Chronology - Quarter 1 1985 home
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1985 - Launch Vehicle: SHARP.
  • SHARP (Super High Altitude Research Project) light gas gun design work begun Nation: USA. The SHARP (Super High Altitude Research Project) light gas gun was developed by John Hunter at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in California. In 1985 Hunter was reviewing data for a 'star wars' anti-ballistic missile electromagnetic rail gun. He realised that a light gas gun would be much more efficient in launching projectiles to a good percentage of orbital speed.
1985 - During the year - Launch Vehicle: MAKS.
  • An-225 project started. Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Spacecraft: Buran. System specification issued for An-225 heavy transport, which will replace 3M-T for transport of Energia core stage components and the Buran spaceplane. The aircraft will also be the launcher for the MAKS spaceplane.
1985 During the Year -
  • Mir planned orbit changed to 51.6 degree inclination Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Kvant. This change was made at least partially due to weight growth in the add-on modules, which had become too heavy for the standard Proton launch vehicle.
1985 January -
  • XMM approved by ESA Nation: Europe. Spacecraft: XMM. The XMM mission was the second Cornerstone mission of ESA's Long-Term Space Science programme. It was proposed by the Agency's Science Programme Committee in 1984 and was approved by the ESA Council of Ministers held in Rome.
1985 January 6 -
  • La Criolla Meteorite Fall (Hit House) Nation: Argentina.
1985 January 7 - 19:26 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: M. Launch Pad: M1. Launch Vehicle: Mu. Model: Mu-3S-II. LV Configuration: Mu-3S-II M-3S2-1.
  • SS-10 Sagikake Nation: Japan. Payload: MS T5. Mass: 141 kg (310 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Tansei. Agency: ISAS. COSPAR: 1985-001A. USAF Sat Cat: 15464. Sakigake ('Pioneer') was a test spacecraft similar to Suisei (Planet-A). Objectives were :verification of fundamental technology related to interplanetary missions, including deep-space communication, attitude control, attitude determination; study and observation of solar wind and plasma waves and interplanetary magnetic field. It carried three instruments to measure plasma wave spectra, solar wind ions, and interplanetary magnetic fields. The spacecraft was spin-stabilized at two different rates (5 and 0.2 rpm). It was equipped with hydrazine thrusters for attitude and velocity control, star and sun sensors for attitude determination, and a mechanically despun off-set parabolic dish for long-range communication. Launched into an initial heliocentric orbit with a period of 318.8 days, at 151.4 x 121.9 million km (0.815 x 1.012 AU), 1.439 degree inclination. Flew by Comet Halley on its sunward side at a distance of about 7 million kilometers on March 11, 1986. It later made an Earth swingby on January 8, 1992 with a closest approach of 88,997 km. This was the first planet-swingby for a Japanese spacecraft. During the approach, Sakigake observed the geotail, with passage occurring at 290 Re on 14 June 1993 before ISTP's multi-spacecraft investigation of that region. The second Earth swingby was on June 14, 1993 at 40 Re, and the third on October 28, 1994 at 86 Re. Almost no hydrazine remained so no further maneuvers were accomplished. Telemetry contact was lost on 15 November 1995 at a distance of 106 million km. Future mission planning had included a 23.6 km/s, 10,000 km flyby of Comet Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova on Feb 3, 1996 (approaching the nucleus along the tail) some 0.17 AU from the Sun, and a 14 million km passage of Comet Giacobini-Zinner on Nov 29, 1998. References: 2, 6, 296.
1985 January 9 - 10:45 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1616 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 171 km (106 mi). Apogee: 356 km (221 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-002A. USAF Sat Cat: 15467. Duration: 54.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-03-04. 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.
1985 January 15 - 14:50 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Cosmos 1617 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 1. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1985-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 15469. First launch of new Strela-3 store-dump military communications satellite. Six Strelas are put into medium earth orbits with each launch. In the first two launches, four of the satellites are mass-model mockups. References: 2, 6, 105.
  • Cosmos 1618 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 2. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,408 km (874 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.00 min. COSPAR: 1985-003B. USAF Sat Cat: 15470. References: 2, 6, 105.
  • Cosmos 1619 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 Mass Model. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,383 km (859 mi). Apogee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 113.70 min. COSPAR: 1985-003C. USAF Sat Cat: 15471. Mass model of Strela-3. References: 2, 6, 105.
