Chronology - Quarter 3 1981

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Previous Home Next 1981 July 1 - 09:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1279 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 364 km (226 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 12571. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-07-15. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6. 1981 July 2 - 07:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1280 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F1-17F41. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 280 km (170 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-063A. USAF Sat Cat: 12577. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-07-15. High resolution photo surveillance; film capsule; maneuverable; also performed earth resources tasks. 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. 1981 July 7 - 12:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1281 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 389 km (241 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-064A. USAF Sat Cat: 12583. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-07-21. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. 1981 July 10 - 05:14 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. Meteor 1-31 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor-Priroda. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor-Priroda. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 574 km (356 mi). Apogee: 612 km (380 mi). Inclination: 97.90 deg. Period: 96.50 min. COSPAR: 1981-065A. USAF Sat Cat: 12585. Also performed earth resources tasks. Acquisition of information required for continued investigation of the natural resources of the earth; development of remote sensing methods for measuring the parameters of the atmosphere and the earth's surface beneath the satellite. Carried scientific i nstruments developed in the People's Republic of Bulgaria, as well as Soviet equipment. Objects 1595 and 1596 launched by a single rocket. References: 2, 6. Iskra Nation: USSR. Payload: RK-01. Class: Materials. Spacecraft: Iskra. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 618 km (384 mi). Apogee: 645 km (400 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 97.34 min. COSPAR: 1981-065D. USAF Sat Cat: 12586. Decay Date: 1990-04-16. Conduct of scientific experiments to study diffusion and heat processes in weightlessness. References: 2, 6. 1981 July 11 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. FOT-44? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1981 July 11 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. FOT-44? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1981 July 11 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. FOT-44? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1981 July 11 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. FOT-44? Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1981 July 15 - 13:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1282 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-2K s/n 951. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-2K. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 170 km (100 mi). Apogee: 332 km (206 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1981-066A. USAF Sat Cat: 12588. Duration: 30.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-08-14. 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 July 17 - 08:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1283 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 242 km (150 mi). Inclination: 82.40 deg. Period: 88.60 min. COSPAR: 1981-067A. USAF Sat Cat: 12598. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-07-31. Medium resolution photo surveillance; film capsule; also performed earth resources tasks. 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. 1981 July 29 - 11:55 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1284 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 178 km (110 mi). Apogee: 237 km (147 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 88.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-068A. USAF Sat Cat: 12614. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-08-12. Medium resolution photo surveillance; film capsule; also performed earth resources tasks. 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. 1981 July 30 - 21:38 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 301-02. Raduga 9 Nation: USSR. Payload: Raduga s/n 19L. Mass: 1,940 kg (4,270 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Raduga . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Apogee: 35,828 km (22,262 mi). Inclination: 13.80 deg. Period: 1,437.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-069A. USAF Sat Cat: 12618. Completed Operations Date: 1986-05-01. 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 1981-1986 As of 30 August 2001 located at 112.14 deg E drifting at 0.090 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 76.83E drifting at 0.307W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 274. 1981 July 31 - 10:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aries. LV Configuration: Aries GL A24.6S1-02. ZIP II (BMP) Infrared astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 395 km (245 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 1 - 22:00 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: T. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: TT-500A. LV Configuration: TT-500A TT-500A-10F. Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: NASDA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 3 - 09:56 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 3913. LV Configuration: Delta 3913 642/D155. FAILURE: Partial Failure. Dynamics Explorer 1 Nation: USA. Payload: DE A. Mass: 403 kg (888 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Dynamics Explorer. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 528 km (328 mi). Apogee: 23,232 km (14,435 mi). Inclination: 88.60 deg. Period: 409.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-070A. USAF Sat Cat: 12624. Dynamics Explorer 1. References: 2, 6. Dynamics Explorer 2 Nation: USA. Payload: DE B. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Dynamics Explorer. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 304 km (188 mi). Apogee: 1,002 km (622 mi). Inclination: 90.00 deg. Period: 97.80 min. COSPAR: 1981-070B. USAF Sat Cat: 12625. Decay Date: 1983-02-19. Dynamics Explorer 2. References: 2, 6. 1981 August 4 - 00:13 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. Cosmos 1285 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #22. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 4,721 km (2,933 mi). Apogee: 36,086 km (22,422 mi). Inclination: 67.20 deg. Period: 727.00 min. COSPAR: 1981-071A. USAF Sat Cat: 12627. Replaced Cosmos 1261. Covered Oko constellation plane 6 - 116 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 6, 100. 