1962 because of minor problems with the cooling system and positioning devices in the Mercury capsule, Dr. Hugh Dryden, Deputy Administrator of NASA, said in a Baltimore interview. "You like to have a man go with everything just as near perfect as possible. This business is risky. You can't avoid this, but you can take all the precautions you know about." References: 18.
1961 December 7 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Model: Saturn I RIFT.
  • Kiwi B-1A tests completed. Nation: USA. Program: NERVA. Power run completed the test series on the Kiwi B-1A reactor system being conducted at the Nevada Test Site by AEC's Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. Fourth in a series of test reactors in the joint AEC-NASA nuclear rocket propulsion program, Kiwi B-1A was disassembled for examination at the conclusion of the test runs. References: 18.
1961 December 7 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Two-man Mercury Mark II spacecraft announced Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Spacecraft: Gemini. Plans for the development of a two-man Mercury spacecraft were announced by Robert R. Gilruth, MSC Director. The two-man spacecraft, to be built by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, would be similar in shape to the Mercury spacecraft but slightly larger and two to three times heavier. Its booster rocket would be a modified Air Force Titan II, scheduled for flight test in early 1962. One of the major objectives in the program would be a test of orbital rendezvous, in which the two-man spacecraft would be launched into orbit by the Titan II and attempt to rendezvous with an Agena stage launched by an Atlas rocket. The total cost for a dozen two-man spacecraft plus boosters and other equipment was estimated at $500 million. References: 16.
1961 December 7 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • DOD/NASA coordination for Mercury Mark II Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Spacecraft: Gemini. NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and DOD Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering John H. Rubel recommended to Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara and NASA Administrator James E. Webb that detailed arrangements for support of the Mercury Mark II spacecraft and the Atlas-Agena vehicle used in rendezvous experiments be planned directly between NASA's Office of Manned Space Flight and the Air Force and other DOD organizations. NASA's primary responsibilities would be the overall management and direction for the Mercury Mark II/ Agena rendezvous development and experiments. The Air Force responsibilities would include acting as NASA contractor for the Titan II launch vehicle and for the Atlas-Agena vehicle to be used in rendezvous experiments. DOD's responsibilities would include assistance in the provision and selection of astronauts and the provision of launch, range, and recovery support, as required by NASA. References: 16.
1961 December 7 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas, Titan.
  • NASA announced plans to develop a two-man Mercury capsule. Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Spacecraft: Gemini. In Houston, Director Robert R. Gilruth of Manned Spacecraft Center announced plans to develop a two-man Mercury capsule. Built by McDonnell, it would be similar in shape to the Mercury capsule but slightly larger and from two to three times heavier. Its booster would be a modified Titan II. A major program objective would be orbital rendezvous. The two-man spacecraft would be launched into orbit and would attempt to rendezvous with an Agena stage put into orbit by an Atlas. Total cost of 12 capsules plus boosters and other equipment was estimated at $500 million. The two-man flight program would begin in the 1963-1964 period with several unmanned ballistic flights to test overall booster-spacecraft compatibility and system engineering. Several manned orbital flights would follow. Besides rendezvous flybys of the target vehicle, actual docking missions would be attempted in final flights. The spacecraft would be capable of missions of a week or more to train pilots for future long-duration circumlunar and lunar landing flights. The Mercury astronauts would serve as pilots for the program, but additional crew members might be phased in during the latter portions of the program.
1961 December 7 -
  • Plans for Gemini announced Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Gemini. Plans for the development of a 2-man Mercury spacecraft were announced by Robert R. Gilruth, Director of the Manned Spacecraft Center. On January 3, 1962, this program was designated Project Gemini. References: 483.
1961 December 7 - 21:18 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576B3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 82D.
  • Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 7 - 23:15 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AB3.344.
  • Sphere Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 234 km (145 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 8 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LC-A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee 1500.
  • Project CAMBRIDGE Geodetic mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 2,190 km (1,360 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 9 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3C.
  • First test of UTC 1205 rocket motors. Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Solid-propellent rocket motor generating nearly 500,000 pounds of thrust was fired in a static test of 80-second duration by United Technology Corp. at Sunnyvale, Calif., under USAF contract. References: 18.
1961 December 9 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Bacchus. Launch Pad: Bacchus?. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C08.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 9 - Launch Site: Reggane. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C05.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 9 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Bacchus. Launch Pad: Bacchus?. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C07.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 10 - 17:01 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.76GE.
  • Auroral radiation Cosmic rays mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 11 - 09:39 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8K72K. FAILURE: RO-7 engine of block E upper stage cutoff prematurely. Spacecraft liquidated by self destruct system APO in 407th second of flight. Debris landed 100 km north of Vilyuisk.
  • Zenit-2 11F61 s/n 1 Nation: USSR. Payload: Zenit-2 11F61 s/n 1. Mass: 4,610 kg (10,160 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F611211A. Decay Date: 1961-12-11. First attempted launch of Zenit photo-reconnaisance satellite. According to Kamanin, there was a problem with the third stage, and the capsule landed between Novosibirsk and Yakutsk, but could not be located. There was no information on the nature of the problem. Korolev stayed at Tyuratam, preparing for the next launch attempt. References: 93, 175.
