1981 April 1 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. -
 FOT GT75GM-2 Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1981 April 1 - 09:04 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Taurus Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Taurus Tomahawk NASA 34.04UE. - Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1981 April 1 - 09:10 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. - DASO-7? demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1981 April 2 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.20GE. - Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1981 April 3 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.19GE. - Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1981 April 3 - 06:20 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. - KLONDIKE KATE Barium release Aeronomy / Fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: DNA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1981 April 4 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. - ABRES Mk500-PAS-1 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1981 April 7 - 10:51 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. -
 Cosmos 1262 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 372 km (231 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-032A. USAF Sat Cat: 12385. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-04-21. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6.
1981 April 9 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53798-322. - Cosmos 1263 Nation: USSR. Mass: 550 kg (1,210 lb). Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-1. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 387 km (240 mi). Apogee: 1,684 km (1,046 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 105.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-033A. USAF Sat Cat: 12388. Radar calibration mission. References: 2, 6.
1981 April 12 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-1. - STS-1 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Columbia F01 / DFI. Mass: 4,909 kg (10,822 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 240 km (140 mi). Apogee: 251 km (155 mi). Inclination: 40.30 deg. Period: 89.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-034A. USAF Sat Cat: 12399. Duration: 2.26 days. Decay Date: 1981-04-14. Crew: Crippen, Young. Flight: STS-1. First flight of Space Transportation System (aka Space Shuttle).. Payloads: Development Flight Instrumentation and Aerodynamic Coefficient Identification Package. References: 2, 6, 7, 33.
- DFI Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: DFI PLT. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1981-034xx. USAF Sat Cat: 12399. Decay Date: 1981-04-14. References: 2, 279.
1981 April 14 - - Landing of STS-1 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Flight: STS-1. STS-1 landed at 18:20 GMT.
1981 April 15 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. - Cosmos 1264 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 382 km (237 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-035A. USAF Sat Cat: 12400. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-04-29. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1981 April 16 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. - Cosmos 1265 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 197 km (122 mi). Apogee: 267 km (165 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-036A. USAF Sat Cat: 12402. Duration: 12.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-04-28. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6.
1981 April 18 - 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.
1981 April 21 - 03:45 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. - Cosmos 1266 Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: US-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 911 km (566 mi). Apogee: 941 km (584 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 103.60 min. COSPAR: 1981-037B. USAF Sat Cat: 12429. Decay Date: 1981-05-20. Ocean surveillance; nuclear powered. References: 2, 6.
1981 April 24 - 21:32 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 34B. LV Configuration: Titan 34B 34B-8 (3B-60) / Ascent Agena D. - Jumpseat 6 Nation: USA. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Jumpseat. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 188 km (116 mi). Apogee: 708 km (439 mi). Inclination: 62.70 deg. Period: 93.00 min. COSPAR: 1981-038A. USAF Sat Cat: 12418. SDS 4 not deployed. References: 2, 6.
1981 April 25 - 02:01 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K. LV Configuration: Proton-K 299-02. - Cosmos 1267 Nation: USSR. Program: Almaz. Payload: TKS s/n 16301. Mass: 19,000 kg (41,000 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: TKS . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Apogee: 259 km (160 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-039A. USAF Sat Cat: 12419. Duration: 459.91 days. Decay Date: 1982-07-29. TKS space station ferry. Flown unmanned to the Salyut 6 space station after the Almaz military station program was cancelled. Capsule recovered 24 May 1981. Docked with Salyut 6 on June 19 at 10:52 AM MT after 57 days autonomous flight. Deorbited and destroyed with Salyut July 29, 1982.
Additional Details: Cosmos 1267. References: 2, 6, 67, 274, 439.
1981 April 27 - 23:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aries. LV Configuration: Aries NASA 24.10UG. - JHU Aries-UVT Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 263 km (163 mi). References: 2.
1981 April 28 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. - Cosmos 1268 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 366 km (227 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-040A. USAF Sat Cat: 12423. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-05-12. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6.
