Chronology - Quarter 1 1980 home
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1980 January 1 -
  • Female Cosmonaut Training Group selected. Nation: USSR. The training group was selected for planned female missions to upstage any American female 'first in space' missions aboard the space shuttle. Soviet women would make the first female spacewalk, and the first all-female crew was planned.
1980 January 1 - Launch Site: Nenoksa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-39. Model: Rif.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 January 1 - Launch Site: Nenoksa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-39. Model: Rif.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 January 1 - Launch Site: Nenoksa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-39. Model: Rif.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 January 1 - Launch Site: Nenoksa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-39. Model: Rif.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 - Launch Vehicle: Babylon Gun.
  • From March of 1988 until the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Iraq contracted with Gerard Bull to build three superguns: two full sized 'Project Babylon' 1000 mm guns and one 'Baby Babylon' 350 mm prototyp Nation: Iraq. Gerard Bull was first contracted by the Iraqi government in 1981. They desperately needed artillery to out-range the enemy in the protracted Iran-Iraq War. The association allowed Bull to yet again seek sponsorship of a space-launch supergun. Sadam Hussein liked the idea, and Project Babylon was born. Throughout the 1980's Bull's dealings with Iraq had the covert approval of Western governments, who saw Iraq as a counterweight to revolutionary Iran.

    In March of 1988, Bull received a contract to build two full sized 'Project Babylon' 1000 mm superguns and one 'Baby Babylon' 350 mm prototype for a total of $25 million. The project was given the cover designation 'PC-2' (Petrochemical Complex-2). British engineer Christopher Cowley was the project manager.

    The Project Babylon gun would have a barrel 156 meters long with a one meter bore. The launch tube would be 30 cm thick at the breech, tapering to 6.5 cm at the exit. Like the V-3 the gun would be built in segments. 26 six-meter-long sections would make up the barrel, totalling 1510 tonnes. Added to this would be four 220 tonne recoil cylinders, and the 165 tonne breech. The recoil force of the gun would be 27,000 tonnes - equivalent to a nuclear bomb and sufficient to register as a major seismic event all around the world. Nine tonnes of special supergun propellant would fire a 600 kg projectile over a range of 1,000 kilometres, or a 2,000 kg rocket-assisted projectile. The 2,000 kg projectile would place a net payload of about 200 kg into orbit at a cost of $ 600 per kg.

    In May of 1989 the Baby Babylon was completed at Jabal Hamrayn, 145 km north of Baghdad. The horizontally-mounted gun was 45-m long with a 350 mm barrel, and had a total mass of 102 tonnes. Following tests using lead projectiles the gun was reassembled on a hillside at a 45 degree angle. It was expected to achieve a range of 750 km. An Iraqi defector revealed later that the gun was to be used for several missions:

    • Long-range attack using chemical, biological, or nuclear warheads. However since the weapon was fixed, it could only be fired in one direction, and like the V-3 would be easily identified and neutralised by the targeted country. For this reason the Israelis did not consider it much of a threat.

    • As an anti-satellite weapon. It would launch a special shell in space that would explode near the target satellite, covering it with sticky material and blinding it.

    Production of components for the Babylon gun began in Britain with the knowledge of British and US intelligence services. These were officially 'oil pipeline segments' for the 'PC-2' petrochemical refinery.

    On 22 March 1990 Bull was assassinated and the project quickly unravelled. It is commonly thought that he was killed by the Israelis, concerned not so much by the supergun work but rather dynamics research Bull was doing to improve Iraqi ballistic missiles. Three weeks later British Customs seized the final eight sections of the Babylon Gun. On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, precipitating the Gulf War. This ended Western covert sponsorship of Iraq.

    After the war UN teams destroyed the Baby Babylon 350 mm gun, components of the two Project Babylon 1000 mm guns (44 gun sections, four recoil cylinders), and one tonne of supergun propellant (the Iraqis destroyed the remaining 11 tonnes). Only seven slugs for the 350 mm gun were recovered and destroyed. Iraq claimed never to have received any design, assistance, materials or equipment for the planned rocket-assisted projectiles. At the end of September 1995 UNSCOM obtained information on an indigenous 600 mm indigenous Iraqi supergun design - evidence that the project had not died with Bull.

