1966 April 1 - -
Voskhod 4 to 6 in jeopardy Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod. Spacecraft: Voskhod. Flight: Voskhod 4, Voskhod 5, Voskhod 6. In a meeting of Soviet Ministers, it is revealed that Voskhod s/n 7, 8, and 9 will likely not be completed. Kamanin objects - he wants these flights to be used for manned test of military equipment in space. He does not trust waiting even further for the availability of the untested and unflown 7K-OK spacecraft.
References: 376.
1966 April 1 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC31B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 462. -
Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 April - -
Dynasoar 2 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Prior to cancellation of the Dynasoar project, the second unmanned flight was planned for the fifth flight test of the Titan 3C booster. References: 152.
1966 April - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F. -
Final active Atlas squadron deactivated. Nation: USA. VAFB SMS 576 deactivated References: 4460.
1966 April 1 - 13:57 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Model: Sidewinder-Arcas. -
AC30.752 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 2 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: PU31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36 8K67. -
SLI K Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 4 - -
L1 and Voskhod Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod, Lunar L1. Spacecraft: Voskhod, Luna E-6S, Soyuz 7K-L1. Flight: Voskhod 4, Voskhod 5, Voskhod 6. The Luna 10 robot orbiter has successfully entered moon orbit, conducted two radio communications sessions, including broadcast back to the earth of the "International", the Socialist hymn, to the 23rd Party Congress. Bushuev from OKB-1 is seeking cosmonaut representatives for the commission that will inspect the mock-up of the L1 circumlunar spacecraft. Kamanin nominates Gagarin, Komarov, Nikitin, Frolov, Smirnov, and others. Kamanin informs OKB-1 that he has obtained the support of the PVO and RVSN for the completion and flight of Voskhod s/n 7, 8, and 9. A letter to Smirnov asking for those fights to be conducted will be drafted.
References: 376.
1966 April 4 - -
NASA Astronaut Training Group 5 selected. Nation: USA. The group was selected to provide pilot-astronauts for the Apollo Applications Program (then planned as 10 lunar landings after Apollo 11 and 30 Apollo flights to earth-orbit space stations).. Qualifications: Qualified jet pilot with minimum 1,000 flight-hours, bachleor's degree in engineering or physical or biological sciences, under 35 years old, under 183 cm height, excellent health. US citizen.. 351 applications (including six women and a legless US Navy pilot). All 19, except X-15 astronaut Engle, would fly into space on Apollo or Skylab missions. Engle and six others would fly shuttle missions.
1966 April 4 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1347. -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 4 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF02. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1258. -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 4 - 08:07 GMT - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Blandine. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. Model: Veronique 61M. LV Configuration: Veronique 61M VA78. -
FU-145 ACS test / astronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). FU145 Technology (Attitude control) mission. References: 2.
1966 April 4 - 16:52 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.216AI. -
Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 174 km (108 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 5 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Brigitte. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Diamant. Model: Saphir. LV Configuration: Saphir VE231 R1. -
Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 5 - 16:20 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 395-D. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. LV Configuration: Titan II B-50. -
Gold Ring operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 6 - 11:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. LV Configuration: Voskhod 11A57 U15001-02. -
Cosmos 114 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 202 km (125 mi). Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1966-028A. USAF Sat Cat: 2133. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1966-04-14. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule References: 2, 6.
1966 April 6 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Blandine. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. Model: Veronique AGI. LV Configuration: Veronique AGI AGI/57. -
FU-126 Solar corona Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: France. Agency: FR. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). FU126 Solar corona (UV) / Ptr mission. References: 2.
1966 April 7 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3P-445. FAILURE: Failure. -
Operational Test / 1 of 2 launches failed Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 7 - 16:30 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3P-400. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 7 - 22:02 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor SLV-2A Agena D. LV Configuration: Thor SLV-2A Agena D 474 / Agena D SS-01B 1627. -
KH-4A 1031 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1031 / Agena D 1627. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 312 km (193 mi). Inclination: 75.10 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1966-029A. USAF Sat Cat: 2136. Decay Date: 1966-04-26. KH-4A. The aft-looking camera malfunctioned after the recovery of bucket '1'. No material was received in bucket '2' (1031-2). References: 2, 6.
1966 April 8 - -
Agreement between the Department of Defense and NASA on extraterrestrial mapping Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., received a letter from John S. Foster, Jr., Director of Defense Research and Engineering, expressing pleasure that the agreement between the Department of Defense and NASA on extraterrestrial mapping, charting, and geodesy support had been consummated. He was returning a copy of the agreement for the NASA files.
References: 16.
1966 April 8 - -
Voskhod 3 further delayed Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod. Flight: Voskhod 3, Voskhod 4, Voskhod 5. Tyulin reveals that Voskhod 3 should be completely integrated and ready to go by the end of April, but the flight will be pushed back even farther than that. Mishin is also raising questions about Voskhod 4 and Voskhod 5. The cosmonauts are ready, but have nothing to do but wait. Who will supervise future manned space missions is in question. Korolev was de facto leader in the past. The others - the President of the State Commission, the President of the Academy of Sciences - were in fact just there in support roles. Without Korolev, this may change in the future, and the question has become controversial.
References: 376.
1966 April 8 - 01:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Centaur D. LV Configuration: Atlas Centaur D AC-8 / Centaur D 184D. FAILURE: Centaur propellant leak. -
Surveyor Model Nation: USA. Payload: Surveyor SD-3. Mass: 784 kg (1,728 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Surveyor. Agency: NASA/JPL. Perigee: 182 km (113 mi). Apogee: 336 km (208 mi). Inclination: 30.70 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1966-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 2139. Decay Date: 1966-05-05. Launch vehicle test. Payload was dummy Surveyor spacecraft. References: 2, 6, 278.
1966 April 8 - 04:01 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.76UI. -
MIP 3 Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 159 km (98 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 8 - 19:35 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3 Agena D. LV Configuration: SLV-3 Agena D 5001 (AA15) / Agena D 6703. -
OAO 1 Nation: USA. Payload: OAO A1. Mass: 1,774 kg (3,911 lb). Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: OAO. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 783 km (486 mi). Apogee: 793 km (492 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 100.60 min. COSPAR: 1966-031A. USAF Sat Cat: 2142. Orbiting Astronomical Observatory. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 2, 6, 278.