1981 April 30 - 06:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: S. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7. LV Configuration: Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-109. -
 TEXUS 3B Microgravity mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 253 km (157 mi). References: 2.
1981 May 4 - 07:55 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.58UH. - Soft XRB 2 X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 294 km (182 mi). References: 2.
1981 May 6 - 08:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.60UL. - Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 322 km (200 mi). References: 2.
1981 May 7 - 13:21 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47198-321. - Cosmos 1269 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-2M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 781 km (485 mi). Apogee: 798 km (495 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 100.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-041A. USAF Sat Cat: 12442. References: 2, 6.
1981 May 8 - 05:27 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: S. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7. LV Configuration: Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-110. - TEXUS 4 Microgravity mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 258 km (160 mi). References: 2.
1981 May 14 - 17:16 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. - Soyuz 40 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Payload: Soyuz 7K-T s/n 56. Mass: 6,800 kg (14,900 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Apogee: 270 km (160 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 89.10 min. COSPAR: 1981-042A. USAF Sat Cat: 12454. Duration: 7.86 days. Decay Date: 1981-05-22. Crew: Popov, Prunariu. Flight: Salyut 6 EP-10, Salyut 6 EO-6. Manned two crew. Docked with Salyut 6. Transported to the Salyut-6 orbital station the ninth international crew under the INTERCOSMOS programme, comprising L I Popov (USSR), and D. Prunariu (Romania), to conduct scientific research and experiments. References: 2, 6, 32, 33,51.
1981 May 14 - 21:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. - Meteor 2-07 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor-2 no. 7. Mass: 2,750 kg (6,060 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 835 km (518 mi). Apogee: 888 km (551 mi). Inclination: 81.30 deg. Period: 102.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-043A. USAF Sat Cat: 12456. Gathering meteorological information and data on penetrating radiation fluxes in circumterrestrial space. References: 2, 6.
1981 May 15 - 06:07 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout G. LV Configuration: Scout G-1 S192C. - Nova 1 Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Mass: 170 kg (370 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: TIP. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,165 km (723 mi). Apogee: 1,185 km (736 mi). Inclination: 90.20 deg. Period: 108.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-044A. USAF Sat Cat: 12458. Improved Transit. References: 2, 6.
1981 May 18 - 11:50 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. - Cosmos 1270 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-2K s/n 980. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-2K. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 171 km (106 mi). Apogee: 345 km (214 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-045A. USAF Sat Cat: 12461. Duration: 30.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-06-17. 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 May 19 - 03:49 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. - Cosmos 1271 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 29. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 565 km (351 mi). Apogee: 582 km (361 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 96.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-046A. USAF Sat Cat: 12464. Replaced Cosmos 1077. References: 2, 6.
1981 May 21 - 09:10 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. - Cosmos 1272 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 376 km (233 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-047A. USAF Sat Cat: 12466. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-06-04. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1981 May 22 - 07:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. - Cosmos 1273 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Payload: Zenit-4MKT no. 17. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 258 km (160 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 89.10 min. COSPAR: 1981-048A. USAF Sat Cat: 12469. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-06-04. Investigation of the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation. References: 2, 6, 103.
1981 May 22 - 22:29 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 3914. LV Configuration: Delta 3914 645/D154. - GOES 5 Nation: USA. Payload: GOES E. Mass: 836 kg (1,843 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: GOES. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Apogee: 35,810 km (22,250 mi). Inclination: 6.50 deg. Period: 1,436.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-049A. USAF Sat Cat: 12472. Completed Operations Date: 1990-07-01. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 85 deg W in 1981; 75 deg W in 1981-1987; 106 deg W in 1987-1988; 65 deg W in 1988-1989 As of 31 August 2001 located at 107.28 deg W drifting at 0.248 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 110.88W drifting at 0.246W degrees per day.
References: 2, 6.