1980 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC107/1. Launch Pad: LC107/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: K65M-R.
  • BOR-4 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 675 km (419 mi). References: 2.
1980 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36MU 15A18.
  • DP operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36MU 15A18.
  • DP operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36MU 15A18.
  • DP operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 January - Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2 Spaceplane Launcher.
  • Chinese astronauts in training Nation: China. Spacecraft: Chinese Manned Capsule 1978. The Chinese press reported a visit with the Chinese astronaut trainees at the Chinese manned spaceflight training centre. Photographs appeared of the astronauts in training. Pressure suited astronauts were shown in pressure chamber tests. Other trainees were shown at the controls of a space shuttle-like spaceplane cockpit.
During 1980 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.
  • Shuttle TPS Tests Nation: USA. Shuttle thermal protection system tiles are tested mounted of F-15 and F-104 aircraft at speeds of up to Mach 1.4 and dynamic pressures of 470 N / sq m. References: 44.
1980 January 9 - 12:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1149 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 384 km (238 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1980-001A. USAF Sat Cat: 11652. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1980-01-23. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1980 January 11 - 12:28 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M.
  • Molniya 1-46 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 103 km (64 mi). Apogee: 28,891 km (17,952 mi). Inclination: 63.20 deg. Period: 500.30 min. COSPAR: 1980-002A. USAF Sat Cat: 11662. Decay Date: 1992-10-22. Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radiocommunications system in the USSR; transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. References: 2, 6.
1980 January 13 -
  • Discovery of EETA 79001 (Mars Meteorite) Nation: USA.
1980 January 14 - 19:49 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65067-248.
  • Cosmos 1150 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 964 km (599 mi). Apogee: 1,012 km (628 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1980-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 11667. Military navigation satellite. References: 2, 6.
1980 January 16 - 03:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-69.
  • TPE-1 Ionosphere / tether mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 328 km (203 mi). References: 2.
1980 January 18 - 01:26 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3D Centaur. LV Configuration: SLV-3D Centaur AC-49 / Centaur D-1AR 5029.
  • Fltsatcom 3 Nation: USA. Mass: 1,884 kg (4,153 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Fltsatcom. Agency: USN. Perigee: 35,669 km (22,163 mi). Apogee: 35,851 km (22,276 mi). Inclination: 9.10 deg. Period: 1,434.80 min. COSPAR: 1980-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 11669. Completed Operations Date: 1991-01-01. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 22 deg W in 1980-1990 As of 28 August 2001 located at 174.83 deg W drifting at 0.082 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 84.20W drifting at 0.376E degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 278.
1980 January 18 - 06:20 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: L. Launch Pad: K. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-520. LV Configuration: S-520-1.
  • Heat Pipe Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 329 km (204 mi). References: 2.
1980 January 19 -
  • Voyager 1's Discovery of Saturn Moon Janus Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Voyager.
1980 January 21 - 08:05 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.51UH.
  • X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 216 km (134 mi). References: 2.
1980 January 23 - 07:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Cosmos 1151 Nation: USSR. Program: Okean. Payload: Okean-E no. 2. Mass: 1,950 kg (4,290 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Okean-E. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 566 km (351 mi). Apogee: 589 km (365 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 96.20 min. COSPAR: 1980-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 11671. Completed Operations Date: 1981-10-13. Test mission of Okean satellite without the radar. Testing of methods for obtaining operational information on the oceans. References: 2, 6.
1980 January 24 - 15:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1152 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-2K s/n 928. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-2K. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 341 km (211 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1980-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 11678. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1980-02-06. Area survey photo reconnaissance. Mission terminated early for unknown reasons (normally 30 day duration). References: 2, 6, 69.
1980 January 24 - 17:21 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk Ferdinand 50.
  • Ferdinand 50 / COROBIER Test / ionosphere / plasma mission Nation: Norway. Agency: NTNF. Apogee: 202 km (125 mi). References: 2.
1980 January 25 - 20:36 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47164-249.
  • Cosmos 1153 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 961 km (597 mi). Apogee: 1,014 km (630 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1980-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 11680. Military navigation satellite. References: 2, 6.
1980 January 26 -
  • Voyager 1's Discovery of Saturn Moon Epimetheus Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Voyager.
1980 January 27 - 09:17 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute NASA 29.14UE.
  • ARCS 1 Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 433 km (269 mi). References: 2.
1980 January 28 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: T. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: TT-500. LV Configuration: TT-500 TT-500-7F.
  • Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: NASDA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1980 January 30 - 12:51 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M.
  • Cosmos 1154 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 24. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 540 km (330 mi). Apogee: 545 km (338 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 95.50 min. COSPAR: 1980-008A. USAF Sat Cat: 11682. Decay Date: 2002-11-05. References: 2, 6.