1966 April 10 - Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton 8K82K. LV Configuration: Proton 8K82K. -
Cosmonaut training for lunar flights announced Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1. Leonov announces that cosmonauts are in training for lunar missions. References: 72.
1966 April 12 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. -
Military training launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 13 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. -
The Electrical Interface Integrated Validation and Joint Guidance and Control Test began. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 9. The Electrical Interface Integrated Validation and Joint Guidance and Control Test began after Gemini launch vehicle 9 and spacecraft No. 9 were electrically mated. These activities were completed April 15. The Joint Combined Systems Test was run April 19.
1966 April 14 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. -
The Combined Systems Acceptance Test (CSAT) of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 10 was conducted at Martin-Baltimore. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 10. The CSAT was followed by a performance data review, completed April 19. The vehicle acceptance team convened April 26 and accepted GLV-10 on April 29. The vehicle was deerected May 2-4 and formally accepted by the Air Force May 18. Stage I was flown to Cape Kennedy the same day, with stage II following May 20. Both stages were transferred to Hanger L where they were purged and pressurized with dry nitrogen and placed in controlled access storage.
1966 April 14 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3P-375. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 14 - 05:55 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.08GE. -
Auroral Aurora mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 296 km (183 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 14 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.143NA. -
Dayglow Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 183 km (113 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 14 - 15:08 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.24US. -
Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 192 km (119 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 15 - -
NASA said to need a manned space flight goal other than "using Apollo hardware" - a Mars flyby or landing mission. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: IMIS 1968, Von Braun Mars Expedition - 1969. MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth summarized Houston's position expressed during discussions with Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller two days earlier. Gilruth cited NASA s need for a manned space flight goal other than 'using Apollo hardware' (and suggested a Mars flyby or landing mission as an in-house focus for planning.) Also, he repeated his concern over the imbalance between AAP goals and resources, as well as the extent of engineering redesign and hardware modification that had been forced upon the project. Though expressing his and MSC's desire to contribute to and be a part of AAP, Gilruth voiced concern that 'the future of manned space flight . . . is in jeopardy because we do not have firm goals, and because the present approach appears to us to be technically unsound.'
1966 April 15 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3 Atlas / Agena D. -
Evaluation of a Lockheed proposal to launch space probes from orbit using Agena rockets launched from AAP stations in space. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Orbital Workshop. Associate Administrator for Manned Space Fight George E. Mueller informed Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., of the Saturn/Apollo Applications Program Office's evaluation of a Lockheed proposal to launch space probes from orbit using Agena rockets launched from AAP stations in space. The proposal was feasible, Mueller advised, but did not seem a desirable mission for inclusion in the AAP.
Additional Details: Evaluation of a Lockheed proposal to launch space probes from orbit using Agena rockets launched from AAP stations in space..
1966 April 15 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF07. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1312. -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 18 - -
Lunar Worm Planetary Roving Vehicle Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Worm. ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea and members of his organization were invited to attend the formal presentation by the Aeronutronic Division of Philco Corp. on a "Study of Lunar Worm Planetary Roving Vehicle Concept," at LaRC on May 3. The exploratory study to determine the feasibility of a bellows-concept mobile vehicle included a mobility and traction analysis for several kinds of bellows motion and several soil surfaces; analysis of both metallic and nonmetallic construction to provide the bellows structure; brief design studies of the concept as applied to a small unmanned vehicle, a supply vehicle, a small lunar shelter, a large lunar shelter; and an overall evaluation of the suitability of the concept for carrying out various missions as compared with other vehicles.
References: 16.
1966 April 18 -
1966 April 18 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. -
Stage I of Gemini launch vehicle 11 was erected in the west cell of the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 11. After completing horizontal tests April 25, stage II was erected April 29. Power was applied to the vehicle for the first time on May 9, and Subsystems Functional Verification Tests were completed June 8.
1966 April 18 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. -
Military training launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 19 - 19:12 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3 Agena D. LV Configuration: SLV-3 Agena D 7117 / Agena D 7117. -
KH 7-27 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-7 no. 27. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-7. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 139 km (86 mi). Apogee: 375 km (233 mi). Inclination: 116.90 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1966-032A. USAF Sat Cat: 2146. Decay Date: 1966-04-26. KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 2, 6, 278.
1966 April 20 - 02:30 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark 2 SL582. -
Test mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 172 km (106 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 20 - 08:44 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 395-B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. LV Configuration: Titan II B-55. -
Long Light operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 20 - 10:48 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92. -
Cosmos 115 Nation: USSR. Payload: Zenit-2 11F61 s/n 35. Mass: 4,720 kg (10,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 189 km (117 mi). Apogee: 283 km (175 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1966-033A. USAF Sat Cat: 2147. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1966-04-28. . Program partially completed. Abnormal operation of SA-10 camera. References: 2, 6,93.
1966 April 20 - 12:05 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 8. LV Configuration: Kappa 8 K-8-13. -
Aeronomy / plasma / fields mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 155 km (96 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 21 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3P-437. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 21 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: UR-100. FAILURE: Failure. -
Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1966 April 21 - 00:06 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark 2 SL583. -
Test mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 21 - 02:10 GMT - Launch Site: Tonopah. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. -
Sandia 154-75 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 21 - 11:25 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.165UA. -
JHU UVT F1 (Venus) Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 154 km (95 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 21 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3P-440. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 21 - 16:30 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3P-431. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 22 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1252. -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 22 - 09:45 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout B. LV Configuration: Scout B S145C. -
OV3-01 Nation: USA. Mass: 69 kg (152 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: OV3. Agency: USAF OAR. Perigee: 341 km (211 mi). Apogee: 3,585 km (2,227 mi). Inclination: 82.40 deg. Period: 126.40 min. COSPAR: 1966-034A. USAF Sat Cat: 2150. Radiation data. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 2, 6.
