1969 July 1 - -
Borman arrival in Russia delayed Nation: USSR. Borman was to arrive with his wife and two sons (ages 15 and 17). There is lots of high-level interest in the visit and meetings. They are unsure -- is Borman just a visiting astronaut or an official representative of the American aggressors? Borman's plane makes an emergency landing in Canada when an engine fails en route. His late arrival wrecks Kamanin's carefully-laid out schedule for his trip. Kamanin notes that in June 1968 the VVS suffered four times the accident rate as a year earlier. Two An-12's, one An-12 and an Il-14, and two Tu-22's were lost in three midair collisions, costing 131 lives.
References: 376.
1969 July 1 - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: T-7. Model: T-7A. -
FSW satellite technology test Nation: China. Agency: CAST. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 1 - 04:36 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1282. -
FOT GT38B Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 1 - 18:15 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 141 km (87 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 1 - 22:00 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AH07.888. -
Mass spectrometer Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 137 km (85 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 2 - -
Borman arrives in USSR Nation: USSR. Borman arrives from Canada at 04:40 after further delay. His wife is worried that the weather in Novosibirsk might be called (it's 32 deg C there!). By 11:00 they are already packed onto a Tu-124 bound for Leningrad together with Feoktistov, Titov and his wife, Shatalov, and 30 foreign correspondents. There are hardly any Soviet correspondents - the government has ordered them not to cover the visit.
References: 376.
1969 July 2 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1279. -
ST Olympic TR. B-9 operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 2 - 22:55 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA6A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Europa. LV Configuration: Europa I F-8. FAILURE: Third stage failed. -
Europa F-8 / STV 2 Nation: Europe. Payload: STV 2. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: STV. Agency: ELDO. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). COSPAR: F690702A. References: 279.
1969 July 3 - -
Grechko has agreed to the selection of 30 new cosmonauts Nation: USSR. Titov test flew a MiG-21. Borman visit is continuing according to plan. References: 376.
1969 July 3 - 03:29 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 165 km (102 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 3 - 20:18 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC110R. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: N1. Model: N1. LV Configuration: N-1 11A52 5L. FAILURE: First stage failure. -
N1 5L launch Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3. Payload: Soyuz 7K-L1S s/n 5 / Dummy LK. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1A. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F690703A. Decay Date: 1969-07-03. Flight: Apollo 11. N-1 serial number 5L began to fail at 0.25 second after liftoff when the oxidizer pump of engine number 8 ingested a slag fragment and exploded. A fire ensued as the vehicle climbed past the top of the tower. Engines were shutdown until the acceleration dropped below 1 G; then the vehicle began to fall back to the pad at a 45 degree angle. The escape tower fired at the top of the brief trajectory, taking the L1S dummy descent module away from the pad. Upon impact of the base of the N1 with the pad, the vehicle exploded, destroying launch pad 110 east, which would take over 18 months to repair. This was the end of a slight Soviet hope of upstaging the US Apollo 11.
Additional Details: N1 5L launch. References: 367.
1969 July 5 - -
Borman tours the officer's quarters at the Gagarin Centre. Nation: USSR. Flight: Apollo 8, Soyuz 4/5. On the key day of his visit to Russia, Tereshkova shows Mrs Borman around, while Shatalov accompanies Mr Borman. Borman shows the cosmonauts a film on his Apollo 8 mission and answers questions. Then the Soviets show him exce3rpts from the films 'Road to Space' (on the Gagarin mission) and 'Four in Space' (on the Soyuz 4/5 mission). Beregovoi gives the Bormans a model of the Vostok, Popovich a photo album, and Titov guides them through the museum. In the evening twenty attend a dinner where toasts are exchanged in the Russian manner. Borman and Volynov exchange wristwatches. Borman presented Titov with the watch he received from President Johnson after the Gemini 7 mission - it is to be put in the museum. Eight hours are spent in total at Star City. Kamanin finds Borman to be disciplined and precise. He is at the same time a skilled orator, diplomat, and born politician.
References: 376.
1969 July 5 - 19:45 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7C. LV Configuration: Skylark-7C S38/1. -
ESRO S38 / 1 Ionosphere mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 6 - 19:50 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 S64/1. -
ESRO S64 / 1 Aeronomy mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 275 km (170 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 8 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF25. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2062. -
OT GT14F operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 8 - 18:20 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 148 km (91 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 9 - 11:50 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25C. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. LV Configuration: Poseidon C3XD-11. -
Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 9 - 17:55 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 10 - 08:07 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 162 km (100 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 10 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. -
Cosmos 289 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 324 km (201 mi). Inclination: 65.30 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1969-057A. USAF Sat Cat: 4034. Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-07-15. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule References: 2, 6.
1969 July 10 - 12:31 GMT - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure 1. LV Configuration: Centaure 1 C81. -
CNES C81 Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 109 km (67 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 10 - 17:50 GMT - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure 1. LV Configuration: Centaure 1 C82. -
CNES C82 Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 11 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC162/36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36 8K67M. -
Operational missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 11 - 17:55 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 148 km (91 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 11 - 19:42 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7C. LV Configuration: Skylark-7C S38/2. -
ESRO S38 / 2 Ionosphere mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 13 - 02:54 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/24. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/D. LV Configuration: Proton-K/D 242-01. -
Luna 15 Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: Ye-8-5 s/n 401. Mass: 5,600 kg (12,300 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna Ye-8-5. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 240 km (140 mi). Apogee: 870 km (540 mi). Inclination: 126.00 deg. Period: 160.00 min. COSPAR: 1969-058A. USAF Sat Cat: 4036. Decay Date: 1969-07-21. Unmanned soil return mission launched coincident with Apollo 11 mission in last ditch attempt to return lunar soil to earth before United States. After completing 86 communications sessions and 52 orbits of the Moon at various inclinations and altitudes, crashed on the moon on 20 July in an attempted landing. Altitude data used in programming inaccurate or guidance system unable to cope with effect of lunar mascons. Officially: Testing of on-board systems of the automatic station and further scientific investigation of the moon and circumlunar space. Parameters are for lunar orbit.
References: 2, 6, 67, 274, 296.
