Chronology - Quarter 1 1981 home
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1981 - Launch Vehicle: Babylon Gun.
  • Gerard Bull was first contracted by the Iraqi government Nation: Iraq.
1981 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC107/1. Launch Pad: LC107/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: K65M-R.
  • Vertikal-10 Ionosphere/Solar mission? Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 675 km (419 mi). References: 2.
1981 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: UR-100N. Model: UR-100N.
  • Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1981 January -
  • FLTSATCOM constellation declared operational Nation: USA. Spacecraft: FLTSATCOM. The FLTSATCOM system provided world-wide, high-priority UHF communications between naval aircraft, ships, submarines, and ground stations and between the Strategic Air Command and the national command authority network.
1981 January 6 - 12:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1237 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 382 km (237 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-001A. USAF Sat Cat: 12130. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-01-20. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1981 January 9 - 14:57 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M.
  • Molniya 3-14 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 25. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 487 km (302 mi). Apogee: 39,863 km (24,769 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 717.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-002A. USAF Sat Cat: 12133. Decay Date: 1999-07-03. Replaced Molniya 3-10. 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.
1981 January 10 - 18:22 GMT - Launch Site: Siple. Launch Complex: RAG. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.205UE.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 198 km (123 mi). References: 2.
1981 January 14 - 22:00 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: T. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: TT-500A. LV Configuration: TT-500A TT-500A-9F.
  • Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: NASDA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1981 January 16 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53798-319.
  • Cosmos 1238 Nation: USSR. Mass: 550 kg (1,210 lb). Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-1. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 395 km (245 mi). Apogee: 1,706 km (1,060 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 106.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 12138. Radar calibration mission. References: 2, 6.
1981 January 16 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1239 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 210 km (130 mi). Apogee: 231 km (143 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 12140. Duration: 12.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-01-28. Military topography satellite; returned film capsule; also performed mapping, geodesy. References: 2, 6.
1981 January 17 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.
  • Shuttle MPTA-098 625-second firing. Nation: USA. This firing used the three flight engines, which had been removed from Columbia. References: 44.
1981 January 19 - 03:37 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5B. LV Configuration: Black Brant VB AED-VB-54.
  • Upper atmosphere Composition Aeronomy mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 263 km (163 mi). References: 2.
1981 January 20 - 04:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.62DG.
  • NRL far ultraviolet Spectrograph Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 209 km (129 mi). References: 2.
1981 January 20 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1240 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-2K s/n 975. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-2K. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 165 km (102 mi). Apogee: 359 km (223 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1981-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 12143. Duration: 28.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-02-17. Area survey photo reconnaissance; returned film in two small SpK capsules during the mission and with the main capsule at completion of the mission. References: 2, 6, 69.
1981 January 21 - 00:25 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.17NP.
  • SPAR 9 Microgravity mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 209 km (129 mi). References: 2.
1981 January 21 - 08:29 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65082-427.
  • Cosmos 1241 Nation: USSR. Payload: DS-P1-M. Mass: 650 kg (1,430 lb). Class: Military. Type: ASAT Target. Spacecraft: DS-P1-M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 989 km (614 mi). Apogee: 995 km (618 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 105.00 min. COSPAR: 1981-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 12149. ASAT target for Cosmos 1243 and Cosmos 1258 interceptors. References: 2, 6, 272.
1981 January 21 - 21:46 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310-9.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 174 km (108 mi). References: 2.
1981 January 23 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3. FAILURE: Payload shroud failed to separate.
  • Geo-IK no. 1 Nation: USSR. Payload: Geo-IK no. 1. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Geodetic. Spacecraft: Geo-IK. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F810123A. Decay Date: 1981-01-23. References: 114.