1966 April 22 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Bacchus. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Diamant. Model: Rubis. LV Configuration: Rubis R9. -
Rubis 03 / MPE Ba-17 Plasma / ionosphere / barium release mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 2,035 km (1,264 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 25 - 07:12 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M N103-39. -
Molniya 1-03 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 546 km (339 mi). Apogee: 39,414 km (24,490 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 709.80 min. COSPAR: 1966-035A. USAF Sat Cat: 2151. Decay Date: 1973-06-11. Also transmitted cloud cover images. Television programme transmission and long-range two-way multi-channel telephone, phototelegraph and telegraph communicaitons. References: 2, 6.
1966 April 26 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. -
Military training launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 26 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: PU32. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36 8K67. -
State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 26 - 00:12 GMT - Launch Site: Sonmiani. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.249IM. -
Rehbar 13 (Gren / TMA) Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 190 km (110 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 26 - 10:04 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC86/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: Kosmos 11K63. -
Cosmos 116 Nation: USSR. Program: DS. Payload: DS-P1-Yu s/n 6. Mass: 325 kg (716 lb). Class: Military. Type: Target. Spacecraft: DS-P1-Yu. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 288 km (178 mi). Apogee: 464 km (288 mi). Inclination: 48.40 deg. Period: 92.00 min. COSPAR: 1966-036A. USAF Sat Cat: 2152. Completed Operations Date: 1966-12-03. Decay Date: 1966-12-03. Development of systems for air defence and the control of outer space. References: 2, 6, 99.
1966 April 27 - Launch Vehicle: Proton. -
Soyuz L1 full scale development, LK-1 cancellation approved. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1, LK-1. Decree 10 'On approving the work plan to build the p8loted spacecraft 7K-L1 -- approving the plan for for the UR-500K-L1 and terminating the UR-500K-LK-1' was issued. References: 474.
1966 April 27 - -
L1 Mock-up Inspection Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod, Lunar L1. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1, Voskhod. Flight: Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 1. The L1 inspection has not gone well. The cosmonauts find that the spacecraft has the same safety problems as Voskhod: no spacesuits, no reserve parachute for the spacecraft, no signal sent when the parachute deploys (the UHF beacon only begins emitting 10 seconds after landing). Supposedly this unsafe and poorly designed spacecraft is supposed to take cosmonauts around the moon by November 1967. Kamanin finds this incredible.
References: 376.
1966 April 28 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: BT-310. LV Configuration: BT-310 BT-310-1. -
Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 28 - 12:35 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.189DS. -
NRL ND3.172R Solar soft x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 175 km (108 mi). References: 2.
1966 April 29 - 03:49 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 CRL AD3.723. -
Infrared Horizon 2 Infrared technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1966 May - -
Program 505 Nike Zeus ASAT retired Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Program 505. The ASAT facility at Kwajalein Atoll was replaced by the Program 437 ASAT.
1966 May - -
Final iteration of TMK Mars spacecraft design Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: KK. Work on the TMK project continued, including trajectory trade-off studies and refinement of the design. In its final iteration, before Korolev’s OKB was overwhelmed by N1-L3 development work, the design was known as the KK - Space Complex for Delivering a Piloted Expedition to Mars.
May 1966 - Launch Vehicle: CZ-1. -
DFH-1 satellite defined. Nation: China. Spacecraft: DFH-1. The satellite will be launched by the CZ-1 launch vehicle, a DFH-2 IRBM with a new upper stage.
1966 May 1 - 05:17 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin CRL AD19.286. -
B / p / e Aurora / fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 710 km (440 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 1 - 22:10 GMT - Launch Site: Point Barrow. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.190GM. -
Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 126 km (78 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 2 - 01:14 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.188GM. -
Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 131 km (81 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 2 - 01:19 GMT - Launch Site: Natal. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.194GM. -
Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 126 km (78 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 2 - 02:32 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.192GM. -
Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 126 km (78 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 2 - 20:35 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF02. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1388. -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 3 - -
Soviet recovery planning Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1. Flight: Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 1. Kamanin is upset over the lack of resources he is given to plan and carry out manned spacecraft recovery for circumlunar missions, which may splash down in the ocean or land almost anywhere on earth. His staff dedicated to this are to be increased from 3 to 6, and he has another 8 dedicated to survival equipment. But he figures the Americans must have over 500 staff assigned to just this problem alone.
References: 376.
1966 May 3 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC50. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sprint. LV Configuration: Sprint ABM FLA-4. FAILURE: Failure. -
Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1966 May 3 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576A1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 208D. FAILURE: Failure. -
NTMP KX-37 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 3 - 19:25 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor SLV-2A Agena D. LV Configuration: Thor SLV-2A Agena D 465 / Agena D SS-01B 1625. FAILURE: Failure. -
KH-4A 1032 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1032. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F660503A. Decay Date: 1966-05-04. References: 126.
-
SRV 707 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1032-1. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F660503B. References: 279.
-
SRV 708 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1032-2. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F660503C. References: 279.
1966 May 3 - 22:01 GMT - Launch Site: Point Barrow. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.191GM. -
Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 126 km (78 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 4 - 00:08 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.193GM. -
Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 123 km (76 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 4 - 00:37 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.189GM. -
Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 4 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Bacchus. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Dragon 1. LV Configuration: Dragon D-12. -
FU-130 Lyra alpha Aeronomy / chemical / lyra-alpha spectrometry mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 440 km (270 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 4 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Natal. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.195GM. -
08 CNAE 6605 / Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 141 km (87 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 5 - 04:14 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL304. -
Solar X-rays / La / Cell test Solar x-ray and ultraviolet mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 6 - -
Astronauts voiced concern regarding the purposes and proposed work statement for the S-IVB spent-stage. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Orbital Workshop. MSC Assistant Director for Flight Crew Operations Donald K. Slayton and several astronauts (notably Joseph P. Kerwin) voiced concern regarding the purposes and proposed work statement for the S-IVB spent-stage experiment support module. As well as pointing out the general lack of experiment planning and hardware, Slayton and Kerwin noted a member of operational and safety concerns surrounding purging the stage's hydrogen tank to create a habitable structure in space.