1969 July 13 - 19:41 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 S64/2. -
ESRO S64 / 2 Aeronomy mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 280 km (170 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 14 - 23:53 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 5C. LV Configuration: Skylark-5C SL722. -
Electron profile Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 216 km (134 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 15 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF22. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 (64-15533). -
OT GT12F operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 15 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2012. -
OT GT13F operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 16 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: Meck. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Spartan. LV Configuration: Spartan ABM 800013. -
KT-10 test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 16 - 02:50 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.32UG. -
X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 209 km (129 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 16 - 13:32 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. Model: Saturn V. LV Configuration: Saturn V SA-506. -
Apollo 11 Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Payload: Apollo CSM 107 / Apollo LM 5 / EASEP / S-IVB-506. Mass: 28,800 kg (63,400 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Location of Spacecraft: National Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian Institution), Washington, DC. Agency: NASA MSC. Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.19 min. COSPAR: 1969-059A. USAF Sat Cat: 4039. Duration: 8.14 days. Decay Date: 1969-07-24. Crew: Aldrin, Armstrong, Collins. Flight: Apollo 11. First landing on moon. Apollo 11 (AS-506) - with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong,
Michael Collins, and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., aboard - was launched from
Pad A, Launch Complex 39, KSC, at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16. The activities
during earth-orbit checkout, translunar injection, CSM transposition
and docking, spacecraft ejection, and translunar coast were similar to
those of Apollo 10.
At 4:40 p.m. EDT July 18, the crew began a 96-minute color television
transmission of the CSM and LM interiors, CSM exterior, the earth, probe
and drogue removal, spacecraft tunnel hatch opening, food preparation,
and LM housekeeping. One scheduled and two unscheduled television
broadcasts had been made previously by the Apollo 11 crew.
The spacecraft entered lunar orbit at 1:28 p.m. EDT on July 19. During
the second lunar orbit a live color telecast of the lunar surface was
made. A second service-propulsion-system burn placed the spacecraft in a
circularized orbit, after which astronaut Aldrin entered the LM for two
hours of housekeeping including a voice and telemetry test and an
oxygen-purge-system check.
At 8:50 a.m. July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin reentered the LM and checked
out all systems. They performed a maneuver at 1:11 p.m. to separate the
LM from the CSM and began the descent to the moon. The LM touched down
on the moon at 4:18 p.m. EDT July 20. Armstrong reported to mission
control at MSC, "Houston, Tranquillity Base here - the
Eagle has landed." (Eagle was the name
given to the Apollo 11 LM; the CSM was named
Columbia.) Man's first step on the moon was taken by
Armstrong at 10:56 p.m. EDT. As he stepped onto the surface of the
moon, Armstrong described the feat as "one small step for man -
one giant leap for mankind."
Aldrin joined Armstrong on the surface of the moon at 11:15 p.m. July
20. The astronauts unveiled a plaque mounted on a strut of the LM and
read to a worldwide TV audience, "Here men from the planet earth
first set foot on the moon July 1969, A.D. We came in peace for all
mankind." After raising the American flag and talking to President
Nixon by radiotelephone, the two astronauts deployed the lunar surface
experiments assigned to the mission and gathered 22 kilograms of
samples of lunar soil and rocks. They then reentered the LM and closed
the hatch at 1:11 a.m. July 21. All lunar extravehicular activities
were televised in black-and-white. Meanwhile, Collins continued
orbiting moon alone in CSM Columbia.
The Eagle lifted off from the moon at 1:54 p.m. EDT July
21, having spent 21 hours 36 minutes on the lunar surface. It docked
with the CSM at 5:35 p.m. and the crew, with the lunar samples and
film, transferred to the CSM. The LM ascent stage was jettisoned into
lunar orbit. The crew then rested and prepared for the return trip to
the earth.
The CSM was injected into a trajectory toward the earth at 12:55 a.m.
EDT July 22. Following a midcourse correction at 4:01 p.m., an 18-minute
color television transmission was made, in which the astronauts
demonstrated the weightlessness of food and water and showed shots of
the earth and the moon.
References: 2, 6, 16, 26, 27, 33,60.
-
Apollo 11 LM Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Payload: Apollo LM 5. Mass: 15,095 kg (33,278 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Lunar spacecraft. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Agency: NASA MSC. Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.19 min. COSPAR: 1969-059x. USAF Sat Cat: 4039. Duration: 8.14 days. Decay Date: 1969-07-24. Flight: Apollo 11. References: 2, 6, 16, 26, 27, 33,60.
1969 July 16 - 22:33 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 SL729. -
Dayglow / electrons Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 244 km (151 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 18 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I, Saturn V. -
NASA Administrator Paine approved the shift from a "wet" to a "dry" Orbital Workshop for AAP. Nation: USA. Program: Skylab. Spacecraft: Orbital Workshop, Skylab, Apollo ATM. NASA Administrator Thomas O. Paine approved the shift from a 'wet' to a 'dry' Orbital Workshop concept for AAP following a review presentation by program officials on the potential benefits of such a change. On 22 July, AAP Director William C. Schneider ordered program managers at the three Centers to implement the change, abandoning the idea of using a spent Saturn IB second stage for a Workshop and adopting the concept of a fully equipped 'dry' configuration-with the ATM integrated into the total payload-launched aboard a Saturn V.
Additional Details: NASA Administrator Paine approved the shift from a "wet" to a "dry" Orbital Workshop for AAP..
1969 July 19 - Launch Site: El Arenosillo. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: INTA. Model: INTA-255. LV Configuration: INTA-255 1. -
Booster test Nation: Spain. Agency: INTA. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 20 - -
Apollo 11 achieves first landing of humans on the moon Nation: USA. Flight: Apollo 11. At 8:50 a.m. July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin reentered the LM and checked
out all systems. They performed a maneuver at 1:11 p.m. to separate the
LM from the CSM and began the descent to the moon. The LM touched down
on the moon at 4:18 p.m. EDT July 20. Armstrong reported to mission
control at MSC, "Houston, Tranquillity Base here - the
Eagle has landed."
Additional Details: Apollo 11 achieves first landing of humans on the moon.