1981 January 24 - 14:18 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Progress 12 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Payload: Progress s/n 113. Mass: 7,020 kg (15,470 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 247 km (153 mi). Apogee: 308 km (191 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 90.00 min. COSPAR: 1981-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 12152. Duration: 55.11 days. Completed Operations Date: 1981-03-20 16:58:58 PM. Decay Date: 1981-03-20 16:58:58 PM. Unmanned supply vessel to Salyut 6. Delivery of various cargoes to the Salyut-6 orbital station. Docked with Salyut 6 on 26 Jan 1981 15:56:00 GMT. Undocked on 19 Mar 1981 18:14:00 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 20 Mar 1981 16:59:00 GMT. Total free-flight time 3.02 days. Total docked time 52.10 days. References: 2, 6, 275.
1981 January 26 - 07:20 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 4B. LV Configuration: Black Brant IVB AAF-4B-36.
  • Substorm Auroral mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 584 km (362 mi). References: 2.
1981 January 27 - 14:58 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M.
  • Cosmos 1242 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 28. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 568 km (352 mi). Apogee: 584 km (362 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 96.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-008A. USAF Sat Cat: 12154. References: 2, 6.
1981 January 29 - 04:12 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.60UE.
  • UM Airglow payload Aurora mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 189 km (117 mi). References: 2.
1981 January 29 - 07:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: L. Launch Pad: K. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-520. LV Configuration: S-520-2.
  • TPE-2 Ionosphere / tether mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 323 km (200 mi). References: 2.
1981 January 30 - 16:27 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M.
  • Molniya 1-49 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,571 km (976 mi). Apogee: 38,759 km (24,083 mi). Inclination: 63.70 deg. Period: 717.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 12156. Replaced Molniya 1-41. 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.
1981 February 2 - 02:19 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1243 Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Military. Type: ASAT. Spacecraft: IS-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 294 km (182 mi). Apogee: 1,013 km (629 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 97.80 min. COSPAR: 1981-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 12160. Decay Date: 1981-02-02. ASAT interceptor. Approached within 50 m of target, but explosive charge did not go off as planned. Deorbited to destructive reentry in the atmosphere. References: 2, 6, 272.
1981 February 4 - 01:10 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aries. LV Configuration: Aries GL A24.7S1-01.
  • IRBS (BMP) ABM infrared sensor limb characterization technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 387 km (240 mi). References: 2.
1981 February 5 - Launch Vehicle: Energia.
  • Decree for Gerkules nuclear-electric interorbital tug Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Mars 1986. NPO Energia developed for the Ministry of Defence the interorbital tug Gerkules with 550 kW maximum output and continuous operation in the 50-150 kW range for 3 to 5 years. In 1986 an interorbital tug was studied to solve the specific application of transporting heavy satellites of 100 tonnes to geostationary orbit, launched by Energia.
1981 February 5 - 11:25 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. Model: Sounding Rocket. LV Configuration: Sergeant GL A30.072.
  • FWIF IV Auroral mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1981 February 6 - 08:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53793-478.
  • Intercosmos 21 Nation: USSR. Program: Intercosmos. Payload: AUOS-Z-R-P-IK. Mass: 550 kg (1,210 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: AUOS. Manufacturer: NPO Yuzhnoye. Agency: IK. Perigee: 469 km (291 mi). Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 94.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-011A. USAF Sat Cat: 12162. Completed Operations Date: 1982-06-02. Decay Date: 1982-07-07. Oceanographic, terrestrial studies. Development of methods for comprehensive study of the oceans and the surface of the earth, and testing of the experimental system of automatic gathering of scientific information from sea and land stations. Launched under the INTERCOSMOS programme by the USSR together with the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, the German Democratic Republic, the Hungarian People's Republic and the Socialist Republic of Romania. References: 2, 6, 116.
1981 February 7 - 20:13 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 2. LV Configuration: Petrel 2 P219K.
  • Atomic oxygen Aeronomy mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 171 km (106 mi). References: 2.