1966 May 6 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. LV Configuration: Nike Zeus-3 2K-61. -
Interceptor mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 6 - 11:02 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92. LV Configuration: Vostok 8A92 N15001-01. -
Cosmos 117 Nation: USSR. Payload: Zenit-2 11F61 s/n 39. Mass: 4,720 kg (10,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 200 km (120 mi). Apogee: 314 km (195 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1966-037A. USAF Sat Cat: 2163. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1966-05-14. Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite. References: 2, 6,93.
1966 May 6 - 21:30 GMT - Launch Site: Delamar Dry Lake DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 37.3 N x 114.9 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 1-63-104. FAILURE: Pump failure forces emergency landing at Delamar Dry Lake. -
X-15A AD/MuMet/Scan/SB Aeronomy/Meteor/Technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). Premature engine shutdown at 32 sec. Maximum Speed - 2307 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20850 m. References: 2.
1966 May 9 - 15:20 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.106NP. -
Radar test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 174 km (108 mi). First radar for science purposes launched into space and successfully recovered. Besides testing the engineering and special techniques for space flight, the data showed that the echo characteristics of the earth were similar to those of Venus and the Moon.
References: 2.
1966 May 10 - -
Voskhod 3 spiked Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod, Soyuz. Spacecraft: Voskhod, Soyuz 7K-OK. Flight: Voskhod 3. A meeting of the VPK Military Industrial Commission begins with Tyulin, Mishin, Burnazyan, and Kamanin certifying the readiness for launch of Voskhod 3 on 25-28 May. Then Smirnov drops a bombshell: Voskhod 3 should be cancelled because: an 18-day flight will be nothing new; further work on Voskhod 3 will only interfere with completion of the Soyuz 7K-OK spacecraft, which is to be the primary Soviet piloted spacecraft; and a new spaceflight without any manoeuvring of the spacecraft or a docking in orbit will only highlight the lead the Americans have. Kamanin argues that the long work of preparing for the flight is finally complete, and that it will set two new space records (in manned flight altitude and duration). Furthermore the flight will include important military experiments, which cannot be flown on early Soyuz flights. Smirnov and Pashkov appear not to be swayed by these arguments, but back down a bit. The State Commission for the flight may continue its work.
References: 376.
1966 May 11 - -
Plans for Apollo space rescue discontinued Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Gemini Lunar Surface Rescue Spacecraft, Apollo Lunar Landing. MSC Deputy Director George M. Low recommended to Maxime A. Faget, MSC, that, in light of Air Force and Aerospace Corp. studies on space rescue, MSC plans for a general study on space rescue be discontinued and a formal request be made to OMSF to cancel the request for proposals, which had not yet been released. As an alternative, Low suggested that MSC should cooperate with the Air Force to maximize gains from the USAF task on space rescue requirements.
References: 16.
1966 May 11 - -
Refurbished CSMs proposed for AAP. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, Apollo LM Lab, Apollo X. Replying to a suggestion by MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth that AAP capitalize on Apollo hardware to an even greater extent by using refurbished CSMs, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller deferred any action toward implementing a competitive effort for such work. This was necessary, he said, because of the present unsettled nature of AAP planning.
Additional Details: Refurbished CSMs proposed for AAP..
1966 May 11 - Launch Vehicle: N1. -
Mishin selected as Korolev's replacement after four-month delay Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3, Lunar L1. Spacecraft: LK, Soyuz 7K-LOK. Flight: Soyuz 1, Soyuz 2A. From 1963-1965 Ustinov was both head of the Soviet for the National Economy and the First Secretary of the Presidium of Soviet Ministers. He supported civilian space projects and instructed the military to co-operate in them. But after Khrushchev was ousted, Ustinov had less influence with the Ministry of Defence.After the death of Korolev in January, a letter was sent to the Central Committee requesting that Mishin be appointed director of OKB-1. Ustinov tried to line up support for Mishin, but by the time of the first first Saturn IB orbital flight on 26 February 1966, no decision had been made. America was progressing on the path to the moon, but Russia was stalled. An alternate that had been considered was Sergei Okhapkin, another Deputy Chief Designer at TsKBEM. But Okhapkin knew only spacecraft, he had never developed complete launch-booster-spacecraft systems. By the time Mishin was appointed, it was clear that the race was lost. The American's planned their first Saturn V launch in September 1967 and their first manned flight in 1968. Mishin could not expect trials of the LK lunar lander until 1969 at the earliest. There were insufficient funds allocated, and the schedule had no allowance for test flight failures. Ustinov, Morozhin, and Keldysh pointed fingers as to who had presented such unrealistic schedules to the Politburo. Keldysh now supported unmanned robot lunar landers in development by Babakin. Even these would not land until 1970, allowing three years of flight trials to achieve reliability. Khrushchev, it seemed, was to blame for such enormous unaffordable projects. This in turn put Ustinov in danger, as Khrushchev's point man for space.
References: 367.
1966 May 11 - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk-9 Sandia 152-24. -
Radiochemistry? Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 302 km (187 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 11 - 14:09 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. -
Cosmos 118 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor no. 4. Mass: 4,730 kg (10,420 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 316 km (196 mi). Apogee: 339 km (210 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 91.10 min. COSPAR: 1966-038A. USAF Sat Cat: 2168. Decay Date: 1988-11-23. Probable weather satellite. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 2, 6.
1966 May 12 - Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. -
Voskhod 3 State Commission Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod. Spacecraft: Voskhod. Flight: Voskhod 3. Chief Designer A A Golubev from OKB-154 Voronezh discusses the failure of his engines on the third stage of the Molniya launch on 27 March. He points out that the third stage has operated successfully in 500 stand trials and over 100 flights. It is true there have been seven instances of high-frequency oscillations in test stand runs of the engines, going back to the time of Tereshkova's flight, but these are felt to be due to the test stand propellant feed set-up and would not occur in flight engines. Despite no definite cause having been found for the third stage failure on 27 March, he guarantees his engines ready for flight. Other commission members question his optimism, but finally his guarantee is accepted, dependent on a thorough quality assurance review and certification by military officials responsible for control of the production processes at the factory. Voronin certifies the ECS system for an 18 day flight. Tsybin certifies the readiness of the spacecraft, and Shabarov the readiness of the booster at the launch centre. The absence of Korolev's presence is sorely felt, especially in handling the opposition of Smirnov and Pashkov to the flight. Nevertheless, the order is given for final preparations to proceed, with launch set for 22-28 May. However the confidence of the commission members in standing up to Smirnov is tenuous, and it is clear that any delay into June or July will kill the flight.