1969 July 21 - -
EVA Apollo 11-2 Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Lunar lander. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Crew: Armstrong, Aldrin. Flight: Apollo 11. EVA Duration: 0.0188 days. Threw excess equipment out of LM before lift-off. References: 66.
1969 July 21 - Launch Vehicle: N1. -
Soviet engineers view moonwalk Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3. Flight: Apollo 11. At the same time the reconstruction schedule for the destroyed N1 launch complex was being laid out, Apollo 11 landed on the moon and the Americans won the moon race. Mishin's engineers watched the live television at TsNIIMASH. Afterwards Tyulin declared, "this is all Chertok's fault. In 1945 he should have thought of stealing Von Braun from the Americans - but he never considered that solution". "True", Chertok replied, "my adventure with Vasiliy Kharchev didn't turn out too well".
References: 367.
1969 July 21 - 02:39 GMT - -
EVA Apollo 11-1 Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Class: Manned. Type: Lunar lander. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Crew: Armstrong, Aldrin. Flight: Apollo 11. EVA Duration: 0.10 days. Explored lunar surface near LM and deployed EPISEP unmanned scientific station equipment. References: 66.
1969 July 22 - -
Apollo 11 heads back to earth. Nation: USA. Flight: Apollo 11. The CSM was injected into a trajectory toward the earth at 12:55 a.m.
EDT July 22. Following a midcourse correction at 4:01 p.m., an 18-minute
color television transmission was made, in which the astronauts
demonstrated the weightlessness of food and water and showed shots of
the earth and the moon.
1969 July 22 - Launch Vehicle: N1. -
Soviet post-mortems after Apollo 11 Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3. Two sequential N1 failures could not just be blamed on the poor reliability of the first stage. It was apparent that, compared to the Americans, both the management and the development practices of the Soviet space programme were inferior to the Americans. Politically there was no consensus within the Soviet state of the need for a space programme. Glushko and Ustinov waged a perpetual struggle against Afanasyev, Keldysh, and Mishin. RVSN Commander Kirillov wrote a letter to Smirnov on behalf of Afanasyev on the root causes of the failures. His faction believed these were the continued use of artillery/military rocket development practices for large, complex systems. These outdated practices required 20 to 60 flight tests to achieve reliability before a rocket could be put into production.
Additional Details: Soviet post-mortems after Apollo 11. References: 367.
1969 July 22 - 12:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. -
Cosmos 290 Nation: USSR. Payload: Zenit-2 11F61 s/n 75. Mass: 4,720 kg (10,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Apogee: 332 km (206 mi). Inclination: 65.40 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1969-060A. USAF Sat Cat: 4042. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-07-30. Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite. References: 2, 6,93.
1969 July 22 - 12:55 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. -
Molniya 1-12 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 496 km (308 mi). Apogee: 39,526 km (24,560 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 711.00 min. COSPAR: 1969-061A. USAF Sat Cat: 4043. Decay Date: 1971-06-18. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 2, 6, 64.
1969 July 23 - -
McDonnell Douglas and North American to conduct phase B planning studies of 12-man orbiting space stations for the mid-1970s. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Space Station. NASA announced selection of two aerospace firms--McDonnell Douglas and North American-to conduct phase B planning studies of 12-man orbiting space stations that could be developed by the mid-1970s. The parallel 11-month program definition studies were a prelude to even larger semipermanent space bases during the later 1970s and 1980s.
1969 July 23 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF07. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1140. -
FOT GT41B Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 23 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: UR-100. Model: UR-100K. -
Phase 1 state trials flight Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 23 - 04:39 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC10W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Burner 2. LV Configuration: Thor Burner 2 279. -
DMSP-Block-4A F13 Nation: USA. Program: DMSP. Payload: DAPP 7421 (FTV-6). Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 768 km (477 mi). Apogee: 835 km (518 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 100.90 min. COSPAR: 1969-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 4047. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. References: 2, 6.
1969 July 23 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: Kosmos 11K63. FAILURE: Second stage failed 267 seconds after launch. -
DS-P1-Yu s/n 23 Nation: USSR. Program: DS. Payload: DS-P1-Yu. Class: Military. Type: Target. Spacecraft: DS-P1-Yu. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F690723A. Development of systems for air defence and the control of outer space. References: 2.
1969 July 24 -
1969 July 24 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thorad SLV-2H Agena D. LV Configuration: Thorad SLV-2H Agena D 545 / Agena D 1652. -
KH-4B 1107 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4B s/n 1107 / Agena D 1652. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4B. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 182 km (113 mi). Apogee: 203 km (126 mi). Inclination: 74.90 deg. Period: 88.40 min. COSPAR: 1969-063A. USAF Sat Cat: 4050. Decay Date: 1969-08-23. KH-4B. Forward camera failed on pass 1 and remained inoperative throughout the rest of the mission. References: 2, 6.
1969 July 24 - 16:10 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3E. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 24 - 23:55 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 24 - -
Return to earth of Apollo 11 - Kennedy's objective is met. Nation: USA. Flight: Apollo 11. Apollo 11 splashed down at 12:50 GMT in the mid-Pacific, about 24
kilometers from the recovery ship U.S.S. Hornet. Following
decontamination procedures at the point of splashdown, the astronauts
were carried by helicopter to the Hornet where they
entered a mobile quarantine facility to begin a period of observation
under strict quarantine conditions. The CM was recovered and removed to
the quarantine facility. Sample containers and film were flown to
Houston.
Additional Details: Return to earth of Apollo 11 - Kennedy's objective is met..
1969 July 25 - Launch Site: Biscarosse. Launch Complex: BLB. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: SSBS. Model: SSBS S02. LV Configuration: SSBS S02 C1. -
S02C-1 test Nation: France. Agency: DMA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 25 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF08. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2357. -
ST Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 25 - 01:19 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 46.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 166 km (103 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 25 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 172 km (106 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 25 - 04:10 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 5C. LV Configuration: Skylark-5C SL721. -
Electron profile Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 213 km (132 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 25 - 22:03 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 25 - 23:50 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 26 - 02:06 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Delta M. LV Configuration: Thor Delta M 547/D71. FAILURE: Third stage failure; left in unusable orbit. -
Intelsat 3 F-5 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Mass: 269 kg (593 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Intelsat 3. Agency: INTELSAT. Perigee: 211 km (131 mi). Apogee: 433 km (269 mi). Inclination: 30.20 deg. Period: 91.00 min. COSPAR: 1969-064A. USAF Sat Cat: 4051. Decay Date: 1988-10-14. Third stage failure; left in unusable orbit. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6.