1981 May 22 -
1981 May 23 - 22:42 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3D Centaur. LV Configuration: SLV-3D Centaur AC-56 / Centaur D-1AR 5036. -
 Intelsat 5 F-1 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Payload: Intelsat 501. Mass: 1,928 kg (4,250 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Intelsat 5. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 36,151 km (22,463 mi). Apogee: 36,224 km (22,508 mi). Inclination: 10.10 deg. Period: 1,456.60 min. COSPAR: 1981-050A. USAF Sat Cat: 12474. Completed Operations Date: 1997-02-08. 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 24 deg W in 1981; 60 deg E in 1982-1984; 57 deg E in 1984-1986; 174 deg E in 1986-1988; 177 deg E in 1988-1990; 177 deg W in 1990-1992; 91 deg E in 1993-1996; 72 deg E in 1996-1997 As of 4 September 2001 located at 169.69 deg W drifting at 5.095 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 13.28E drifting at 5.096W degrees per day.
References: 2, 6, 278.
1981 May 26 -
1981 May 27 - 04:25 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5C. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC NASA 21.67UG. - JHU FOT 4 (Io) Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). References: 2.
1981 May 31 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: Sriharikota. Launch Complex: SLV. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: SLV. Model: SLV-3. LV Configuration: SLV-3 SLV-3-D3. FAILURE: Partial Failure. -
 Rohini 2 Nation: India. Payload: Rohini RS-D-1. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Rohini 2. Agency: ISRO. Perigee: 181 km (112 mi). Apogee: 374 km (232 mi). Inclination: 46.20 deg. Period: 90.06 min. COSPAR: 1981-051A. USAF Sat Cat: 12491. Decay Date: 1981-05-31. Orbit too low. References: 2, 5.
1981 June 3 - Launch Site: Biscarosse. Launch Complex: BLB. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: SSBS. Model: SSBS S3. LV Configuration: SSBS S3 2602. -
 Operational test Nation: France. Agency: DMA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1981 June 3 - 14:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. - Cosmos 1274 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-2K s/n 942. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-2K. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 144 km (89 mi). Apogee: 291 km (180 mi). Inclination: 67.20 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-052A. USAF Sat Cat: 12495. Duration: 30.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-07-03. 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 June 4 - 15:41 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65098-323. - Cosmos 1275 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 954 km (592 mi). Apogee: 1,005 km (624 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 104.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-053A. USAF Sat Cat: 12504. Decay Date: 1981-09-30. Military navigation satellite. Replaced Cosmos 1141. References: 2, 6.
1981 June 9 - 03:33 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. - Molniya 3-16 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 30. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 213 km (132 mi). Apogee: 40,027 km (24,871 mi). Inclination: 63.20 deg. Period: 715.50 min. COSPAR: 1981-054A. USAF Sat Cat: 12512. Decay Date: 1998-02-10. Replaced Molniya 3-14. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.
References: 2, 6.
1981 June 12 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: RN. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: DOT. - DOT 4 Interceptor mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 303 km (188 mi). References: 2.
1981 June 12 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. - FOT GT82GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1981 June 16 - 07:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. - Cosmos 1276 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Payload: Zenit-4MKT no. 18. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 211 km (131 mi). Apogee: 233 km (144 mi). Inclination: 82.40 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-055A. USAF Sat Cat: 12517. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-06-29. Investigation of the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation. References: 2, 6, 103.
1981 June 17 - 09:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. - Cosmos 1277 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 373 km (231 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-056A. USAF Sat Cat: 12520. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-07-01. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1981 June 19 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. - FOT-43? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1981 June 19 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. - FOT-43? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1981 June 19 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. - FOT-43? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1981 June 19 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. - FOT-43? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1981 June 19 - 12:32 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 1. LV Configuration: Ariane 1 L03. -
 Meteosat 2 Nation: Europe. Mass: 697 kg (1,536 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteosat. Agency: ESA. Perigee: 36,124 km (22,446 mi). Apogee: 36,329 km (22,573 mi). Inclination: 11.10 deg. Period: 1,458.60 min. COSPAR: 1981-057A. USAF Sat Cat: 12544. Completed Operations Date: 1991-12-04. Meteosat 2 is a geostationary meteorological satellite, operating within the world wide network of the World Weather Watch of WMO. Its main missions are: Imaging in the visible, IR and water vapour region of the spectrum; data reception from so-called dat a collection platforms (DCPs); data distribution to meteorological services and other interested parties (research institutes etc). Launch time 1233:03 UT. Geostationary position 0 deg E. Designator ESA/81/03. As of 3 September 2001 located at 58.52 deg W drifting at 5.577 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 125.67W drifting at 5.583W degrees per day.