References: 376.
1966 May 12 - Launch Site: Green River. Launch Complex: Pad 1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Athena RTV. LV Configuration: Athena D018. -
USAF D018 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 12 - 18:00 GMT - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Bacchus. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Dragon 1. LV Configuration: Dragon D-13. -
FU-130 Lyra alpha Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 464 km (288 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 13 - 11:43 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576B1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 98D. -
ABRES WAC-5A re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 14 - 18:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3 Agena D. LV Configuration: SLV-3 Agena D 7118 / Agena D 7118. -
KH 7-28 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-7 no. 28. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-7. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 130 km (80 mi). Apogee: 319 km (198 mi). Inclination: 110.50 deg. Period: 89.00 min. COSPAR: 1966-039A. USAF Sat Cat: 2171. Decay Date: 1966-05-21. KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 2, 6, 278.
-
OPS 6785 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B4. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 519 km (322 mi). Apogee: 555 km (344 mi). Inclination: 110.00 deg. Period: 95.40 min. COSPAR: 1966-039B. USAF Sat Cat: 2172. Decay Date: 1970-10-27. Radar monitoring. References: 2, 6, 172, 278.
1966 May 15 - -
Soyuz 7K-OK flight preparations. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-OK. Flight: Soyuz 1, Soyuz 2A. Decree 144 'On assessing preparations for flights of the 7K-OK spacecraft' was issued. References: 474.
1966 May 15 - 05:03 GMT - Launch Site: Nissaki-Karystos. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure CE-5. -
ESRO C06 / 2 Solar x-ray mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 15 - 07:55 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor SLV-2A Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor SLV-2A Agena B 456 (TA6) / Agena B S-01 6202. -
Nimbus 2 Nation: USA. Payload: Nimbus C. Mass: 414 kg (912 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Nimbus. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 1,093 km (679 mi). Apogee: 1,176 km (730 mi). Inclination: 100.30 deg. Period: 108.00 min. COSPAR: 1966-040A. USAF Sat Cat: 2173. TV, IR cloud cover photos. The spacecraft carried an advanced vidicon camera system for recording and storing remote cloud cover pictures, an automatic picture transmission camera for providing real-time cloudcover pictures, and both high- and medium-resolution infrared radiometers (HRIR and MRIR) for measuring the intensity and distribution of electromagnetic radiation emitted by and reflected from the earth and its atmosphere. The spacecraft and experiments performed normally after launch until July 26, 1966, when the spacecraft tape recorder failed. Its function was taken over by the HRIR tape recorder until November 15, 1966, when it also failed. Some real-time data were collected until January 17, 1969, when the spacecraft mission was terminated owing to deterioration of the horizon scanner used for earth reference.
References: 2, 6.
1966 May 15 - 09:51 GMT - Launch Site: Nissaki-Karystos. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Model: Boosted Arcas. LV Configuration: Boosted Arcas AE001. -
ESRO A23 / 1 Eclipse ionosphere / solar mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 110 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 16 - Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. -
Voskhod 3 delays Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod. Spacecraft: Voskhod. Flight: Voskhod 3. Tyulin has already warned that military crews at Baikonur are 'going slow' in Voskhod 3 preparations. Now it is reported from Voronezh that the military quality control official is refusing to certify the engines for the third stage of Voskhod 3 as ready for flight. It is clear that the flight will slip into June at this rate...
References: 376.
1966 May 16 - 14:10 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1A 710 (63-175). -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 16 - 18:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1191. -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 17 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF07. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1314. -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 17 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. FAILURE: Failure. -
Zenit-4 Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Zenit-4. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F660517B. High resolution photo reconnaissance mission. References: 279.
1966 May 17 - 08:42 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: HAD. LV Configuration: HAD 188. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 17 - 15:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3 Agena D. LV Configuration: SLV-3 Agena D 5303 / Agena D 5004. FAILURE: Control system failure. -
Gemini 9 Agena Target Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Payload: TDA 5. Mass: 3,248 kg (7,160 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Gemini Agena Target Vehicle. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: F660517A. Decay Date: 1966-05-17. Flight: Gemini 9. References: 126, 26, 278.
1966 May 18 - -
Communist Party Administrative Section reviews space program Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod. Kamanin reports the sad state of affairs. There is no Soviet state organ tasked with systematic management of the space program (the VPK and Smirnov only handle this as one of many tasks): within the Ministry of Defence there is no single organ that promotes and guides military space interests (TsUKOS under Karas only works to order, and does not formulate plans or policy); there is no one at the Academy of Sciences, in industry , or the Ministry of Defence charged with managing manned spaceflight (only 4% - 8 of 200 launches by the Soviet Union - have been on manned missions); in the last six years no new manned spacecraft has been flown (Voskhod being merely a modification of Vostok); the new Soyuz spacecraft is 3 to 4 years behind schedule due to the insistence it be capable of fully automatic docking in space; no adequate trainers for manned spacecraft have ever been delivered.
References: 376.
1966 May 18 - 04:02 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.171UG. -
Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 18 - 18:24 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 2-44-79. -
X-15A-2 V-On Stab test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5936 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30170 m. References: 2.
1966 May 19 - -
L1 flight plan Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod, Lunar L1. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1. Flight: Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 1, Voskhod 3. VPK resolution number 101 dated 27 April 1966 finally hits Kamanin's desk. It issues the orders to industry for implementation of the Party resolution 655-268 of 3 August 1964. 14 7K-L1 spacecraft are to be completed: one in the third quarter of 1966, two in the fourth quarter, and the rest between January and September 1967. Final integration of the first spacecraft is to be completed in October 1966,and flight trials from December 1966 to March 1967. Detailed planning for completion of simulators and trainers for the L1, and for international recovery forces to recover spacecraft returning from the moon, are to be completed within two weeks to a month from the date of the resolution. Meanwhile Tyulin reports that the launch of Voskhod 3 in May is no longer possible, and likely will be delayed until July. It is clear to Kamanin that Smirnov has effectively killed off Voskhod 3 in order to concentrate on the Soyuz, L1, and L3 programs.