1969 July 27 - 21:47 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 46.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 168 km (104 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 27 - 22:37 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 46.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 164 km (101 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 27 - 23:27 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 46.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 28 - 00:17 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 46.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 167 km (103 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 28 - 14:15 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 1. LV Configuration: Petrel P40H. -
SpE fine scale Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 121 km (75 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 29 - -
Tentative planning schedule for the Apollo program Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Surveyor, Apollo Lunar Landing. Flight: Apollo 12, Apollo 13, Apollo 14, Apollo 15, Apollo 16, Apollo 17, Apollo 18, Apollo 19, Apollo 20. NASA issued a tentative planning schedule for the Apollo program:| Flight | Launch Plans | Tentative Landing Area |
|---|
| Apollo 12 | November 1969 | Oceanus Procellarum lunar lowlands | | Apollo 13 | March 1970 | Fra Mauro highlands | | Apollo 14 | July 1970 | Crater Censorinus highlands | | Apollo 15 | November 1970 | Littrow volcanic area | | Apollo 16 | April 1971 | Crater Tycho (Surveyor VII impact area) | | Apollo 17 | September 1971 | Marius Hills volcanic domes | | Apollo 18 | February 1972 | Schroter's Valley, riverlike channel-ways | | Apollo 19 | July 1972 | Hyginus Rille region-Linear Rille, crater area | | Apollo 20 | December 1972 | Crater Copernicus, large crater impact area |
References: 16.
1969 July 29 - 22:57 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 SL730. -
Dayglow / electrons Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 262 km (162 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 30 - Launch Vehicle: UR-700M, UR-900. -
Soviet manned Mars spacecraft study Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: MK-700, Aelita. As a result of the VPK meeting of 29 May, a decree was issued, instructing Chelomei to complete a draft project within the year for a Mars manned space mission, using as the booster his UR-700M (or UR-900) design, and his MK-700M spacecraft. It was not until August 1997 that Igor Gansvindt revealed that during the 1960's he had developed a system for navigation and guidance for a piloted landing on Mars and its return to earth. This work preceded Aleksei Tolstoy's Aelita project of 1975.
References: 367.
1969 July 30 - 03:01 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: M-100. Model: M-100. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 91 km (56 mi). References: 2.
1969 July 31 - -
Gen Samuel Phillips made Commander of SAMSO Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The Secretary of Defense announced the assignment of Lt. Gen. Samuel C. Phillips (USAF), who had been serving as Apollo Program Director in the NASA Office of Manned Space Flight, to be Commander of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO) in Los Angeles. He would assume his new responsibilities in the Air Force effective September 1.
References: 16.
1969 July 31 - -
Mariner 6 fly-by of Mars Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mariner 6-7. Mariner 6 encountered Mars on July 31,1969. Together with Mariner 7, which arrived four days later, it returned a combined total of 143 approach pictures of the planet and 55 close-up pictures. These images, from the vehicles' television cameras, included pictures of the northern and southern polar caps as well as Phobos, one of Mars' two moons.
1969 July 31 -
1969 July 31 - 10:19 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thorad SLV-2G Agena D. LV Configuration: Thorad SLV-2G Agena D 523 / Agena D 2735. -
OPS 8285 Nation: USA. Payload: Ferret 14 / Agena D 2735. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Ferret. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 465 km (288 mi). Apogee: 536 km (333 mi). Inclination: 75.00 deg. Period: 94.60 min. COSPAR: 1969-065A. USAF Sat Cat: 4054. Decay Date: 1973-01-04. References: 2, 6.
1969 July 31 - 21:09 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC31B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 FTM-207. -
Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 1 - Launch Vehicle: N1. -
VPK hearing on N1 improvements Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3. The VPK Military-Industrial Commission and the Central Committee of he Party discussed the matter of delaying further N1 tests until completely redesigned engines became available. Back came the ritual reply -- a Soviet manned lunar landing must be achieved by the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Lenin (April 22, 1970). On that date a Soviet man would plant the Red Banner and unveil a bust of Lenin on the lunar surface. Unlike the US President, Brezhnev would never get to see a manned launch to the moon.
Additional Details: VPK hearing on N1 improvements. References: 367.
1969 August 1 - Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton 8K82K / 11S824. -
The DOS Conspiracy begins Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3, Almaz, Salyut. Spacecraft: LK, Soyuz 7K-LOK, Almaz OPS, MKBS. With the collapse of the work on the N1, the whole reason for Mishin's design bureau's existence simply vanished in the air. A new high-priority project was needed. Korolev had begun development of a Multi-Module Space Base (MKBS) before 1966. However MKBS was to be launched by the N1; as long as this was not available, there would be no MKBS. Almaz on the other hand did not require a new launch vehicle, although the UR-500 was in a period of intense 'baby sickness'. So while TsKBEM was in a period of analysis and instability, Chelomei's Reutov and Fili facilities were building space stations for the Ministry of Defence. On one of these August 1969 days, three of Chelomei's TsKBM engineers came to the office of Mishin's deputy, Chertok, with a plan to get a space station orbited before the American Skylab. They wanted a collaboration between the two competing design bureaux. Their plan was to take an Almaz spaceframe, install Soyuz systems, add a new docking tunnel with a hatch to reach the interior, and presto - a space station was finished. Tentative discussions with potential allies within Chelomei's design bureau found support there as well. The DOS 'long-duration orbiting station' was the result of this 'conspiracy'.
References: 367.
