Chronology - Quarter 1 1979

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Previous Home Next 1979 January 1 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Demolition and construction work began at SLC-6 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Demolition and construction work began at Space Launch Complex 6 in preparation for the Space Shuttle program. References: 88. 1979 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-UR-100. Model: Perimetr 15A11. LV Configuration: Perimetr 15A11 15B99. Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1979 During the Year - Launch Vehicle: Energia. Buran model delivered to Baikonur Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Buran. The EUK13 dimensional model of the launch vehicle was delivered to Baikonur for handling demonstrations and production of tooling. 1979 January 2 - Start fabrication crew module, Challenger Nation: USA. Program: STS. Start long-lead fabrication crew module, Challenger (OV-099) References: 15. 1979 January 7 - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA2B. Launch Pad: LA2B?. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: DF-5. Nation: China. Agency: PRC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Other sources say launch was from Taiyuan. References: 2. 1979 January 9 - 11:53 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.32UL. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 214 km (132 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 11 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1070 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 293 km (182 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1979-001A. USAF Sat Cat: 11229. Duration: 9.00 days. Decay Date: 1979-01-20. Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. Nauka Cosmos 1070 Nation: USSR. Payload: Nauka. Spacecraft: Nauka. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 199 km (123 mi). Apogee: 280 km (170 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.29 min. COSPAR: 1979-001F. USAF Sat Cat: 11245. Decay Date: 1979-01-27. References: 2, 279. 1979 January 13 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1071 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 179 km (111 mi). Apogee: 339 km (210 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1979-002A. USAF Sat Cat: 11233. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1979-01-26. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6. 1979 January 16 - 17:37 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47182-437. Cosmos 1072 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 960 km (590 mi). Apogee: 1,012 km (628 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1979-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 11238. Military navigation satellite. References: 2, 6. 1979 January 16 - 20:50 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-65. Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 353 km (219 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 17 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.10AS. Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 226 km (140 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 18 - 15:42 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. Molniya 3-11 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 23. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 370 km (220 mi). Apogee: 39,973 km (24,838 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 717.60 min. COSPAR: 1979-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 11240. Decay Date: 1998-12-02. Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international cooperation scheme). References: 2, 6. 1979 January 19 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. ABRES STREP-1 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 19 - 08:50 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310-6. Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 21 - 06:16 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 21 - 09:06 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-66. Test / aeronomy / ionosphere / plasma mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 336 km (208 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 23 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25C. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 C4X-21. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 24 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. ABRES ABRV-1 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 25 - 05:43 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. Meteor 1-29 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor-Priroda s/n 2-3. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor-Priroda. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 546 km (339 mi). Apogee: 596 km (370 mi). Inclination: 97.80 deg. Period: 96.10 min. COSPAR: 1979-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 11251. Obtaining information needed for research into the natural resources of the earth and the development of methods for remote sensing of the underlying surface, and obtaining meteorological information. In addition to Soviet apparatus, carried scientific ap paratus from the German Democratic Republic. References: 2, 6. 1979 January 25 - 21:07 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 2. LV Configuration: Petrel 2 P216K. Auroral pulsations Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 179 km (111 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 26 - 11:01 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute NASA 29.13UE. FAILURE: Failure. Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 186 km (115 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 27 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: T. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: TT-500. LV Configuration: TT-500 TT-500-5F. Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: NASDA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 27 - 17:12 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5C. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC SSC S23-L1. Substorm-GEOS Auroral mission Nation: Sweden. Agency: SSC. Apogee: 267 km (165 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 27 - 20:04 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 2. LV Configuration: Petrel 2 P215K. Auroral pulsations Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 27 - 21:01 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C S23-H. Substorm-GEOS Auroral mission Nation: Sweden. Agency: SSC. Apogee: 414 km (257 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 27 - 21:52 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5C. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC SSC S23-L2. Substorm-GEOS Auroral mission Nation: Sweden. Agency: SSC. Apogee: 266 km (165 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 28 - 03:07 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.41UE. FAILURE: Failure. Nitric Oxide Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 28 - 06:06 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aries. LV Configuration: Aries GL A24.7S2-01. SPICE 1 Infrared astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 249 km (154 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 30 - Start orbiter/ET/SRB burnout mated vibe tests Nation: USA. Program: STS. Start orbiter/ET/SRB burnout mated vertical ground vibration test, MSFC References: 15. 1979 January 30 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF08. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. FOT GT66GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 30 - 15:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1073 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 182 km (113 mi). Apogee: 328 km (203 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1979-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 11255. Duration: 29.00 days. Decay Date: 1979-02-12. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6. 1979 January 30 - 21:42 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 2914. LV Configuration: Delta 2914 629/D148. SCATHA Nation: USA. Payload: P 78-2. Mass: 360 kg (790 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Comsat. Spacecraft: SCATHA. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 28,018 km (17,409 mi). Apogee: 42,860 km (26,630 mi). Inclination: 10.20 deg. Period: 1,418.40 min. COSPAR: 1979-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 11256. Completed Operations Date: 1991-05-28. Spacecraft charging experiments. The SCATHA spacecraft had two charged particle injection systems, one of which was the Satellite Positive-Ion-Beam System (SPIBS). This was a xenon ion source which included some of the technologies used in thrusters: however, the discharge chamber was not performance optimized as was done with ion engines. Maximum operating power was 0.045 kW, and the ion source could produce a thrust of about 0.14 mN at a specific impulse of 350 s. Ions could be ejected at 1 keV or 2 keV. Neutralization was accomplished by a tantalum filament. The specific impulse was low because there was no attempt to optimize the propellant efficiency. The SPIBS system was ground-tested for a period of 600 hours. The SCATHA spacecraft was placed in a near geosynchronous orbit. Ion beam operations were performed intermittently over a 247 day period. The SCATHA flight demonstrated that a charged spacecraft, and the dielectric surfaces on it, could be safely discharged by emitting a very low energy (<50 eV) neutral plasma -- in effect shorting the spacecraft to the ambient plasma before dangerous charging levels could be reached. As of 28 August 2001 located at 153.98 deg W drifting at 4.513 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 8 located at 19.65W drifting at 4.513E degrees per day. References: 2, 6. 1979 January 31 - Start left-hand OMS Phase I qualification test Nation: USA. Program: STS. References: 15. 1979 January 31 - Start left-hand OMS Phase I qualification test Nation: USA. Program: STS. References: 15. 1979 January 31 - Mission Control Center ready for shuttle. Nation: USA. Program: STS. Mission Control Center-Houston/Goldstone ready for operational flight test early operations. References: 15. 1979 January 31 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310-5. Ionosphere / fields mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 185 km (114 mi). References: 2. 1979 January 31 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1074 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Payload: Soyuz T s/n 5L. Mass: 6,850 kg (15,100 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Apogee: 238 km (147 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1979-008A. USAF Sat Cat: 11259. Duration: 60.04 days. Decay Date: 1979-04-01. Manned precursor. Recovered April 1, 1979 10:09 GMT. Soyuz T Test. Maneuver Summary: 197 km X 240 km orbit to 255 km X 297 km orbit. Delta V: 33 m/s 255 km X 297 km orbit to 264 km X 306 km orbit. Delta V: 4 m/s 264 km X 306 km orbit to 309 km X 321 km orbit. Delta V: 17 m/s 309 km X 321 km orbit to 279 km X 357 km orbit. Delta V: 18 m/s 279 km X 357 km orbit to 352 km X 402 km orbit. Delta V: 32 m/s 352 km X 402 km orbit to 363 km X 384 km orbit. Delta V: 8 m/s Total Delta V: 112 m/s Officially: Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 2, 6. 1979 February 1 - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Strypi. Model: Strypi. LV Configuration: Strypi SWERVE. Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1979 February - Almaz cancelled and consolidated with Mir Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Mir, Almaz OPS-2, TKS. Following the decision to cancel Chelomei's manned Almaz military space station programme, a resolution consolidated the programs, with the Mir docking ports to be reinforced to accommodate 20 tonne space station modules based on Chelomei's TKS manned ferry spacecraft. NPO Energia was made responsible for the overall space station, but subcontracted the work to KB Salyut due to the press of in-house work on Energia, Salyut 7, Soyuz-T, and Progress. The subcontractor began work in the summer of 1979. 1979 February 3 - Complete combined systems test, Palmdale, Columbia Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. References: 15. 1979 February 6 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. FOT GT67GB Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 6 - 08:46 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: N. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: N-1. LV Configuration: N-1 N-5(F). FAILURE: Third stage collided with ECS a. Ayame 1 Nation: Japan. Payload: ECS a; ECS 1. Mass: 260 kg (570 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Comsat. Spacecraft: Ayame. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 29,407 km (18,272 mi). Apogee: 37,278 km (23,163 mi). Inclination: 5.60 deg. Period: 1,313.10 min. COSPAR: 1979-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 11261. Completed Operations Date: 1979-02-09. Experimental Communications Satellite. Experimental Communications Satellite (ECS). Launch time 0846 GMT. ECS was injected into the planned transfer orbit. On 9 Feb, however, ECS ceased radio transmissions about 10 seconds after the apogee kick motor was fired. Communicat ions and propagation experiments of satellite-communication systems. Operation and control experiment for geostationary satellites. Mass at launch 260 kg. Configuration - cylindrical. Height 1.9m including antenna. Diameter 1.4m. Spin stabilized. Last known longitude (13 June 1995) 146.23 deg W drifting at 33.817 deg E per day. References: 2, 6. 