References: 376.
1966 May 19 - 02:27 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout A. LV Configuration: Scout A S146C. -
Transit O-9 Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: USN. Perigee: 833 km (517 mi). Apogee: 951 km (590 mi). Inclination: 90.10 deg. Period: 102.80 min. COSPAR: 1966-041A. USAF Sat Cat: 2176. Spacecraft built by Naval Avionics Facility, but refurbished by APL. Operated for 7 to 11 months, but then failed due to poor workmanship of NAFI components. References: 2, 6.
1966 May 20 - -
L1 recovery issues Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1. Flight: Soyuz 7K-L1 mission 1. Kamanin discusses with VVS management the huge task of organizing recovery forces that can find and pick up a manned spacecraft returning from the moon anywhere on the earth. Receivers for the spacecraft's homing beacons have to be installed on a fleet of ocean-going vessels and recovery aircraft. This requirement has been known for six years, but nothing has been done yet.
References: 376.
1966 May 20 - 09:30 GMT - Launch Site: Koroni. Launch Complex: LP1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Model: Boosted Arcas. LV Configuration: Boosted Arcas NASA 15.28GI. -
Eclipse ionosphere / solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 102 km (63 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 20 - 09:30 GMT - Launch Site: Nissaki-Karystos. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure CE-19. -
ESRO C22 / 1 Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 118 km (73 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 20 - 09:41 GMT - Launch Site: Koroni. Launch Complex: LP2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Model: Boosted Arcas. LV Configuration: Boosted Arcas A004. -
ESRO A23 / 4 Eclipse ionosphere / solar mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 102 km (63 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 20 - 10:40 GMT - Launch Site: Koroni. Launch Complex: LP2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Model: Boosted Arcas. LV Configuration: Boosted Arcas A006. -
ESRO A23 / 6 Eclipse ionosphere / solar mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 20 - 11:05 GMT - Launch Site: Koroni. Launch Complex: LP1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Model: Boosted Arcas. LV Configuration: Boosted Arcas NASA 15.30GI. -
Eclipse ionosphere / solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 101 km (62 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 20 - 11:40 GMT - Launch Site: Koroni. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure CE-20. -
ESRO C22 / 2 Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 20 - 15:10 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.95GS. -
XRT (2) Solar x-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 172 km (106 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 20 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC67/22. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36-O. LV Configuration: R-36O 8K69 U22502 No. 04L. -
OGCh No. 04L Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb). Spacecraft: OGCh. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: U660519A. Possible suborbital test of FOBS booster or failed FOBS test. Not mentioned as FOBS-related in contemporary CIA assessments. References: 2, 279.
1966 May 20 - 19:04 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.44GR. -
RAE development Radio astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 998 km (620 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 20 - 23:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.92GS. -
Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 195 km (121 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 21 - -
Voskhod 3 shifted to July Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod. Spacecraft: Voskhod. Flight: Voskhod 3. Based on the further delay, it is decided to send the crews and their families to the sanatorium Chemitokvadzhe. Kamanin takes a month's vacation to nurse him wife after her release from the hospital. References: 376.
1966 May 21 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. FAILURE: Failure. -
PBG Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1966 May 23 - -
Civilian cosmonauts to be selected. Nation: USSR. Decree 43/47 '0n creation of the Civilian detachment of cosmonauts' was issued. References: 474.
1966 May 23 - -
Energia Engineer Cosmonaut Training Group 1 selected. Nation: USSR.
1966 May 23 - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk-9 Sandia 152-91. -
ACS technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 23 - 05:26 GMT - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Bacchus. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Dragon 1. LV Configuration: Dragon D-14. -
FU-131 Atomic Hydrogen Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 460 km (280 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 23 - 23:36 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA6A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Europa. Model: ELDO A. LV Configuration: ELDO A F-4. -
Active first stage with dummy upper stages and satellite.
and satellite. Flight terminated after 136 seconds. Nation: Europe. Agency: ELDO. Apogee: 86 km (53 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 24 - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk-9 Sandia 152-60. -
ACS test Technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 24 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 395-C. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. LV Configuration: Titan II B-91. -
Silver Bullet Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Follow-on operational missile test References: 2.
1966 May 24 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor SLV-2A Agena D. LV Configuration: Thor SLV-2A Agena D 469 / Agena D SS-01B 1630. -
KH-4A 1033 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1033 / Agena D 1630. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 179 km (111 mi). Apogee: 271 km (168 mi). Inclination: 66.00 deg. Period: 89.00 min. COSPAR: 1966-042A. USAF Sat Cat: 2181. Decay Date: 1966-06-09. KH-4A. The stellar camera shutter of bucket '2' remained open for approximately 200 frames. References: 2, 6.
1966 May 24 - 05:07 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.51UG. FAILURE: Failure. -
Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 24 - 05:31 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC86/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: Kosmos 11K63. -
Cosmos 119 Nation: USSR. Program: DS. Payload: DS-U2-I s/n 1. Mass: 250 kg (550 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Ionosphere. Spacecraft: DS-U2-I. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 209 km (129 mi). Apogee: 1,278 km (794 mi). Inclination: 48.40 deg. Period: 99.70 min. COSPAR: 1966-043A. USAF Sat Cat: 2182. Completed Operations Date: 1966-05-26. Decay Date: 1966-11-30. Studied the influence of the ionosphere on passing VLF radio waves. References: 2, 6, 99.
1966 May 25 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. -
First full-scale Apollo Saturn V launch vehicle rolled out Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. AS-500-F, the Pathfinder first full-scale Apollo Saturn V launch vehicle and spacecraft combination, was rolled out from Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad, for use in verifying launch facilities, training crews, and developing test procedures. The 111-meter, 227,000-kilogram vehicle was moved by a diesel-powered steel-link-tread crawler-transporter exactly five years after President John F. Kennedy asked the United States to commit itself to a manned lunar landing within the decade. Meanwhile, schedule for Saturn V threatened by continued problems in development of S-II stage (inability to get sustained 350-second burns without instrumentation failures, shutoffs, minor explosions).