1981 August 4 - 08:28 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. Cosmos 1286 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 430 km (260 mi). Apogee: 442 km (274 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 93.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-072A. USAF Sat Cat: 12631. Decay Date: 1982-10-16. Ocean monitoring. References: 2, 6. 1981 August 5 - Launch Site: Matagorda Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Percheron. FAILURE: Exploded on launch pad due to liquid oxygen tank overpressurization. Percheron Research and Development Flight Nation: USA. COSPAR: F810805A. Decay Date: 1981-08-05. Failure of a liquid oxygen valve led to the oxidiser tank over-pressurising, collapse of the liquid oxygen to kerosene tank bulkhead; intermixing of the propellants, and finally an on-pad explosion without lift-off. The vehicle was funded by Space Services, Inc of Houston, Texas and was built by GCH, Inc (Gary C. Hudson). The booster featured a modular design using liquid oxygen-kerosene stages 18 m long and 1.2 m in diameter, with an engine producing 27,300 kgf of thrust. References: 5. 1981 August 6 - 08:16 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3D Centaur. LV Configuration: SLV-3D Centaur AC-59 / Centaur D-1AR 5039. FAILURE: Failure of the fiberglass fairing during ascent. Fltsatcom 5 Nation: USA. Mass: 1,884 kg (4,153 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Fltsatcom. Agency: USN. Perigee: 36,221 km (22,506 mi). Apogee: 36,300 km (22,500 mi). Inclination: 8.90 deg. Period: 1,460.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-073A. USAF Sat Cat: 12635. Completed Operations Date: 1986-07-12. 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. The Atlas G Centaur delivered a badly damaged but operating FLTSATCOM spacecraft to its correct orbit. Investigation showed that the most likely cause was failure of the fiberglass fairing during ascent. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 90 deg W in 1981; 90-114 deg W in 1982; 44 deg W in 1982-1986 As of 5 September 2001 located at 140.32 deg W drifting at 6.003 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 31.85E drifting at 6.002W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 278. 1981 August 6 - 11:49 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65055-112. Cosmos 1287 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 217. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,513 km (940 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-074A. USAF Sat Cat: 12636. Eight satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1288 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 218. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,492 km (927 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.50 min. COSPAR: 1981-074B. USAF Sat Cat: 12637. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1289 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 219. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,426 km (886 mi). Apogee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.80 min. COSPAR: 1981-074C. USAF Sat Cat: 12638. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1290 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 220. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,442 km (896 mi). Apogee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.00 min. COSPAR: 1981-074D. USAF Sat Cat: 12639. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1291 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 221. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,458 km (905 mi). Apogee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.10 min. COSPAR: 1981-074E. USAF Sat Cat: 12640. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1292 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 222. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,464 km (909 mi). Apogee: 1,477 km (917 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-074F. USAF Sat Cat: 12641. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1293 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 223. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,409 km (875 mi). Apogee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.60 min. COSPAR: 1981-074G. USAF Sat Cat: 12642. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 1294 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 224. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,392 km (864 mi). Apogee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-074H. USAF Sat Cat: 12643. References: 2, 6. 1981 August 7 - 13:35 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. Intercosmos 22 Nation: USSR. Program: Intercosmos. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: IK-B-1300. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 789 km (490 mi). Apogee: 881 km (547 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 101.60 min. COSPAR: 1981-075A. USAF Sat Cat: 12645. Completed Operations Date: 1983-08-10. Ionosphere and magnetosphere studies. Intercosmos-Bulgaria 1300. Comprehensive investigation of physical processes in the earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere. Carried scientific equipment developed and manufactured in the People's Republic of Bulgaria with the assistance of Soviet scientists . References: 2, 6, 116. 1981 August 9 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.22UE. Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 9 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.22UE. Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 10 - 20:03 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: N. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: N-2. LV Configuration: N-2 N-8(F). Himawari 2 Nation: Japan. Payload: GMS 2. Mass: 670 kg (1,470 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: GMS. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 35,943 km (22,333 mi). Apogee: 36,034 km (22,390 mi). Inclination: 12.90 deg. Period: 1,446.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 12677. Completed Operations Date: 1988-02-01. Geostationary meteorological satellite. N launch vehicle flight number 8 (N-II launch vehicle). Launch time 2003 UT. Launching organization: National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). Geostationary longitude 140 deg E. Function: 1) Observation of meteorological phenomena by the visible and infra-red spin scan radiometer. 2) Collection of weather data from various stations. 3) Distribution of weather data to earth stations. 4) Monitoring of solar particles. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 160 deg E in 1981; 140 deg E in 1981-1984; 145 deg E in 1984-1985; 120 deg E in 1985-1988 As of 31 August 2001 located at 33.93 deg E drifting at 2.598 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 153.66W drifting at 2.594W degrees per day. References: 2, 6. 1981 August 12 - 05:46 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47198-324. Cosmos 1295 Nation: USSR. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 947 km (588 mi). Apogee: 1,009 km (626 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-077A. USAF Sat Cat: 12681. Military navigation satellite. Replaced Cosmos 1181. References: 2, 6. 