1981 February 7 - 20:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion SSC S35.
  • OXYGEN Aeronomy mission Nation: Sweden. Agency: SSC. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1981 February 9 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF08. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT79GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1981 February 9 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT80GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1981 February 11 -
  • Production of the Production of four 37KS modules for Mir approved Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: 37KS. Production of the four 37KS modules was approved following review of the draft projects. The four modules would be placed into orbit by a Proton launch vehicle. An FGO tug section, connected to the 37KS module by a light lattice structure, would rendezvous with the Mir station and dock the module to one of the radial ports of the Mir station. It would then separate and deorbit itself into the earth's atmosphere. The plan was that production of all of the modules would be completed in 1984. They would be assembled with the Mir base block in one year and have an operational lifetime of five years.
1981 February 11 - 08:30 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: N. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: N-2. LV Configuration: N-2 N-7(F).
  • Kiku 3 Nation: Japan. Payload: ETS 4. Mass: 640 kg (1,410 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: ETS. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 305 km (189 mi). Apogee: 16,237 km (10,089 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 294.10 min. COSPAR: 1981-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 12295. Kiku 3 (ETS-IV). Launching organization NASDA. Acquisition of the technology to handle a large-scale heavy satellite and test of the functions of on-board equipment and devices, as well as confirmation of the launching capacity of the N-II launch vehicle. Also tested ion thruster. References: 2, 6.
1981 February 12 - 18:21 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65098-320.
  • Cosmos 1244 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 960 km (590 mi). Apogee: 1,006 km (625 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1981-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 12297. Military navigation satellite. Replaced Cosmos 1104. References: 2, 6.
1981 February 13 - 11:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1245 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 374 km (232 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 12299. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-02-27. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1981 February 13 - 17:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.50CS.
  • Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 265 km (164 mi). References: 2.
1981 February 18 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B.
  • ABRES IRS-1 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1981 February 18 - Launch Site: El Arenosillo. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: INTA. Model: INTA-300.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: Spain. Agency: INTA. Apogee: 285 km (177 mi). First completely successful launch. References: 2.
1981 February 18 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1246 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-1KFT no. 1. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Cartography. Spacecraft: Yantar-1KFT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 263 km (163 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.10 min. COSPAR: 1981-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 12301. Duration: 23.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-03-13. Military topographic / cartographic satellite. References: 2, 6, 101, 102.
1981 February 19 - 10:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M.
  • Cosmos 1247 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #19. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 4,493 km (2,791 mi). Apogee: 35,529 km (22,076 mi). Inclination: 67.20 deg. Period: 711.10 min. COSPAR: 1981-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 12303. Covered Oko constellation plane 5 - 77 degree longitude of ascending node. First space launch from LC16/2, which had been cannabalised in the 1960's to reconstruct LC31 at Baikonur after the on-pad explosion of the second Soyuz in December 1966. References: 2, 6, 100.
1981 February 20 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.
  • Shuttle flight readiness firing Nation: USA. The 20 second test on the pad at Cape Canaveral finally cleared the engines for the first shuttle launch. References: 44.
1981 February 21 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT81GB Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1981 February 21 - 00:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: M. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Mu. Model: Mu-3S. LV Configuration: Mu-3S M-3S-2.
  • SS-07 Hinotori Nation: Japan. Payload: Astro A. Mass: 185 kg (407 lb). Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: Astro. Agency: ISAS. Perigee: 274 km (170 mi). Apogee: 279 km (173 mi). Inclination: 31.30 deg. Period: 90.10 min. COSPAR: 1981-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 12307. Decay Date: 1991-07-11. Hinotori (ASTRO-A). Launching organisation: Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science, University of Tokyo. Investigation of solar flare by X-ray telescope and spectrograph. References: 2, 6.
1981 February 21 - 23:23 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3D Centaur. LV Configuration: SLV-3D Centaur AC-42 / Centaur D-1AR 5023.
  • Comstar 4 Nation: USA. Program: Comstar. Payload: Comstar 1D. Mass: 1,520 kg (3,350 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Intelsat 4A. Agency: Comsat. Perigee: 35,783 km (22,234 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 7.20 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 12309. 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 142 deg W in 1981; 127 deg W in 1981-1985; 76 deg W in 1985-on. As of 31 August 2001 located at 25.65 deg W drifting at 1.067 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 78.95E drifting at 0.039W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 278.