1969 August 2 - 11:37 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 1. LV Configuration: Petrel P12H. -
SpE fine scale Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 126 km (78 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 3 - 03:25 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 46.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 164 km (101 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 3 - 04:15 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 46.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 168 km (104 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 3 - 05:05 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 46.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 165 km (102 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 3 - 05:51 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 46.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 3 - 07:00 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 45.0 N x 46.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 172 km (106 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 4 - -
Mariner 7 fly-by of Mars Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mariner 6-7. Mariners 6 and 7 were designed to fly over the equator and southern hemisphere of Mars. Mariner 7 encountered Mars on August 4, 1969. The two spacecraft returned a combined total of 143 approach pictures of the planet and 55 close-up pictures. The spacecraft also studied the Martian atmosphere and profiled its chemical composition. Closest approach to Mars for both spacecraft was approximately 3,550 kilometres.
1969 August 4 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC162/36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36 8K67M. -
Operational missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 5 - -
Saturn V Workshop decision leaves LM-2 as the only flight LM article to remain on Earth. Nation: USA. Program: Skylab. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Following the decision to implement the Saturn V dry Workshop, LM-2 was the only flight LM article to remain on Earth. Therefore, NASA Hq requested MSC consideration for early disposition of it to the Smithsonian Institution as an artifact of historical interest. Since it was expected that the Smithsonian would exhibit LM-2 as a replica of LM-5, Headquarters also requested that MSC consider refurbishment to provide a more accurate representation of the LM- 5 configuration before its transfer to the Smithsonian.
1969 August 5 -
1969 August 6 - -
HL-10 Flight 23 Nation: USA. Program: NASA Lifting Body. Payload: HL-10 flight 23. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: HL-10. Crew: Manke. First 4-chambered flight. Maximum Speed - 1641 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23190 m. Flight Time - 372 sec. References: 49, 97.
1969 August 6 - 05:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. -
Cosmos 291 Nation: USSR. Payload: IS-P Mass Model. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Military. Type: ASAT Target. Spacecraft: IS-P. Agency: PKO. Perigee: 144 km (89 mi). Apogee: 548 km (340 mi). Inclination: 62.20 deg. Period: 91.40 min. COSPAR: 1969-066A. USAF Sat Cat: 4058. Decay Date: 1969-09-08. Test of Tsyklon 2 booster; ASAT target mass model. Did not enter typical target orbit due to lack of on-board engine. Simulated launch of ASAT interceptor planned for the next day was cancelled. References: 2, 6, 272.
1969 August 7 - -
Apollo lunar roving vehicle restricted to a 181-kilogram weight limit Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRV. MSFC-NASA Hq. correspondence emphasized the need to restrict the lunar roving vehicle to a 181-kilogram weight limit. If necessary, range and speed would be traded off to retain this weight limit. References: 16.
1969 August 7 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: RT-20P. FAILURE: Failure. -
Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1969 August 7 - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-210. LV Configuration: S-210-1. -
Plasma / fields / x-ray astronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 101 km (62 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 7 - 03:36 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AT07.394?. -
NOT IN FC Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 195 km (121 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 7 - 03:36 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AT07.179. -
Sphere Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 196 km (121 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 7 - 12:15 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-27. -
X-ray sources Ionosphere / plasma / x-ray astronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 340 km (210 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 7 - 23:48 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/D. LV Configuration: Proton-K/D 243-01. -
Zond 7 Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1. Payload: Soyuz 7K-L1 s/n 11. Mass: 5,379 kg (11,858 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1 . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 200 km (120 mi). Apogee: 400,000 km (240,000 mi). Inclination: 51.50 deg. Period: 15,562.22 min. COSPAR: 1969-067A. USAF Sat Cat: 4062. Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-08-14. Circumlunar flight; successfully recovered in USSR August 13, 1969. Only completely successful L1 flight that could have returned cosmonauts alive or uninjured to earth. Official mission was further studies of the moon and circumlunar space, to obtain colour photography of the earth and the moon from varying distances, and to flight test the spacecraft systems. Earth photos were obtained on August 9, 1969. On August 11, 1969, the spacecraft flew past the moon at a distance of 1984.6 km and conducted two picture taking sessions. Successfully accomplished double-dip re-entry and landed 50 km from aim point near Kustani in the USSR.
References: 2, 6, 67, 274, 296.
1969 August 8 - -
Definitized contract with McDonnell Douglas for two Orbital Workshops for the Apollo Applications Program. Nation: USA. Program: Skylab. Spacecraft: Skylab. Flight: Skylab B. MSFC definitized the existing contract with McDonnell Douglas for two Orbital Workshops for the Apollo Applications Program, converted S IVB stages to be launched by Saturn V boosters. The contract was slated to run through July 1972, with most of the work to be performed at the company's plant at Huntington Beach, California. The first Workshop was tentatively scheduled for flight in mid-1972, with the second article initially serving as a backup vehicle if needed.
1969 August 8 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-210. LV Configuration: S-210-2. -
X-ray astronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 108 km (67 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 9 - 07:52 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Delta N. LV Configuration: Thor Delta N 548/D72. -
OSO 6 Nation: USA. Payload: OSO G. Mass: 290 kg (630 lb). Class: Solar. Spacecraft: OSO. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 489 km (303 mi). Apogee: 554 km (344 mi). Inclination: 32.90 deg. Period: 95.10 min. COSPAR: 1969-068A. USAF Sat Cat: 4065. Decay Date: 1981-03-07. Orbiting Solar Observatory; solar physics experiments. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 2, 6.
-
PAC 1 Nation: USA. Mass: 120 kg (260 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: PAC. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 486 km (301 mi). Apogee: 552 km (342 mi). Inclination: 32.90 deg. Period: 95.00 min. COSPAR: 1969-068B. USAF Sat Cat: 4066. Decay Date: 1977-04-28. Package Attitude Control; semi-active gravity gradient stabilization tests. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 2, 6.
1969 August 11 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: C. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C51/1. -
ESRO C51 / 1 Aeronomy mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 112 km (69 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 11 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3E. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 12 - -
Apollo LM-6 (Apollo 12) guidance computer removed and replaced Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM. Flight: Apollo 12. During lunar module checkout activities at KSC, the LM-6 (for Apollo 12) guidance computer was removed and replaced because of an unexpected restart during panel revalidation. References: 16.