References: 2, 6.
- Apple Nation: India. Program: Insat. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Insat 1. Agency: ISRO. Perigee: 35,752 km (22,215 mi). Apogee: 35,945 km (22,335 mi). Inclination: 10.00 deg. Period: 1,439.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-057B. USAF Sat Cat: 12545. Completed Operations Date: 1983-09-20. Experimental communications satellite. Geosynchronous altitude, longitude 10 deg East. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 102 deg E in 1981-1982 As of 31 August 2001 located at 42.73 deg W drifting at 0.834 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 39.31E drifting at 0.875W degrees per day.
References: 2, 6.
- CAT 3 Nation: Europe. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: CAT. Agency: ESA. Perigee: 261 km (162 mi). Apogee: 26,528 km (16,483 mi). Inclination: 10.70 deg. Period: 461.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-057C. USAF Sat Cat: 12546. Launch vehicle test payload. Technological capsule. ESA registration ESA/81/02. Launch time 1233:03 UT. The technological capsule, equipped with batteries for a lifetime of about six orbital revolutions, transmits to earth technological data about test flight L-03 of ARIANE. After di scharge of the battery the capsule will stop its transmissions and remain in orbit on inactive status. Frequency 136-138 MHz (transmission until 65h after launch only). Projected time of reentry 1986.
References: 2, 6.
1981 June 19 - 19:37 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. - Cosmos 1278 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #21. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 2,452 km (1,523 mi). Apogee: 37,962 km (23,588 mi). Inclination: 67.00 deg. Period: 719.00 min. COSPAR: 1981-058A. USAF Sat Cat: 12547. Decay Date: 2000-09-02. Covered Oko constellation plane 3 - 357 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 6, 100.
1981 June 23 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. - Final launch of an Atlas F booster from Vandenberg Nation: USA. Final launch of an Atlas F booster from Vandenberg AFB (first launch on 1 August 1962). References: 88.
1981 June 23 - 10:52 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F. LV Configuration: Atlas F 87F / Star-37S-ISS. - NOAA 7 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: NOAA C. Mass: 1,405 kg (3,097 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Tiros N. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 828 km (514 mi). Apogee: 847 km (526 mi). Inclination: 98.90 deg. Period: 101.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-059A. USAF Sat Cat: 12553. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6, 278.
1981 June 24 - 17:47 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. - Molniya 1-50 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 190 km (110 mi). Apogee: 39,708 km (24,673 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 708.60 min. COSPAR: 1981-060A. USAF Sat Cat: 12556. Decay Date: 1991-12-14. Replaced Molniya 1-42. Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.
References: 2, 6.
1981 June 25 - 23:55 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 305-01. - Ekran 7 Nation: USSR. Payload: Ekran s/n 21L. Mass: 1,970 kg (4,340 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Ekran . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Apogee: 35,819 km (22,256 mi). Inclination: 10.50 deg. Period: 1,437.00 min. COSPAR: 1981-061A. USAF Sat Cat: 12564. Completed Operations Date: 1982-08-01. Transmission of Central Television programmes to a network of receivers for collective use. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 99 deg E in 1981-1982 As of 1 September 2001 located at 78.87 deg E drifting at 0.201 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 66.59E drifting at 0.197W degrees per day.
References: 2, 6, 67, 274.
1981 June 26 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. - FOT GT83GB Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
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