1979 February 8 - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ALFS. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Stromboli. Model: Dauphin. LV Configuration: Dauphin DA006. Ariane range test Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 135 km (83 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 8 - 04:37 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Chemical release/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 155 km (96 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 8 - 10:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53782-417. Cosmos 1075 Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,080 kg (2,380 lb). Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-1. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 473 km (293 mi). Apogee: 516 km (320 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 94.40 min. COSPAR: 1979-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 11262. Decay Date: 1981-10-19. Radar calibration mission. References: 2, 6. 1979 February 12 - 13:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3. Cosmos 1076 Nation: USSR. Program: Okean. Payload: Okean-E no. 1. Mass: 1,950 kg (4,290 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Okean-E. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 514 km (319 mi). Apogee: 530 km (320 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 95.10 min. COSPAR: 1979-011A. USAF Sat Cat: 11266. Completed Operations Date: 1980-03-13. Decay Date: 2001-08-10. Test mission of Okean satellite without the radar. Development of methods for obtaining operational information on the Pacific Ocean. References: 2, 6. 1979 February 13 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. DM-4 Shuttle SRB development static firing Nation: USA. The fourth firing of a shuttle Solid Rocket Booster motor. References: 44. 1979 February 13 - 21:41 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. Cosmos 1077 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 19. Mass: 4,000 kg (8,800 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 485 km (301 mi). Apogee: 491 km (305 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 94.40 min. COSPAR: 1979-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 11268. Decay Date: 2000-06-26. References: 2, 6. 1979 February 14 - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 HRV. Launch Vehicle: Stonechat. Model: Falstaff. LV Configuration: Falstaff F.4. Chevaline warhead test launch Nation: UK. Agency: RAE. Apogee: 93 km (57 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 15 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF21. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 PVM-16. Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 16 - Airlock on dock, Palmdale, Columbia (OV-102) Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. References: 15. 1979 February 16 - Mir and Aelita production go-ahead. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Aelita. Production of the Mir space station and Aelita free-flyer was authorised together. 1979 February 16 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. FAILURE: Failure. Zenit-2M Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F790216A. Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite. References: 279. Nauka Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Nauka. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F790216B. References: 279. 1979 February 17 - Fourth SRB firing, Thiokol Nation: USA. Program: STS. References: 15. 1979 February 18 - 16:18 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout D-1. LV Configuration: Scout D-1 S202C. SAGE Nation: USA. Payload: AEM 2. Mass: 147 kg (324 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: SAGE. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 456 km (283 mi). Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg. Period: 94.20 min. COSPAR: 1979-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 11270. Decay Date: 1989-04-11. Studied dust, liquid droplets in upper atmosphere. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6. 1979 February 19 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. FOT-36 Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 19 - 03:33 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. FOT-36 Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 19 - 03:35 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. FOT-36 Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 19 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. FOT-36 Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 20 - 17:00 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3T?. Nation: USA. Agency: RN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 21 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: M. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Mu. Model: Mu-3C. LV Configuration: Mu-3C M-3C-4. SS-04 Hakucho Nation: Japan. Payload: Corsa B. Mass: 100 kg (220 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: SS. Agency: ISAS. Perigee: 543 km (337 mi). Apogee: 566 km (351 mi). Inclination: 29.80 deg. Period: 95.70 min. COSPAR: 1979-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 11272. Decay Date: 1985-04-15. Soft X-ray telescope. Launching organization: Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science, University of Tokyo. Function: Observation of X-ray radiation of celestial bodies with good time resolution over a wide spectrum range. Characterstics: weight 96 kg, configuration regula r octagonal prism, height 0.66 m, diameter 0.76m, spin stabilized. Expected life 2 years. References: 2, 6. 1979 February 21 - 07:49 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 294-01. Ekran 3 Nation: USSR. Payload: Ekran s/n 16L. Mass: 1,970 kg (4,340 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Ekran . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,623 km (22,135 mi). Apogee: 35,919 km (22,318 mi). Inclination: 14.60 deg. Period: 1,435.30 min. COSPAR: 1979-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 11273. Completed Operations Date: 1981-05-01. Transmission of color and black-and-white USSR central television programmes to a network of receivers for collective use. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit over the Indian Ocean at 99 deg E in 1979-1981 As of 3 September 2001 located at 51.81 deg E drifting at 0.088 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 98.64E drifting at 0.060E degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 274. 1979 February 22 - 12:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1078 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 168 km (104 mi). Apogee: 280 km (170 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.00 min. COSPAR: 1979-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 11276. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1979-03-02. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6. 1979 February 22 - 12:15 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 6 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 6 AC DLR W-GR-96. Astro 4-2 X-ray Astronomy Telescope mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 192 km (119 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 23 - 14:09 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Chemical release/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 187 km (116 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 24 - 08:24 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F/OIS. LV Configuration: Atlas F/OIS 27F. Solwind (P 78-1) Nation: USA. Payload: P 78-1. Mass: 1,331 kg (2,934 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Solwind. Agency: USN. Perigee: 310 km (190 mi). Apogee: 317 km (196 mi). Inclination: 97.80 deg. Period: 90.80 min. COSPAR: 1979-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 11278. Decay Date: 1985-09-30. Ionosphere and magnetosphere studies; destroyed on 13 September 1985 (while still functioning) as part of an American ASAT test. References: 2, 6, 278. 1979 February 24 - 16:52 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.1020UE. Range check mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). Range check. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W. References: 2. 1979 February 25 - 11:53 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Soyuz 32 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Payload: Soyuz 7K-T s/n 48. Mass: 6,800 kg (14,900 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 256 km (159 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1979-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 11281. Duration: 110.18 days. Decay Date: 1979-06-13. Crew: Lyakhov, Ryumin. Flight: Salyut 6 EO-3. Manned two crew. Docked with Salyut 6. Transported a team consisting of V A Lyakhov and V V Ryumin to the Salyut-6 space station to conduct scientific investigations and experiments and repair work. Recovered June 15, 1979 16:18 GMT. Returned unmanned. References: 2, 6, 32, 33. 1979 February 26 - Complete mated vertical ground vibe test program Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise. Complete mated vertical ground vibration test program at MSFC, Enterprise (OV-101) References: 15. 1979 February 26 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Final shuttle tests at NASA Huntsville Nation: USA. These verified loadings on the full mated shuttle stack with the external tank and solid rocket motors loaded with water to simulate the weights at various flight phases. 36 x 670 N and 20 x 4400 N exciters were used to vibrate the vehicle. References: 44. 1979 February 26 - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.03UA. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 26 - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.04UE. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 26 - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5A. LV Configuration: Black Brant VA AMF-VA-51. Eclipse mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 26 - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois GL A07.712-2. Eclipse DEN Sphere Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 215 km (133 mi). Eclipse DEN. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W. References: 2. 1979 February 26 - 16:28 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion GL A12.9A1. Eclipse ASL-SE-79A1 Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 158 km (98 mi). Eclipse ASL-SE-79A1. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W. References: 2. 1979 February 26 - 16:28 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion GL A12.9B1. Eclipse ASL-SE-79B1 Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 158 km (98 mi). Eclipse ASL-SE-79B1. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W. References: 2. 1979 February 26 - 16:51 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion GL A12.9A2. Eclipse LWIR Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 141 km (87 mi). Eclipse LWIR. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W. References: 2. 1979 February 26 - 16:52 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.1021UE. Eclipse Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi). Eclipse. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W. References: 2. 1979 February 26 - 16:52 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Paiute Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Paiute Tomahawk GL A10.802-1. Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 26 - 16:54 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.1022UE. Eclipse Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi). Eclipse. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W. References: 2. 1979 February 26 - 17:41 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Paiute Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Paiute Tomahawk GL A10.802-2. Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi). References: 2. 1979 February 27 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1079 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-2K s/n 15. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-2K. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 174 km (108 mi). Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1979-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 11283. Duration: 12.00 days. Decay Date: 1979-03-11. Area survey photo reconnaissance. Spacecraft depressurization led to malfunction of spacecraft. Deorbited after 12 days. References: 2, 6, 69. 