1969 August 12 - 11:01 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3C Centaur. LV Configuration: SLV-3C Centaur AC-18 / Centaur D-1A 5402C. -
ATS 5 Nation: USA. Program: ATS. Payload: ATS E. Mass: 821 kg (1,809 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Comsat. Spacecraft: ATS-5. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 35,992 km (22,364 mi). Apogee: 36,024 km (22,384 mi). Inclination: 14.50 deg. Period: 1,447.40 min. COSPAR: 1969-069A. USAF Sat Cat: 4068. Completed Operations Date: 1984-01-01. Applications Technology Satellite; communications tests. Launch vehicle successfully put the payload into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The spacecraft maneuvered into geostationary orbit at 108 degrees W. The purpose of this flight was to demonstrate North-South Stationkeeping of a geosynchronous satellite. ATS-5 was equipped with an ion engine package identical to that on ATS-4. Once in geosynchronous orbit the spacecraft could not be despun as planned, and thus the spacecraft gravity gradient stabilization could not be implemented. The spacecraft spin rate was about 76 revolutions per minute, and this caused an effective 4g acceleration on the cesium feed system. The high g-loading on the cesium feed system caused flooding of the discharge chamber, and normal operation of the thruster with ion beam extraction could not be performed. The IPS was instead be operated as a neutral plasma source, without high-voltage ion extraction, along with the wire neutralizer to examine spacecraft charging effects. The neutralizer was also operated by itself to provide electron injection for the spacecraft charging experiments. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit over the Americas at 105 deg W in 1969-1977; over the Americas at 70 deg W in 1977-1983. As of 1 September 2001 located at 15.48 deg E drifting at 2.807 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 111.70E drifting at 2.819W degrees per day.
References: 2, 6, 278.
1969 August 13 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: Meck. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Spartan. LV Configuration: Spartan ABM 800012. FAILURE: Failure. -
KT-12 test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1969 August 13 - 04:23 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.902-2. -
Mass spectrometer Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 13 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.422UA. -
Pandora K (Perseids) Aeronomy / meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 143 km (88 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 13 - 22:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: LC132/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. -
Cosmos 292 Nation: USSR. Mass: 775 kg (1,708 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Tsiklon. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 719 km (446 mi). Apogee: 733 km (455 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 99.30 min. COSPAR: 1969-070A. USAF Sat Cat: 4070. Military navigation satellite. References: 2, 6.
1969 August 14 - 02:01 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: C. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C58/1. -
ESRO C58 / 1 Meteorites mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 112 km (69 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 15 - 21:55 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 CRL A03.903-1. -
Extreme ultraviolet Mon Solar extreme ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 211 km (131 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 16 - 11:59 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. -
Cosmos 293 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 215 km (133 mi). Apogee: 244 km (151 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 89.10 min. COSPAR: 1969-071A. USAF Sat Cat: 4072. Duration: 12.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-08-28. Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; carried science package. References: 2, 6.
1969 August 17 - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: M. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Mu. Model: Mu-3D. LV Configuration: Mu-3D M-3D-1. -
Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 19 - 13:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. -
Cosmos 294 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 200 km (120 mi). Apogee: 329 km (204 mi). Inclination: 65.40 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1969-072A. USAF Sat Cat: 4074. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-08-27. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule References: 2, 6.
1969 August 19 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3E. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 20 - -
MSC rejected a Grumman proposal to use the Apollo LM as a lunar reconnaissance module Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LRM. MSC rejected a Grumman proposal to use the LM as a lunar reconnaissance module. MSC pointed out that an MSC special task team had recently studied a number of proposals for lunar reconnaissance. These included use of a command module test vehicle, the AAP multiple docking adapter, the subsystem test bed, the ascent stage of the LM, and the entire LM vehicle.
References: 16.
1969 August 20 - -
Kamanin returns to work 'after a forty-day vacation'. Nation: USSR. Flight: Apollo 11. There are no published diary entries for the key period of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon or the Luna 15 attempted landing on the moon. References: 376.
1969 August 20 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576A1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F. LV Configuration: Atlas F 112F. -
ABRES RVTO-1A-5 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,400 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 21 - -
X-24 Flight 3 Nation: USA. Payload: X-24A flight 3. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-24A. Crew: Gentry. Glide. Maximum Speed - 615 kph. Maximum Altitude - 12190 m. Flight Time - 270 sec. References: 49, 97.
1969 August 21 - -
Final crew selections are made for the Soyuz 6, 7, 8 flights. Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz. Flight: Soyuz 6, Soyuz 7, Soyuz 8. Sevastyanov and Nikolayev did poorly on the final test for the 7/6 crew. Therefore Shatalov and Yeliseyev have been selected. Khrunov has been in an auto accident, and Kuklin didn't pass his centrifuge tests - so they're out as well. References: 376.
1969 August 21 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF24. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2108. -
OT GT17F operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 21 - 01:57 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL605. -
HRCS / PHC Solar x-ray mission Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 197 km (122 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 21 - 14:09 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.78GA. -
Planetary Mass Spec Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 227 km (141 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 21 - 15:09 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.102GA. -
Thermosphere probe Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 318 km (197 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 22 - -
Rocco A Petrone named as Director of the Apollo Program Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. NASA named Rocco A. Petrone, Director of Launch Operations at KSC, to succeed Samuel C. Phillips as Director of the Apollo Program effective September 1. References: 16.
1969 August 22 - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ALFS. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Stromboli. Model: Eridan. LV Configuration: Eridan E004. -
FU-187 test, B cone test Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 242 km (150 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 22 - 00:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25C. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. LV Configuration: Poseidon C3XD-12. -
Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 22 - 10:36 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.423UG. -
Pandora L (Background) Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 158 km (98 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 22 - 14:14 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: Kosmos 11K63. -
Cosmos 295 Nation: USSR. Program: DS. Payload: DS-P1-Yu s/n 29. Mass: 325 kg (716 lb). Class: Military. Type: Target. Spacecraft: DS-P1-Yu. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 270 km (160 mi). Apogee: 472 km (293 mi). Inclination: 71.00 deg. Period: 91.90 min. COSPAR: 1969-073A. USAF Sat Cat: 4076. Completed Operations Date: 1969-09-27. Decay Date: 1969-12-01. Development of systems for air defence and the control of outer space. References: 2, 6, 99.