1980 January 31 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF21. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 PVM-18.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 2 - 08:47 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310-8.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 179 km (111 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 3 - 01:12 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • FOT-38? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 3 - 01:13 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • FOT-38? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 3 - 01:13 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • FOT-38? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 4 - 02:42 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • FOT-39? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 5 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: RN. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: DOT.
  • DOT 2 Interceptor mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 324 km (201 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 5 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT71GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 7 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1155 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 393 km (244 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1980-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 11685. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1980-02-21. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1980 February 7 - 21:10 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3D. LV Configuration: Titan IIID 23D-19.
  • KH-11 no. 3 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-11 no. 3. Mass: 13,300 kg (29,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-11. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 220 km (130 mi). Apogee: 498 km (309 mi). Inclination: 97.00 deg. Period: 91.70 min. COSPAR: 1980-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 11687. Decay Date: 1982-10-30. KH-11 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 2, 6.
1980 February 9 - 23:08 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F/SVS. LV Configuration: Atlas F/SVS 35F.
  • Navstar 5 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS SVN 5. Mass: 770 kg (1,690 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 1. Manufacturer: Boeing North American, Seal Beach (formerly Rockwell). Agency: USAF. Perigee: 19,805 km (12,306 mi). Apogee: 20,560 km (12,770 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 718.00 min. COSPAR: 1980-011A. USAF Sat Cat: 11690. Global Positioning System. References: 2, 6, 278.
1980 February 11 - 23:32 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53772-402.
  • Cosmos 1156 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 185. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,398 km (868 mi). Apogee: 1,475 km (916 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.60 min. COSPAR: 1980-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 11691. Eight satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1157 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 186. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,415 km (879 mi). Apogee: 1,477 km (917 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.80 min. COSPAR: 1980-012B. USAF Sat Cat: 11692. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1158 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 187. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,434 km (891 mi). Apogee: 1,476 km (917 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.00 min. COSPAR: 1980-012C. USAF Sat Cat: 11693. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1159 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 188. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,450 km (900 mi). Apogee: 1,479 km (919 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.20 min. COSPAR: 1980-012D. USAF Sat Cat: 11694. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1160 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 189. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,484 km (922 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.40 min. COSPAR: 1980-012E. USAF Sat Cat: 11695. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1161 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 190. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,468 km (912 mi). Apogee: 1,502 km (933 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.70 min. COSPAR: 1980-012F. USAF Sat Cat: 11696. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1162 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 191. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,472 km (914 mi). Apogee: 1,519 km (943 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.90 min. COSPAR: 1980-012G. USAF Sat Cat: 11697. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1163 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 192. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,471 km (914 mi). Apogee: 1,543 km (958 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 116.10 min. COSPAR: 1980-012H. USAF Sat Cat: 11698. References: 2, 6.
1980 February 12 - 00:53 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. FAILURE: Fourth stage failure.
  • Cosmos 1164 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #13. Mass: 1,890 kg (4,160 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 434 km (269 mi). Apogee: 40,856 km (25,386 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 736.80 min. COSPAR: 1980-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 11700. Decay Date: 1980-02-12. Left in parking orbit. Decay date suspect Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. Was intended to cover Oko constellation plane 9 - 241 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 6, 64, 65, 100.
1980 February 13 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.
  • QM-3 Shuttle SRB qualification static firing Nation: USA. The seventh and final firing of a shuttle Solid Rocket Booster motor prior to the first launch. None of the ground tests subjected the motors to expected flight loads. References: 44.
1980 February 13 - 22:00 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 14 - 15:57 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 3910. LV Configuration: Delta 3910 635/D151.
  • SMM Nation: USA. Payload: Solar Maximum Mission. Mass: 2,315 kg (5,103 lb). Class: Solar. Spacecraft: SMM. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 405 km (251 mi). Apogee: 408 km (253 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 92.70 min. COSPAR: 1980-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 11703. Decay Date: 1989-12-02. Solar Maximum Mission; solar observatory; repaired 4/9/84 by STS-41C in orbit. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6.