1981 February 25 - 17:20 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. Model: Sergeant Hydac.
  • HAVE SLED test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF BMO. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). References: 2.
1981 February 28 - 19:15 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 24B. LV Configuration: Titan 24B 24B-24 (3B-59).
  • OPS 1166 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-8 no. 51 / 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: 336 km (208 mi). Inclination: 96.40 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 12315. Decay Date: 1981-06-20. KH-8 type satellite. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6.
1981 March 5 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1248 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-2K s/n 940. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-2K. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 112 km (69 mi). Apogee: 531 km (329 mi). Inclination: 68.10 deg. Period: 91.00 min. COSPAR: 1981-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 12317. Duration: 30.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-04-04. Area survey photo reconnaissance; returned film in two small SpK capsules during the mission and with the main capsule at completion of the mission. References: 2, 6, 69.
1981 March 5 - 16:48 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. Model: Sergeant Hydac.
  • HAVE SLED test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF BMO. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 5 - 18:09 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1249 Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: US-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 904 km (561 mi). Apogee: 976 km (606 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 103.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-021D. USAF Sat Cat: 12552. Decay Date: 1981-07-19. Ocean surveillance; nuclear powered. References: 2, 6.
1981 March 6 - 11:31 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53767-247.
  • Cosmos 1250 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 209. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,390 km (860 mi). Apogee: 1,471 km (914 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.50 min. COSPAR: 1981-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 12320. Eight satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1251 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 210. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,403 km (871 mi). Apogee: 1,473 km (915 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.60 min. COSPAR: 1981-022B. USAF Sat Cat: 12321. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1252 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 211. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,418 km (881 mi). Apogee: 1,472 km (914 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.80 min. COSPAR: 1981-022C. USAF Sat Cat: 12322. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1253 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 212. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,468 km (912 mi). Apogee: 1,497 km (930 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.60 min. COSPAR: 1981-022D. USAF Sat Cat: 12323. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1254 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 213. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,431 km (889 mi). Apogee: 1,472 km (914 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-022E. USAF Sat Cat: 12324. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1255 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 214. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,445 km (897 mi). Apogee: 1,472 km (914 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.10 min. COSPAR: 1981-022F. USAF Sat Cat: 12325. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1256 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 215. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,457 km (905 mi). Apogee: 1,476 km (917 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-022G. USAF Sat Cat: 12326. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1257 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 216. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,469 km (912 mi). Apogee: 1,479 km (919 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-022H. USAF Sat Cat: 12327. References: 2, 6.
1981 March 7 - 08:09 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion A13.20.
  • Auroral E3 Aeronomy / ionosphere / plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 7 - 08:09 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion A13.30.
  • AURORAL E1 Auroral mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 156 km (96 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 7 - 08:26 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion A13.31.
  • AURORAL E2 Auroral mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 7 - 08:38 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Paiute Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Paiute Tomahawk GL A10.901-3.
  • AURORAL E4 Auroral mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 187 km (116 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 8 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.07UL.
  • CWAS 1 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 12 - 04:30 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. Model: Sergeant Hydac.
  • HAVE SLED test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF BMO. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 12 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Soyuz T-4 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Payload: Soyuz T s/n 10L. Mass: 6,850 kg (15,100 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 201 km (124 mi). Apogee: 237 km (147 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 12334. Duration: 74.73 days. Decay Date: 1981-05-26. Crew: Kovalyonok, Savinykh. Flight: Salyut 6 EO-6. Manned two crew. Docked with Salyut 6. Transported to the Salyut-6 orbital station cosmonauts V V Kovalenok and V P Savinykh to carry out repairs and preventive maintenance and scientific and technical investigations and experiments. References: 2, 6, 32, 33,51.
1981 March 13 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.17UL.
  • CWAS 2 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 14 - 16:55 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1258 Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Military. Type: ASAT. Spacecraft: IS-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 299 km (185 mi). Apogee: 1,022 km (635 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 97.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 12337. Decay Date: 1981-03-14. ASAT interceptor. Failed to intercept Cosmos 1241 target. Deorbited to destructive reentry in the atmosphere. References: 2, 6, 272.