1969 August 23 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3B. LV Configuration: Titan 23B 23B-1 (3B-23). -
OPS 7807 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-8 no. 23 / Agena D. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-8. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 138 km (85 mi). Apogee: 377 km (234 mi). Inclination: 108.10 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1969-074A. USAF Sat Cat: 4078. Decay Date: 1969-09-07. KH-8 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 2, 6.
1969 August 24 - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-300 ISAS. LV Configuration: S-300-2. -
Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 24 - 08:04 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-26. -
Radio noise Ionosphere / fields mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 341 km (211 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 26 - -
Soyuz 6-7-8 are slated to fly in the first half of October. Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-OK. Flight: Soyuz 6, Soyuz 7, Soyuz 8. Tests of the spacecraft at Baikonur showed 40 to 60 defects, requiring replacement of 17 to 25 equipment items. This demonstrates the poor quality of final assembly and test at TsKBEM and inadequate measures to protect the spacecraft during storage and transport to the launch site. Soyuz 6 is to launch on 4-6 October, followed by another spacecraft each day thereafter. Nixon has invited two cosmonauts to visit the USA in November -- this is seen by Kamanin as the work of Borman to reciprocate for his visit to the USSR in February.
References: 376.
1969 August 27 - 02:35 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF22. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2065. -
OT GT15F operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 27 - 10:37 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: M-100. Model: M-100. -
Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 27 - 21:59 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta L. LV Configuration: Thor Delta L 540/D73. FAILURE: First stage hydraulics failure. Vehicle destructed at T+383 seconds. -
Pioneer E Nation: USA. Program: Pioneer. Payload: Pioneer E. Mass: 67 kg (147 lb). Class: Solar. Spacecraft: Pioneer 6-7-8-9-E. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: F690827A. Decay Date: 1969-08-27. References: 126.
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TETR C Nation: USA. Program: Pioneer. Payload: TETR C. Spacecraft: TETR. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: F690827B. References: 279.
1969 August 28 - -
Titov flew the MiG-21 again today. Nation: USSR. He is flying 30 hours per month now. Kamanin finds him a fine fellow with a great zest for life. References: 376.
1969 August 28 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1358. -
FOT GT42B Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 August 29 - 09:05 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. -
Cosmos 296 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 207 km (128 mi). Apogee: 302 km (187 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1969-075A. USAF Sat Cat: 4080. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-09-06. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule References: 2, 6.
1969 August 30 - -
Beregovoi vs Kuznetsov Nation: USSR. Beregovoi has been the first deputy of NII TsPK for four months, but in fact has only worked ten days in that time. General Kuznetsov won't let him get involved in detail work. Tereshkova went on a propaganda trip to Afghanistan yesterday. References: 376.
1969 September 1 - -
Soviets study NASA's ambitious plans Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: LESA Shelter, LLV. NASA gave the US President a 130-page programme outlining plans for America's future space programme. The thing read to the Soviets like a science fiction novel, with reusable space ferries, huge orbital stations and lunar bases, nuclear rocket stages, and manned Mars expeditions. There was no way the Soviet Union could compete with such a programme -- and that was leaving unconsidered the massive American military space progamme.
Additional Details: Soviets study NASA's ambitious plans. References: 367.
1969 September 1 - Launch Vehicle: N1, UR-700. -
Kamanin lists the reasons the Soviets have lost the moon race. Nation: USSR. Program: Apollo, Lunar L1, Lunar L3. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-OK, Soyuz 7K-LOK, Soyuz 7K-L1. The Americans were able to pull equal in the race during their Gemini programme, then ahead with Apollo. The Soviet Union is now four to five years behind. Kamanin's accounting:- No qualified Soviet government leadership in space research (Ustinov and Smirnov are a parody of proper management). They operate without rhyme or reason or plan. There is no single direction, no disciplined execution when a decision is finally made
- Korolev, Keldysh, Mishin, and Feoktistov are all dedicated to automated spacecraft - 'over-automation'
- Korolev and MIshin's rejection of Glushko's engines, and the leadership's rejection of the UR-700 as an alternative
- Ustinov and Smirnov's cancellation of the 18 day Voskhod 3 mission, even though the crews had been trained, and the associated pressure on development of Soyuz. This resulted in Soyuz being flown before it was mature, resulting in the death of Komarov and an 18 month delay in manned flights
- Death of Korolev and Gagarin both badly affected morale
- Making Mishin head of TsKBEM was a huge mistake. Mishin cannot cope with the huge number of space and missile projects assigned to his bureau
References: 376.
Fall 1969 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. -
No government approval for NASA's shuttle program Nation: USA. NASA decided to take the minimum program proposed by the Space Task Group (just the space station and the shuttle), and then implement it over a very long period in phases. At first only a reusable space shuttle would be developed. When that was completed, work on a space station could start. However as of the fall of 1970, NASA was unable to obtain the Nixon administration's approval of even this limited program.
References: 44.
1969 September 2 - -
Apollo 11 samples 3.1 billion years old Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Analyses of the radioactive decay of Argon 40 and Neon 21 in two lunar samples indicated that the minimum age of the part of the Sea of Tranquillity from which the samples were obtained was about 3.1 billion years - plus or minus 200 million years. References: 16.
1969 September 2 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. -
Cosmos 297 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 207 km (128 mi). Apogee: 314 km (195 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1969-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 4082. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-09-10. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule References: 2, 6.
1969 September 3 - -
HL-10 Flight 24 Nation: USA. Program: NASA Lifting Body. Payload: HL-10 flight 24. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: HL-10. Crew: Dana. 4 chambers. Maximum Speed - 1541 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23760 m. Flight Time - 414 sec. References: 49, 97.