1961 December 12 - 20:16 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F. LV Configuration: Atlas F 5F. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Research and development / Pod 24 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 12 - 20:40 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 325 / Agena B 1119.
  • Discoverer 36 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9029 / Agena B 1119. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 131 km (81 mi). Apogee: 173 km (107 mi). Inclination: 89.50 deg. Period: 87.50 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Kappa-1. USAF Sat Cat: 213. Decay Date: 1962-03-08. KH-3; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. Best mission to date. References: 2, 6.
  • Oscar 1 Nation: USA. Program: Oscar. Mass: 5.00 kg (11.00 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Amateur Radio. Spacecraft: Oscar. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 245 km (152 mi). Apogee: 474 km (294 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 91.80 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Kappa-2. USAF Sat Cat: 214. Decay Date: 1962-01-31. The first Oscar Phase I amateur satellite was launched piggyback with Discover 36. A group of enthusiasts in California formed Project OSCAR and persuaded the United States Air Force to replace ballast on the Agena upper stage with the 4.5 kg OSCAR I package. The satellite was box shaped with a single monopole antenna and battery powered. The 140 mW transmitter onboard discharged its batteries after three weeks. 570 Amateurs in 28 countries reported receiving its simple 'HI-HI' morse code signals on the VHF 2 meter band (144.983 MHz) until January 1, 1962. The speed of the HI-HI message was controlled by a temperature sensor inside the spacecraft. OSCAR I re-entered the atmosphere January 31, 1962 after 312 revolutions. Additional Details: Oscar 1. References: 2, 6.
1961 December 13 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I AJ-23.
  • NTMP TV test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 13 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AB3.110.
  • Micrometorites Test / meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 246 km (152 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 14 -
  • Mercury spacecraft to be a test bed for more ambitious space programs. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Walter C. Williams told a University of Houston audience at Houston, Texas, that the Mercury spacecraft had served and would continue to serve as a test bed for developing orbital flight techniques and hardware for more ambitious space programs. References: 483.
1961 December 14 - 07:09 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trailblazer. Model: Trailblazer 2. LV Configuration: Trailblazer 2 TB IIa.
  • Trailblazer IIa re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 157 km (97 mi). NASA fired a four-stage solid-fuel Trailblazer rocket from Wallops Station, Virginia, in the first of a series of reentry tests. Two stages boosted the rocket to 167 miles; then the other two drove the nose cone down through the atmosphere at 14,000 miles per hour. References: 2.
1961 December 14 - 10:29 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: HAD. LV Configuration: HAD 103.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 14 - 20:26 GMT - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus.
  • PM-5 test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 14 - 21:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus.
  • Hercules intercept Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 15 -
  • McDonnell given letter contract for Gemini Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Gemini. McDonnell given letter contract for development of Gemini. References: 26.
1961 December 15 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Boeing named contractor for Saturn C-5 first stage (S-IC) Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing. NASA announced that The Boeing Company had been selected for negotiations as a possible prime contractor for the first stage (S-IC) of the advanced Saturn launch vehicle. The S-IC stage, powered by five F-1 engines, would be 35 feet in diameter and about 140 feet high. The $300-million contract, to run through 1966, called for the development, construction, and testing of 24 flight stages and one ground test stage. The booster would be assembled at the NASA Michoud Operations Plant near New Orleans, La., under the direction of the Marshall Space Flight Center. References: 16.
1961 December 15 - Launch Site: Fort Wingate. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone 1008.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Successful missile test. Missed aimpoint by 82 m. References: 2.
1961 December 15 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC19. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I M-6.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 15 - 17:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 AB3.140.
  • HR Solar Spectra Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 18 -
  • OKB-10 made an independent design bureau. Nation: USSR. State Committee for Defence Technology (GKOT) Decree 'On establishment of the independent OKB-10 at Krasnoyarsk-26 on the basis of OKB-1's Branch No. 2' was issued. References: 474.
1961 December 18 - 13:04 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC31B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1A 406.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 20 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Douglas named contractor for Saturn S-IVB stage Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo Lunar Landing. NASA announced that Douglas Aircraft had been selected for negotiation of a contract to modify the Saturn S-IV stage by installing a single 200,000-pound-thrust, Rocketdyne J-2 liquid-hydrogen/liquid-oxygen engine instead of six 15,000-pound-thrust P. & W. hydrogen/oxygen engines. Known as S-IVB, this modified stage will be used in advanced Saturn configurations for manned circumlunar Apollo missions. References: 18, 27.
1961 December 20 -
  • International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously adopted Resolution 1721 (XIV) on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. References: 16.
1961 December 20 - 03:32 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 36E.
  • Research and development/Pod Test/Chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2.
1961 December 20 - 22:45 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 3-1-2.
  • X-15A MH-96 test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/US