References: 16.
1966 May 25 - 14:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Delta C1. LV Configuration: Thor Delta C1 436/D38. -
Explorer 32 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: AE B. Mass: 225 kg (496 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: AE. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 282 km (175 mi). Apogee: 2,723 km (1,691 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 116.00 min. COSPAR: 1966-044A. USAF Sat Cat: 2183. Decay Date: 1985-02-22. Atmospheric Explorer; aeronomy experiments. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 2, 6.
1966 May 26 - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk-9 Sandia 152-92. FAILURE: Failure. -
ACS technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 26 - 12:04 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576B2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 41D. -
NTMP KX-47 Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 26 - 19:05 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Dragon 1. LV Configuration: Dragon D-20. -
FU-151 ionosphere / particles Ionosphere mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 230 km (140 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 27 - Launch Site: Green River. Launch Complex: Pad 2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Athena RTV. LV Configuration: Athena C019. -
USAF C019 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 27 - Launch Site: Green River. Launch Complex: Pad 1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Athena RTV. LV Configuration: Athena D031. -
USAF D031 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 29 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: PU31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36 8K67. -
State trials launch (41) Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 30 - 14:41 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Centaur D. LV Configuration: Atlas Centaur D AC-10 / Centaur D 290D. -
Surveyor 1 Nation: USA. Payload: Surveyor SC-1. Mass: 269 kg (593 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Surveyor. Agency: NASA/JPL. COSPAR: 1966-045A. USAF Sat Cat: 2185. Decay Date: 1966-06-02. Surveyor 1 soft landed on the moon in the Ocean of Storms and began transmitting the first of more than 11,150 clear, detailed television pictures to Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Deep Space Facility, Goldstone, Calif. The landing sequence began 3,200 kilometers above the moon with the spacecraft traveling at a speed of 9,700 kilometers per hour. The spacecraft was successfully slowed to 5.6 kilometers per hour by the time it reached 4-meter altitude and then free-fell to the surface at 13 kilometers per hour. The landing was so precise that the three footpads touched the surface within 19 milliseconds of each other, and it confirmed that the lunar surface could support the LM. It was the first U.S. attempt to soft land on the moon.
References: 2, 6, 16, 278.
1966 May 31 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1A 622 (63-109). -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 31 - 17:16 GMT - Launch Site: Pacific Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 10.0 N x 115.9 W. Launch Vehicle: Iris. Model: Hydra-Iris. LV Configuration: Hydra-Iris BOX-4. -
LRL BOX-4 X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN NMC. Apogee: 188 km (116 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 31 - 19:19 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7C. LV Configuration: Skylark-7C SL422. -
Antenna / Plasma waves Ionosphere mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 161 km (100 mi). References: 2.
1966 May 31 - 20:10 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1270. -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 June 1 - Launch Site: Nenoksa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-27. Model: Zyb. -
Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1966 June 1 - 00:12 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Dragon 1. LV Configuration: Dragon D-23. -
FU-153 ionosphere / particles Ionosphere / plasma / field mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 380 km (230 mi). References: 2.
1966 June 1 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas SLV-3. LV Configuration: Atlas SLV-3 5304. -
Gemini 9 ATDA Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Payload: TDA 4. Mass: 794 kg (1,750 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Atlas Target Docking Adapter. Agency: NASA MSC. Perigee: 292 km (181 mi). Apogee: 296 km (183 mi). Inclination: 28.80 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1966-046A. USAF Sat Cat: 2186. Decay Date: 1966-06-11. Flight: Gemini 9. The ATDA achieved a near-circular orbit (apogee 161.5, perigee 158.5 nautical miles). One hour and 40 minutes later, the scheduled launch of Gemini IX-A was postponed by a ground equipment failure which prevented the transfer of updating information from Cape Kennedy mission control center to the spacecraft computer. The mission was recycled for launch on June 3, following a prepared 48-hour recycle plan. Anomalous telemetry indicated some sort of problem with the target, but it was not until Gemini IX rendezvoused with it in orbit that it was seen that fairing separation had failed.
References: 2, 6, 26, 278.
1966 June 2 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF02. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1240. -
Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1966 June 2 - 08:34 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7C. LV Configuration: Skylark-7C SL327. -
Solar ultraviolet / Ozone Aeronomy / solar ultraviolet mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE/RAE. Apogee: 176 km (109 mi). References: 2.
1966 June 3 - 13:39 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC19. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan II GLV. LV Configuration: Titan II GLV GT-9 / 62-12564. -
Gemini 9 Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Payload: Gemini SC9. Mass: 3,668 kg (8,086 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Gemini. Location of Spacecraft: Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, FL. Agency: NASA MSC. Perigee: 269 km (167 mi). Apogee: 272 km (169 mi). Inclination: 28.80 deg. Period: 89.90 min. COSPAR: 1966-047A. USAF Sat Cat: 2191. Duration: 3.01 days. Decay Date: 1966-06-06. Crew: Cernan, Stafford. Flight: Gemini 9. At the first launch attempt, while the crew waited buttoned up in the spacecraft on the pad, their Agena docking target field blew up on the way to orbit. NASA decided to use an Atlas to launch an Agena docking collar only. This was called the Augmented Target Docking Adapter. Ths was successfully launched and the Gemini succeeded in rendezvousing with it. However, the ATDA shroud had not completely separated, thus making docking impossible. However three different types of rendezvous were tested with the ATDA. Cernan began his EVA, which was to include flight with a USAF MMU rocket pack but the Gemini suit could not handle heat load of the astronaut's exertions. Cernan's faceplate fogs up, forcing him to blindly grope back into the Gemini hatch after only two hours.Seventh manned and third rendezvous mission of the Gemini program. Major objectives of the mission were to rendezvous and dock with the augmented target docking adapter (ATDA) and to conduct extravehicular activities (EVA). These objectives were only partially met. After successfully achieving rendezvous during the third revolution - a secondary objective - the crew discovered that the ATDA shroud had failed to separate, precluding docking - a primary objective - as well as docking practice - another secondary objective. The crew was able, however, to achieve other secondary objectives: an equi-period rendezvous, using onboard optical techniques and completed at 6 hours 36 minutes ground elapsed time; and a rendezvous from above, simulating the rendezvous of an Apollo command module with a lunar module in a lower orbit (completed at 21 hours 42 minutes ground elapsed time). Final separation maneuver was performed at 22 hours 59 minutes after liftoff. EVA was postponed because of crew fatigue, and the second day was given over to experiments. The hatch was opened for EVA at 49 hours 23 minutes ground elapsed time. EVA was successful, but one secondary objective - evaluation of the astronaut maneuvering unit (AMU) - was not achieved because Cernan's visor began fogging. The extravehicular life support system apparently became overloaded with moisture when Cernan had to work harder than anticipated to prepare the AMU for donning. Cernan reentered the spacecraft, and the hatch was closed at 51 hours 28 minutes into the flight. The rest of the third day was spent on experiments.