1969 September 3 - -
L3 Trainer and Female Cosmonauts Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3, Soyuz. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-LOK. Meeting of Kamanin with S G Donevskiy. The L3 trainer will not be finished until May 1970 - and the current schedule for the first manned L3 launch is December 1970! But in any case Kamanin assesses the latter date as unrealistic -- there is no rocket or spacecraft in being yet. Later in the day Efimov, Moroz, and Kamanin meet with the female cosmonauts - Ponomaryova, Solovyova, Yerkina, and Kuznetsova. They advise them that despite the letter to the Central Committee asking for an all-female Soyuz flight, it has been rejected. Ustinov, Smirnov, and Pashkov are all opposed to the idea, as are MOM, MAP, AN, and VVS. Kamanin believes the whole female cosmonaut concept was a mistake. Flying Tereshkova in the first place started the whole thing, but now there is no follow-up.
References: 376.
1969 September 3 - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: L. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Lambda. Model: Lambda 4T. LV Configuration: Lambda 4T L-4T-1. -
Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 3 - 02:20 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2145. -
OT GT20F operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 5 - -
Guidelines for a second Skylab OWS. Nation: USA. Program: Skylab. Spacecraft: Skylab. Flight: Skylab B. The objectives, constraints, and guidelines for a second OWS were stated in general terms along the following lines: OWS would reflect the same physical features and capabilities exhibited by the initial Workshop and would use the flight hardware to be procured as backup for the first Workshop missions. Crew complement would consist of three men (at least one scientist astronaut). Operating life would be 12 to 24 months, nominally continuously manned. Orbital altitude would be in the range of 390 to 500 km at an inclination up to 55°.
Additional Details: Guidelines for a second Skylab OWS..
1969 September 5 - -
State Commission meets on the Luna 15 failure investigation Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Spacecraft: Luna Ye-8-5. It is felt the problems are understood and go-ahead is given for the next lunar soil return robot launch attempt on 23 September. Kamanin considers this very unlikely to be successful -- all of the plans for automated spacecraft and their booster rockets have not been realised to date.
References: 376.
1969 September 6 - 11:35 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 10. LV Configuration: Kappa 10 K-10-5. -
Zodiacal light Ionosphere / astronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 247 km (153 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 6 - 14:10 GMT - Launch Site: Natal. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 4A. LV Configuration: Black Brant IVA CRL A16.010-02. -
VLF Propagation Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 623 km (387 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 8 - -
Kuznetsov is in the hospital for 45 days after a heart attack. Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz. Beregovoi is in charge of NII TsPK. References: 376.
1969 September 9 - -
X-24 Flight 4 Nation: USA. Payload: X-24A flight 4. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-24A. Crew: Gentry. Glide. Maximum Speed - 647 kph. Maximum Altitude - 12190 m. Flight Time - 232 sec. References: 49, 97.
1969 September 9 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC162/36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36 8K67P. -
Operational missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 10 - Launch Site: Green River. Launch Complex: Pad 2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Athena RTV. LV Configuration: Athena V147D. -
USAF V147D re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 10 - 04:35 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.312UG. -
Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 157 km (97 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 10 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: T. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Lambda. Model: LS-C. LV Configuration: LS-C-2. -
Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: NASDA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 10 - 20:46 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.395UI. -
Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 205 km (127 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 11 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. -
Two major directions were identified for NASA manned space flight in the next decade. Nation: USA. Program: Skylab. Spacecraft: Skylab, Columbia. Flight: Skylab B. Two major directions were identified for manned space flight in the next decade. These were further exploration of the Moon, with possibly the establishment of a lunar surface base, and the continued development of manned flight in Earth orbit, leading to a permanent manned space station supported by a low-cost shuttle system. To maintain direction, the following key milestones were proposed: 1972 - AAP operations using a Saturn V launched Workshop 1973 - Start of post-Apollo lunar exploration 1974 - Start of suborbital flight tests of Earth to orbit shuttle - Launch of a second Saturn V Workshop 1975 - Initial space station operations - Orbital shuttle flights 1976 - Lunar orbit station - Full shuttle operations 1977 - Nuclear stage flight test 1978 - Nuclear shuttle operations-orbit to orbit 1979 - Space station in synchronous orbit By 1990 - Earth orbit space base - Lunar surface base - Possible Mars landing
1969 September 11 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.193US. -
Solar Studies Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 11 - 01:05 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF07. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1137. -
FOT GT36B Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 11 - 01:07 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 2. LV Configuration: Black Brant II AAD-2-122. -
Aeronomy / ionosphere / meteorites mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 137 km (85 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 11 - 23:44 GMT - Launch Site: Tonopah. Launch Complex: HAD4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk-12 Sandia 152-109. -
LRL RCS-3 (Daisy III) Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 165 km (102 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 12 - -
Shatalov and Yeliseyev are progressing well for their Soyuz 8 flight. Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz. Flight: Soyuz 6, Soyuz 7, Soyuz 8. Kamanin advises Nikolayev his chances of being named to fly Soyuz 8 are very low. Tereshkova arrives at Kamanin's office in the evening. She is infuriated that her husband is not to be allowed to fly the mission. She says she will take the matter to Ustinov and Polanskiy. Kamanin tells her that would be a mistake.
References: 376.
1969 September 12 - 01:02 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 2. LV Configuration: Black Brant II AAD-2-123. -
Aeronomy / ionosphere / meteorites mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 138 km (85 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 12 - 04:06 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.394UI. -
Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 189 km (117 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 12 - 04:06 GMT - Launch Site: CELPA. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Canopus. Model: Rigel. LV Configuration: Rigel No 2. -
Test mission Nation: Argentina. Agency: IIAE. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 13 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF02. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 FTM-303. -
Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 15 - 01:40 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: T. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: JCR. LV Configuration: JCR-1. -
Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: NASDA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 15 - 13:34 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 1. LV Configuration: Petrel P58H. -
D-region Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1969 September 15 - 16:05 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC191/66. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36-O. LV Configuration: R-36O 8K69 Yu45201 No. 50T. -
Cosmos 298 Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb). Class: Military. Type: FOBS. Spacecraft: OGCh. Agency: RVSN. Perigee: 127 km (78 mi). Apogee: 162 km (100 mi). Inclination: 49.60 deg. Period: 87.30 min. COSPAR: 1969-077A. USAF Sat Cat: 4092. Decay Date: 1969-09-15. Fractional Orbital Bombardment System test. References: 2, 6.
1969 September 16 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576A3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F/Trident. LV Configuration: Atlas F/Trident 100F. -
RMP-B-12 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation:
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