1979 February 27 - 17:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47155-107. Intercosmos 19 Nation: USSR. Program: Intercosmos. Payload: AUOS-Z-I-IK. Mass: 1,015 kg (2,237 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: AUOS. Manufacturer: NPO Yuzhnoye. Agency: IK. Perigee: 452 km (280 mi). Apogee: 711 km (441 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 96.30 min. COSPAR: 1979-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 11285. Completed Operations Date: 1982-04-27. Decay Date: 2002-09-23. Comprehensive investigations of the structure of the earth's ionosphere, the characteristics of wave processes and the propagation of radio waves in the ionospheric plasma. Launched under the Intercosmos programme by the USSR in cooperation with the Peopl e's Republic of Bulgaria, the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, the Hungarian People's Republic and the Polish People's Republic. Additional Details: Intercosmos 19. References: 2, 6, 116. 1979 February 28 - Operational readiness date, shuttle landing site. Nation: USA. Program: STS. Operational readiness date, shuttle landing site, Edwards (Edwards AFB) Runway 23, for first manned orbital flight References: 15. 1979 March 1 - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 6 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 6 AC SL1299. Ionosphere mission? Nation: UK. Agency: UK. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 1 - 09:44 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5C. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC NASA 21.60DS. HRTS 3 Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 1 - 18:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. Meteor 2-04 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor-2 no. 4. Mass: 2,750 kg (6,060 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 839 km (521 mi). Apogee: 872 km (541 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 102.00 min. COSPAR: 1979-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 11288. Acquisition of meteorological information required for use in the operational weather service with the aid of advanced equipment. References: 2, 6. 1979 March 5 - Complete postcheckout, Palmdale, Columbia (OV-102) Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. References: 15. 1979 March 5 - Voyager 1, Jupiter Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Voyager. 1979 March 5 - 18:47 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. OT-37 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 5 - 18:48 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. OT-37 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 5 - 20:07 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. OT-37 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 5 - 22:25 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. OT-37 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 6 - 15:27 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 8 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Columbia (OV-102) transported overland to Edwards. Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Columbia (OV-102) transported overland from Palmdale to Edwards (38 miles) References: 15. 1979 March 9 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Shuttle carrier aircraft/Columbia test flight Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Shuttle carrier aircraft/Columbia (OV-102) test flight at NASA Edwards References: 15. 1979 March 10 - 18:43 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Plasma/Fields mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 12 - 05:47 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Progress 5 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Payload: Progress s/n 104. Mass: 7,014 kg (15,463 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Apogee: 256 km (159 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1979-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 11292. Duration: 23.77 days. Completed Operations Date: 1979-04-05 00:09:54 PM. Decay Date: 1979-04-05 00:09:54 PM. Flight: Salyut 6 EO-3. Unmanned supply vessel to Salyut 6. Delivery of fuel, consumable materials and equipment to the Salyut 6 station. Docked with Salyut 6 on 14 Mar 1979 07:19:21 GMT. Undocked on 3 Apr 1979 16:10:00 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 5 Apr 1979 00:10:22 GMT. Total free-flight time 3.40 days. Total docked time 20.37 days. References: 2, 6, 275. 1979 March 13 - 00:30 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 7 AC DLR W-GR-95. Astro 4-1 Solar x-ray mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 258 km (160 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 13 - 21:52 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 188 km (116 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 14 - 10:50 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1080 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 294 km (182 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.10 min. COSPAR: 1979-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 11294. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1979-03-28. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6. 1979 March 15 - 02:58 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47168-312. Cosmos 1081 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 169. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,404 km (872 mi). Apogee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.50 min. COSPAR: 1979-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 11296. Eight satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1082 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 170. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,423 km (884 mi). Apogee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.80 min. COSPAR: 1979-024B. USAF Sat Cat: 11297. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1083 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 171. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,443 km (896 mi). Apogee: 1,466 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.00 min. COSPAR: 1979-024C. USAF Sat Cat: 11298. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1084 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 172. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,462 km (908 mi). Apogee: 1,464 km (909 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.20 min. COSPAR: 1979-024D. USAF Sat Cat: 11299. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1085 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 173. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,504 km (934 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.70 min. COSPAR: 1979-024E. USAF Sat Cat: 11300. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1086 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 174. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,466 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,482 km (920 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.40 min. COSPAR: 1979-024F. USAF Sat Cat: 11301. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1087 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 175. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,524 km (946 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.90 min. COSPAR: 1979-024G. USAF Sat Cat: 11302. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1088 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 176. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,548 km (961 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 116.10 min. COSPAR: 1979-024H. USAF Sat Cat: 11303. References: 2, 6. 1979 March 15 - 05:20 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.45UH. X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 216 km (134 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 16 - 18:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3D. LV Configuration: Titan IIID 23D-21. KH-9 no. 15 Nation: USA. Mass: 13,300 kg (29,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-9. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 170 km (100 mi). Apogee: 258 km (160 mi). Inclination: 96.40 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1979-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 11305. Decay Date: 1979-09-22. KH-9 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 2, 6. OPS 6675 Nation: USA. Payload: SSF-D No. 3. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 621 km (385 mi). Apogee: 628 km (390 mi). Inclination: 95.80 deg. Period: 97.20 min. COSPAR: 1979-025B. USAF Sat Cat: 11306. References: 2, 6, 172. 1979 March 17 - SSME 2005, flight engine delivered for acceptance Nation: USA. Program: STS. Space shuttle main engine 2005, first flight engine delivered to NSTL for acceptance test firings References: 15. 1979 March 17 - 17:42 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 187 km (116 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 19 - 22:57 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aries. LV Configuration: Aries NASA 24.05IE. DLR K-AR-92 Porc. F3 Magnetospheric mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 460 km (280 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 20 - Ferry flight, Edwards to El Paso Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Ferry flight, shuttle carrier aircraft/Columbia (OV-102) from Edwards to Biggs Army Air Base, El Paso, Texas (3 hours, 20 minutes) References: 15. 1979 March 20 - Launch Site: Biscarosse. Launch Complex: BLB. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: SSBS. Model: SSBS S3. LV Configuration: SSBS S3 V8. Test mission Nation: France. Agency: DMA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 21 - 03:45 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.33UG. Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 221 km (137 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 21 - 04:13 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47172-413. Cosmos 1089 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 966 km (600 mi). Apogee: 999 km (620 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 104.70 min. COSPAR: 1979-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 11308. Military navigation satellite. References: 2, 6. 1979 March 21 - 23:49 GMT - Launch Site: Chilca. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Canopus. Model: Castor (A). FAILURE: Failure. Spread F Barium release mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2. 1979 March 22 - Ferry flight El Paso to Kelly AFB Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Ferry flight, shuttle carrier aircraft/Columbia (OV-102) from Biggs Army Air Base to Kelly AFB, San Antonio, Texas (1 hr, 39 min) References: 15. 1979 March 22 - 23:53 GMT - Launch Site: Chilca. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Canopus. Model: Castor (A). Spread F Barium release mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 268 km (166 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 23 - Ferry flight, Kelly AFB to Eglin AFB, Fla Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Ferry flight, shuttle carrier aircraft/Columbia (OV-102) from Kelly AFB to Eglin AFB, Fla. (2 hours, 12 minutes) References: 15. 1979 March 23 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF07. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. FOT GT137M Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 23 - 22:25 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. LV Configuration: Poseidon C3E. Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 24 - Ferry flight, Eglin AFB to KSC Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Ferry flight, shuttle carrier aircraft/Columbia (OV-102) from Eglin AFB to KSC (1 hour, 33 minutes) References: 15. 1979 March 24 - 11:04 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Taurus Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Taurus Tomahawk NASA 12.1003UE. Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 26 - 02:53 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 165 km (102 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 28 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. OT GT39GM operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 28 - 15:38 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 2. LV Configuration: Petrel 2 P208A. VLF waves Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 30 - SSME 2007, flight engine delivered for acceptance Nation: USA. Program: STS. Space shuttle main engine 2007, flight engine delivered to NSTL for acceptance test firing References: 15. 1979 March 31 - 02:45 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 165 km (102 mi). References: 2. 1979 March 31 - 10:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1090 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 217 km (134 mi). Apogee: 320 km (190 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1979-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 11313. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1979-04-13. Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. 1979 March 31 - 22:29 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aries. LV Configuration: Aries NASA 24.06IE. DLR K-AR-93 Porc. F4 Magnetospheric mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 452 km (280 mi). References: 2. Previous Home Next Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments. Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site.. To contact astronauts or cosmonauts. © Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.