1981 March 15 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B.
  • ABRES TDV-4 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 16 - 19:24 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3C. LV Configuration: Titan IIIC 23C-22 (3C-40).
  • IMEWS 11 Nation: USA. Payload: DSP MOS/PIM s/n 10. Mass: 1,170 kg (2,570 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: DSP. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 35,463 km (22,035 mi). Apogee: 35,527 km (22,075 mi). Inclination: 2.00 deg. Period: 1,421.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 12339. Completed Operations Date: 1992-01-01. Multi-Orbit Satellite / Performance Improvement ballistic missile launch detection satellite, remained in service for nearly eleven years. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit over the Pacific Ocean at 69 deg W in 1981-1982; 135 deg W in 1982-1984; 75 deg E in 1984-1985. As of 2003 Mar 6 located at 40.27E drifting at 0.598E degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 127.
1981 March 17 - 08:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1259 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 379 km (235 mi). Inclination: 70.30 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 12341. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-03-31. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1981 March 18 - 04:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 306-01.
  • Raduga 8 Nation: USSR. Payload: Raduga s/n 18L. Mass: 1,940 kg (4,270 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Raduga . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,411 km (22,003 mi). Apogee: 36,115 km (22,440 mi). Inclination: 10.80 deg. Period: 1,434.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 12351. Completed Operations Date: 1981-04-11. 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. As of 3 September 2001 located at 8.37 deg E drifting at 0.322 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 69.95E drifting at 0.520E degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 274.
1981 March 20 - 23:45 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1260 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 425 km (264 mi). Apogee: 444 km (275 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 93.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-028A. USAF Sat Cat: 12364. Decay Date: 1982-05-22. Ocean monitoring. References: 2, 6.
1981 March 22 - 14:58 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Soyuz 39 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Payload: Soyuz 7K-T s/n 55. Mass: 6,800 kg (14,900 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 249 km (154 mi). Inclination: 51.80 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-029A. USAF Sat Cat: 12366. Duration: 7.86 days. Decay Date: 1981-03-30. Crew: Dzhanibekov, Gurragcha. Flight: Salyut 6 EP-9, Salyut 6 EO-6. Manned two crew. Docked with Salyut 6. Transported to the Salyut-6 orbital station the eighth international crew under the INTERCOSMOS programme, comprising V A Dzhanibekov (USSR) and Z. Gurragchi (Mongolian People's Republic) to conduct scientific investigations and experiments. References: 2, 6, 32, 33,51.
1981 March 24 - 03:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.55UH.
  • Extreme ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 261 km (162 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 24 - 03:31 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M.
  • Molniya 3-15 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 24. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 201 km (124 mi). Apogee: 40,052 km (24,887 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 715.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 12368. Decay Date: 1992-10-19. Replace Molniya 3-11. 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.
1981 March 25 - 08:05 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Taurus Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Taurus Tomahawk NASA 34.05UE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 28 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. FAILURE: Failure of launch vehicle.
  • Yantar-2K s/n 979 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-2K s/n 979. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-2K. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F810328A. Yantar Area survey photo reconnaissance spacecraft failed to achieve orbit. References: 42.
1981 March 28 - 01:54 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 4B. LV Configuration: Black Brant IVB AAF-4B-37.
  • FALCONS Ionosphere / plasma / fields mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 675 km (419 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 28 - 01:54 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5B. LV Configuration: Black Brant VB AAF-VB-55.
  • FALCONS Ionosphere / plasma / fields mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 327 km (203 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 30 - 05:52 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion.
  • LADY LOU Ba Aeronomy / Fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: DNA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1981 March 30 - 1981 March 31 - 09:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M.
  • Cosmos 1261 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #20. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 4,742 km (2,946 mi). Apogee: 35,583 km (22,110 mi). Inclination: 67.20 deg. Period: 717.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-031A. USAF Sat Cat: 12376. Covered Oko constellation plane 6 - 115 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 6, 100.
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