1980 February 15 - Launch Site: Taiyuan. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: DF-5.
  • Last DF-5 partial range test. Nation: China. Program: Long March. Other sources do not list this test. References: 87.
1980 February 15 - 11:43 GMT - Launch Site: Southend. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5B. LV Configuration: Black Brant VB ADD-VB-50.
  • Pulsating aurora Aurora mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 156 km (96 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 16 - 08:23 GMT - Launch Site: San Marco. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.43AS.
  • LASL Eclipse La Solar eclipse mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 319 km (198 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 16 - 08:23 GMT - Launch Site: San Marco. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.42AS.
  • LASL Eclipse La Solar eclipse mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 298 km (185 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 16 - 08:50 GMT - Launch Site: Sriharikota. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: RH. Model: RH-560. LV Configuration: RH-560 F-14.
  • Eclipse control Eclipse mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO. Apogee: 330 km (200 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 16 - 09:31 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.37US.
  • Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 268 km (166 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 16 - 10:15 GMT - Launch Site: Sriharikota. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: RH. Model: RH-560. LV Configuration: RH-560 F-15. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Eclipse F-region Eclipse mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1980 February 17 - Launch Site: Thumba. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure 2B. LV Configuration: Centaure 2B ISRO 5.65/C.59.
  • NO Photometer Aeronomy mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 17 - 00:40 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: M. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Mu. Model: Mu-3S. LV Configuration: Mu-3S M-3S-1.
  • Tansei 4 Nation: Japan. Payload: MS T4. Mass: 134 kg (295 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Tansei. Agency: ISAS. Perigee: 517 km (321 mi). Apogee: 608 km (377 mi). Inclination: 38.70 deg. Period: 95.90 min. COSPAR: 1980-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 11706. Decay Date: 1983-05-12. References: 2, 6.
1980 February 20 - 08:05 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 297-01.
  • Raduga 6 Nation: USSR. Payload: Raduga s/n 16L. Mass: 1,940 kg (4,270 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Raduga . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,816 km (22,254 mi). Inclination: 11.40 deg. Period: 1,436.70 min. COSPAR: 1980-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 11708. Completed Operations Date: 1986-03-01. Provision of uninterrupted round the clock telephone and telegraph radiocommunication in the USSR and simultaneous transmission of colour and black-and-white USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 35 deg E in 1980-1982; 45 deg E in 1982-1986 As of 1 September 2001 located at 41.36 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg W per day. As of 2007 Feb 27 located at 101.46E drifting at 0.146E degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 274.
1980 February 21 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT72GB Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 21 - 00:53 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk Ferdinand 49.
  • PULSAUR I Test / aurora / ionosphere mission Nation: Norway. Agency: NTNF. Apogee: 196 km (121 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 21 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1165 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 170 km (100 mi). Apogee: 350 km (210 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1980-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 11713. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1980-03-05. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule References: 2, 6.
1980 February 22 - 08:35 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: N. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: N-1. LV Configuration: N-1 N-6(F).
  • Ayame 2 Nation: Japan. Payload: ECS b; ECS 2. Mass: 260 kg (570 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Comsat. Spacecraft: Ayame. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 32,785 km (20,371 mi). Apogee: 36,839 km (22,890 mi). Inclination: 1.40 deg. Period: 1,386.60 min. COSPAR: 1980-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 11715. Completed Operations Date: 1980-02-24. Last known longitude (17 November 1988) 146.47 deg W drifting at 12.888 deg E per day. References: 2, 6.
1980 February 23 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2.
  • FOT GT140M Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 23 - 10:05 GMT - Launch Site: Southend. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5B. LV Configuration: Black Brant VB ADD-VB-52.
  • Pulsating aurora Aurora mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 148 km (91 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 27 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF08. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT73GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 28 - 13:13 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4.
  • OT-1 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 28 - 13:13 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4.
  • OT-1 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 28 - 14:15 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4.
  • OT-1 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 February 28 - 14:15 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4.
  • OT-1 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 1 -
  • Laques & Lechaceux's Discovery of Saturn Moon Helene Nation: France.
1980 March 3 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F/MSD. LV Configuration: Atlas F/MSD 67F.
  • EP-2 (NOSS 3) Nation: USA. Payload: Plume shield. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,048 km (651 mi). Apogee: 1,166 km (724 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. Period: 107.40 min. COSPAR: 1980-019E. USAF Sat Cat: 11733. References: 2, 6, 278.
  • NOSS 3 Nation: USA. Payload: PARCAE 3. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,035 km (643 mi). Apogee: 1,150 km (710 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 107.10 min. COSPAR: 1980-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 11720. Ocean surveillance; aka White Cloud type spacecraft; Navy Ocean Surveillance Satellite; PARCAE. References: 2, 6, 172, 278.