1981 August 13 - 02:26 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. OT-6 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 13 - 02:46 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. OT-6 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 13 - 03:32 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. OT-6 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 13 - 03:32 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. OT-6 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 13 - 16:20 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1296 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-2K s/n 943. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-2K. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 167 km (103 mi). Apogee: 354 km (219 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-078A. USAF Sat Cat: 12687. Duration: 31.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-09-13. 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 August 14 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 10. LV Configuration: Black Brant X NASA 12.38GT. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 625 km (388 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 18 - 09:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1297 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 360 km (220 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.10 min. COSPAR: 1981-079A. USAF Sat Cat: 12716. Duration: 12.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-08-30. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6. 1981 August 21 - 10:20 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1298 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 170 km (100 mi). Apogee: 328 km (203 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 89.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-080A. USAF Sat Cat: 12776. Duration: 42.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-10-02. High resolution 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, 179. 1981 August 22 - 01:00 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. 1981 August 24 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310-10. Test / aurora / aeronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 187 km (116 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 24 - 16:37 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. Cosmos 1299 Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: US-A. Agency: RVSN. Perigee: 926 km (575 mi). Apogee: 962 km (597 mi). Inclination: 65.10 deg. Period: 103.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-081E. USAF Sat Cat: 12809. Ocean surveillance; nuclear powered. References: 2, 6. 1981 August 24 - 21:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3. Cosmos 1300 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 30. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 589 km (365 mi). Apogee: 609 km (378 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 96.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-082A. USAF Sat Cat: 12785. References: 2, 6. 1981 August 25 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.06UL?. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 26 - Voyager 2, Saturn Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Voyager. 1981 August 27 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1301 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F1-17F41. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 212 km (131 mi). Apogee: 258 km (160 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-083A. USAF Sat Cat: 12788. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-09-10. High resolution photo surveillance; film capsule; maneuverable; also performed earth resources tasks. 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. 1981 August 28 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5V. Vertikal-9 Solar Ultraviolet/Solar X-ray mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 28 - 00:03 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. OT-7 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 28 - 00:04 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. OT-7 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 28 - 00:04 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. OT-7 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 28 - 00:04 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. OT-7 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1981 August 28 - 16:18 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47155-101. Cosmos 1302 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-2M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 771 km (479 mi). Apogee: 796 km (494 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 100.50 min. COSPAR: 1981-084A. USAF Sat Cat: 12791. Replaced Cosmos 1269. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 1 - Cosmonaut Bui Thanh Liem dies at age of 32 -- Crash of MiG-21 fighter. Nation: USSR. 1981 September 3 - 18:29 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3D. LV Configuration: Titan IIID 23D-22. KH-11 no. 4 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-11 no. 4. Mass: 13,300 kg (29,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-11. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 244 km (151 mi). Apogee: 526 km (326 mi). Inclination: 97.00 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-085A. USAF Sat Cat: 12799. Decay Date: 1984-11-23. KH-11 type satellite. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6. 1981 September 4 - 08:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1303 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 208 km (129 mi). Apogee: 363 km (225 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-086A. USAF Sat Cat: 12801. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-09-18. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 4 - 11:06 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. Cosmos 1304 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Tsikada. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 906 km (562 mi). Apogee: 972 km (603 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 103.80 min. COSPAR: 1981-087A. USAF Sat Cat: 12803. Civilian naval navigation satellite; replaced Cosmos 926. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 5 - 01:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: L. Launch Pad: K. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-520. LV Configuration: S-520-4. Payload recovery rest / ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 224 km (139 mi). References: 2. 1981 September 7 - 09:38 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310-11. Submillimeter atmospheric spectra Aeronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi). References: 2. 1981 September 11 - 08:43 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. FAILURE: Fourth stage failure. Cosmos 1305 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 28. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,680 km (1,040 mi). Apogee: 12,807 km (7,957 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 263.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-088A. USAF Sat Cat: 12818. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 2, 6, 64, 65. 1981 September 12 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. ABRES Mk500-PAS-2 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1981 September 14 - 20:31 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. Cosmos 1306 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: -. Perigee: 168 km (104 mi). Apogee: 424 km (263 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-089A. USAF Sat Cat: 12828. Decay Date: 1982-07-16. Ocean monitoring; replaced Cosmos 1260. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 15 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1307 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 390 km (240 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-090A. USAF Sat Cat: 12830. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-09-28. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 18 - 03:34 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47195-113. Cosmos 1308 Nation: USSR. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 960 km (590 mi). Apogee: 1,003 km (623 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-091A. USAF Sat Cat: 12835. Military navigation satellite. Replaced Cosmos 1275. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 18 - 09:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1309 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 212 km (131 mi). Apogee: 257 km (159 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1981-092A. USAF Sat Cat: 12837. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-10-01. Military topography satellite; returned film capsule; also performed mapping, geodesy. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 18 - 17:59 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC107/1. Launch Pad: LC107/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Vertikal-4. Gruziya-60-Spurt Active plasma mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,514 km (940 mi). References: 2. 1981 September 19 - 21:28 GMT - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA2B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: FB-1. LV Configuration: Feng Bao 1 XCZ-1-02. SJ-2A Nation: China. Payload: Shi Jian 2B. Mass: 257 kg (566 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: SJ. Agency: MAI. Perigee: 232 km (144 mi). Apogee: 1,598 km (992 mi). Inclination: 59.50 deg. Period: 103.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-093A. USAF Sat Cat: 12842. Decay Date: 1981-09-26. References: 2, 6. SJ-2B Nation: China. Payload: Shi Jian C. Mass: 28 kg (61 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: SJ. Agency: MAI. Perigee: 233 km (144 mi). Apogee: 1,615 km (1,003 mi). Inclination: 59.40 deg. Period: 103.50 min. COSPAR: 1981-093B. USAF Sat Cat: 12843. Decay Date: 1982-10-06. Balloon for drag studies. References: 2, 6. SJ-2 Nation: China. Payload: Shi Jian 2. Mass: 483 kg (1,064 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: SJ. Agency: MAI. Perigee: 232 km (144 mi). Apogee: 1,608 km (999 mi). Inclination: 59.40 deg. Period: 103.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-093D. USAF Sat Cat: 12845. Decay Date: 1982-08-17. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 21 - 13:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3. Oreol 3 Nation: France. Program: Intercosmos. Payload: AUOS-Z M-A-IK s/n 401. Mass: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: AUOS. Manufacturer: NPO Yuzhnoye. Agency: RVSN. Perigee: 394 km (244 mi). Apogee: 1,672 km (1,038 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 105.80 min. COSPAR: 1981-094A. USAF Sat Cat: 12848. Carried Soviet/French magnetosphere and ionosphere experiments. Investigation of physical processes in the earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere, and study of the nature of polar aurorae. Carried scientific equipment developed by Soviet and French specialists under the joint Soviet-French project 'Arkad-3'. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 23 - 08:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53719-527. Cosmos 1310 Nation: USSR. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-1. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 394 km (244 mi). Apogee: 423 km (262 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 92.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-095A. USAF Sat Cat: 12852. Decay Date: 1989-04-03. Radar calibration mission. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 24 - 23:09 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 3910/PAM. LV Configuration: Delta 3910/PAM 641/D156. SBS 2 Nation: USA. Program: SBS. Mass: 550 kg (1,210 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Agency: SBS. Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Apogee: 35,854 km (22,278 mi). Inclination: 10.10 deg. Period: 1,437.70 min. COSPAR: 1981-096A. USAF Sat Cat: 12855. Completed Operations Date: 1996-09-07. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 97 deg W in 1981-1983; 104 deg W in 1983; 97 deg W in 1983-1988; 99 deg W in 1988-1990; 97 deg W in 1990-1994; 71 deg W in 1994-1996 As of 31 August 2001 located at 125.63 deg E drifting at 0.458 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 125.97W drifting at 0.561W degrees per day. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6. 1981 September 28 - 21:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53775-114. Cosmos 1311 Nation: USSR. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-2. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 462 km (287 mi). Apogee: 513 km (318 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 94.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-097A. USAF Sat Cat: 12871. Decay Date: 1983-08-28. Released 25 Romb radar calibration subsatellites. References: 2, 6. 1981 September 30 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5C. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC NASA 21.63GS. Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 243 km (150 mi). References: 2. 1981 September 30 - 08:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3. Cosmos 1312 Nation: USSR. Payload: Geo-IK no. 2. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Geodetic. Spacecraft: Geo-IK. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,491 km (926 mi). Apogee: 1,503 km (933 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 115.90 min. COSPAR: 1981-098A. USAF Sat Cat: 12879. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 2, 6, 114. 1981 September 30 - 23:20 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C SSC S33. PIRAT Aurora mission Nation: Sweden. Agency: SSC. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi). References: 2. Previous Home Next Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments. Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site.. To contact astronauts or cosmonauts. © Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.