References: 2, 6, 26, 33,60.
1966 June 3 - 19:25 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3 Agena D. LV Configuration: SLV-3 Agena D 7119 / Agena D 7119. -
KH 7-29 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-7 no. 29. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-7. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 143 km (88 mi). Apogee: 288 km (178 mi). Inclination: 87.00 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1966-048A. USAF Sat Cat: 2192. Decay Date: 1966-06-09. KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 2, 6, 278.
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OPS 1856/Agena D Nation: USA. Payload: [AAS 6]. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 148 km (91 mi). Apogee: 230 km (140 mi). Inclination: 86.90 deg. Period: 88.20 min. COSPAR: 1966-048B. USAF Sat Cat: 2194. Decay Date: 1966-06-09. Not identified as a subsatellite ferret by McDowell. References: 2, 6, 172, 278.
1966 June 4 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/3. Launch Pad: LC41/3?. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. -
Military training launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1966 June 5 - 15:02 GMT - -
EVA Gemini 9-1 Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Gemini. Crew: Cernan. Flight: Gemini 9. EVA Duration: 0.0882 days. Attempted to test USAF Astronaut Manoeuvring Unit. Cancelled when Cernan's faceplate fogged over. References: 66.
1966 June 6 - Launch Vehicle: CZ-1. -
Cultural Revolution Nation: China. Tsien is now head of the Seventh Ministry of Machine Building (the former Fifth Academy). Cadres accuse Tsien of spreading Nazi propaganda in China after his visit to Germany in 1946.
1966 June 6 - -
Landing of Gemini 9 Nation: USA. Program: Gemini. Flight: Gemini 9. Following the third sleep period, the crew prepared for retrofire, which was initiated during the 45th revolution. The spacecraft landed at 13:59 GMTwithin 1.6 km of the primary recovery ship, the aircraft carrier Wasp. The crew remained with the spacecraft, which was hoisted aboard 53 minutes after landing.
1966 June 7 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. -
Gemini launch vehicle 10 was removed from storage and erected at complex 19. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 10. Umbilicals were connected and power applied June 9. Subsystems Reverification Tests (SSRT) began immediately. SSRT ended June 16, and the Prespacecraft Mate Verification Combined Systems Test was conducted June 17.
1966 June 7 - 02:48 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3 Agena B. LV Configuration: SLV-3 Agena B 5601 (AA16) / Agena B 6502. -
OGO 3 Nation: USA. Payload: OGO B. Mass: 634 kg (1,397 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: OGO. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 19,519 km (12,128 mi). Apogee: 102,806 km (63,880 mi). Inclination: 77.60 deg. Period: 2,911.50 min. COSPAR: 1966-049A. USAF Sat Cat: 2195. Decay Date: 1981-09-15. Orbiting Geophysical Observatory 3. All 21 experiments returned good data. At the time, this was the largest experimental complement ever put into orbit. There were 4 cosmic ray instruments (1 of which included a gamma-ray spectrometer), 4 plasma, 2 trapped radiation, 2 magnetic fields, 5 ionosphere, 3 radio/optical, and 1 micrometeoroid detectors. OGO 3 maintained 3-axis stabilization for 46 days. At that point, an attitude controller failed and the spacecraft was put into a spin on 23 July 1966. The spin period varied from 90-125 seconds. By June 1969, data acquisition was limited to 50% of the orbital path. Routine spacecraft operation was discontinued on December 1, 1969, after which only data from Heppner's experiment (Rubidium + Fluxgate magnetometer) was acquired. By March 1971 spacecraft perigee had increased to 16,400 km and the inclination had increased to 75.8 deg. All spacecraft support terminated on February 29, 1972.
References: 2, 6, 278.
1966 June 7 - 16:57 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Wasp. -
WASP slosh test Technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 238 km (147 mi). References: 2.
1966 June 8 - -
Test Pilot Joseph Albert Walker dies at age of 45 -- Killed in collision of F-104 chase plane with XB-70 bomber. Nation: USA.
1966 June 8 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/3. Launch Pad: LC41/3?. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. -
Military training launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). References: 2.
1966 June 8 - 11:02 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. -
Cosmos 120 Nation: USSR. Payload: Zenit-2 11F61 s/n 41. Mass: 4,720 kg (10,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 201 km (124 mi). Apogee: 331 km (205 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1966-050A. USAF Sat Cat: 2196. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1966-06-16. Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite. References: 2, 6,93.
1966 June 8 - 14:50 GMT - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. -
Sandia 154-53 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 173 km (107 mi). References: 2.
1966 June 9 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. -
The launch vehicle acceptance test of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 11 was conducted. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 10. The vehicle acceptance team convened June 20 and accepted GLV-11 June 24. The vehicle was deerected June 29 and formally accepted by the Air Force on July 11. Stage I was delivered by air to Cape Kennedy the same day and stage II on July 13. Both stages were transferred to Hanger U where the tanks were purged and pressurized. The stages remained in controlled access storage until the launch pad was revalidat
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