  • EP 1 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,048 km (651 mi). Apogee: 1,166 km (724 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. Period: 107.40 min. COSPAR: 1980-019C. USAF Sat Cat: 11731. Deployed from NOSS 3. References: 2, 6, 278.
  • EP 2 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USN. Perigee: 730 km (450 mi). Apogee: 1,484 km (922 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.41 min. COSPAR: 1980-019D. USAF Sat Cat: 11732. References: 2, 279.
  • EP 3 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,048 km (651 mi). Apogee: 1,166 km (724 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. Period: 107.40 min. COSPAR: 1980-019G. USAF Sat Cat: 11745. Deployed from NOSS 3. References: 2, 6, 278.
1980 March 4 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1166 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 371 km (230 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1980-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 11722. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1980-03-18. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1980 March 6 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC109. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M.
  • DP Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 6 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC172. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-UR-100. Model: MR-UR-100U 15A16.
  • Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 14 - 10:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1167 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 426 km (264 mi). Apogee: 442 km (274 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 93.30 min. COSPAR: 1980-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 11729. Decay Date: 1981-10-01. Ocean monitoring. References: 2, 6.
1980 March 15 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B.
  • ABRES ABRV-3 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 16 - 11:55 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Taurus Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Taurus Tomahawk NASA 34.03UE.
  • KING CRAB Plasma / barium release mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 571 km (354 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 17 - 21:37 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65098-314.
  • Cosmos 1168 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Tsikada. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 958 km (595 mi). Apogee: 1,009 km (626 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1980-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 11735. Civilian naval navigation satellite. References: 2, 6.
1980 March 18 - 16:01 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. FAILURE: Booster exploded on pad during servicing. Severe pad damage, 48 people killed. Cause found to be change in solder with tin to that with lead in H2O2 filters, causing decomposition and explosion.
  • Tselina-D Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F800318A. Decay Date: 1980-03-18. This was the worst disaster since the Nedelin Catastrophe on 24 October 1964. A commission of military officers and chief designers reviewed the incident and requested changes to equipment and procedures, especially as regarded liquid oxygen handling. Another source reports that the explosion occurred during the fuelling of the Block E upper stage, and was due to hydrogen peroxide being present in a lox line filter and a confusion between fuel and lox lines. This error had always been possible, but had never happened in the 20 years of use of the booster before the explosion. The launch pad was badly damaged and not put back into service until April 1983. References: 2, 445.
1980 March 19 - 07:59 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Taurus Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Taurus Tomahawk NASA 34.01UE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 596 km (370 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 21 - 23:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29A. Launch Pad: LC29/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3TK PT-2.
  • Chevaline warhead test launch Nation: USA. Agency: RN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 22 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.47UH.
  • Soft XRB 1 X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 217 km (134 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 22 - 11:36 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Taurus Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Taurus Tomahawk NASA 34.02UE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 618 km (384 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 26 - 12:19 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4.
  • DASO-4? demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 27 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF21. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 PVM-19.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1980 March 27 - 07:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65098-311.
  • Cosmos 1169 Nation: USSR. Mass: 900 kg (1,980 lb). Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-1. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 466 km (289 mi). Apogee: 513 km (318 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 94.40 min. COSPAR: 1980-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 11741. Decay Date: 1983-03-03. Radar calibration mission. References: 2, 6.
1980 March 27 - 18:53 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Progress 8 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Payload: Progress s/n 108. Mass: 7,014 kg (15,463 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 185 km (114 mi). Apogee: 250 km (150 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1980-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 11743. Duration: 29.50 days. Completed Operations Date: 1980-04-26 06:54:00 PM. Decay Date: 1980-04-26 06:54:00 PM. Unmanned supply vessel for Salyut 6. Delivery of various cargoes to the Salyut-6 orbital station. Docked with Salyut 6 on 29 Mar 1980 20:01:00 GMT. Undocked on 25 Apr 1980 08:04:00 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 26 Apr 1980 06:54:00 GMT. Total free-flight time 3.0 days. Total docked time 26.50 days. References: 2, 6, 275.
1980 March 28 - 06:26 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.59UH.
  • UM Airglow Payload Aurora mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 198 km (123 mi). References: 2.

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