  • Cosmos 1620 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 Mass Model. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,391 km (864 mi). Apogee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 113.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-003D. USAF Sat Cat: 15472. Mass model of Strela-3. References: 2, 6, 105.
  • Cosmos 1621 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 Mass Model. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,396 km (867 mi). Apogee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 113.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-003E. USAF Sat Cat: 15473. Mass model of Strela-3. References: 2, 6, 105.
  • Cosmos 1622 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 Mass Model. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,401 km (870 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 113.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-003F. USAF Sat Cat: 15474. Mass model of Strela-3. References: 2, 6, 105.
1985 January 16 - 06:22 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML.
  • Molniya 3-23 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 36. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 626 km (388 mi). Apogee: 39,732 km (24,688 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 717.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 15476. Decay Date: 1994-12-05. Replaced Molniya 3-19. 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.
1985 January 16 - 08:19 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1623 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 387 km (240 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1985-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 15479. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-01-30. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1985 January 17 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: LC35 L-21B. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150 MI. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 MI-20 NASA 04.342UG.
  • JHU Airglow 14 (HUT) Airglow mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi). References: 2.
1985 January 17 - 17:46 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65034-138.
  • Cosmos 1624 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-2M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 777 km (482 mi). Apogee: 797 km (495 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 100.60 min. COSPAR: 1985-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 15482. Replaced Cosmos 1570. References: 2, 6.
1985 January 18 - 10:25 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 326-02.
  • Gorizont 11 Nation: USSR. Payload: Gorizont s/n 21L. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Gorizont . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,764 km (22,222 mi). Apogee: 35,803 km (22,246 mi). Inclination: 11.00 deg. Period: 1,435.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 15484. Completed Operations Date: 1991-09-02. Stationed at 140 deg E. Provision of telephone and telegraph radiocommunications and television broadcasting. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 140 deg E in 1985-1987; 53 deg E in 1987-1989; 11 deg W in 1989-1991 As of 5 September 2001 located at 22.94 deg W drifting at 0.085 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 14.60W drifting at 0.040W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 111, 274.
1985 January 23 - 09:23 GMT - Launch Site: Sonde Stromfjord. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute NASA 29.23UE.
  • COPE Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1985 January 23 - 09:26 GMT - Launch Site: Sonde Stromfjord. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 10. LV Configuration: Black Brant X NASA 35.009UE.
  • COPE Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 769 km (477 mi). References: 2.
1985 January 23 - 19:58 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1625 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 118 km (73 mi). Apogee: 390 km (240 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1985-008A. USAF Sat Cat: 15492. Decay Date: 1985-01-25. Ocean monitoring. References: 2, 6.
1985 January 24 - 16:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Cosmos 1626 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 47. Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 590 km (360 mi). Apogee: 618 km (384 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 96.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 15494. Replaced Cosmos 1408. References: 2, 6.
1985 January 24 - 19:50 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-20/51-C.
  • STS-51-C Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Discovery F03 / Magnum 1 [IUS]. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 332 km (206 mi). Apogee: 341 km (211 mi). Inclination: 28.40 deg. Period: 91.30 min. COSPAR: 1985-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 15496. Duration: 3.06 days. Decay Date: 1985-01-27. Crew: Buchli, Mattingly, Onizuka, Payton, Shriver. Flight: STS-51-C. Manned five crew. Deployed USA 8 (Aquacade ELINT spacecraft). Orbits of Earth: 48. Landed at: Runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Landing Speed: 342 kph. Touchdown miss distance: 839.00 m. Landing Rollout: 2,240.00 m. Payloads: Department of Defence classified payloads. References: 2, 6, 7, 33.
  • USA 8 Nation: USA. Payload: Magnum 1 [IUS]. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Magnum. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 341 km (211 mi). Apogee: 34,670 km (21,540 mi). Inclination: 28.40 deg. Period: 612.30 min. COSPAR: 1985-010B. USAF Sat Cat: 15543. New Magnum model geostationary ELINT satellite model replaced earlier Rhyolite/Aquacade. Deployed from STS-51C 24 January 1985. Boosted to geostationary orbit. As of 2003 Apr 30 located at 69.16E drifting at 0.038W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 172.
1985 January 27 -
  • Preliminary design work began on Zarya 'Super Soyuz'. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Zarya. Concept was reusable spacecraft, launched by Zenit launch vehicle, with all possible systems recovered in landing module, together with significant payload delivered to and returned from orbit. Carriage in payload bay of Buran shuttle was also a requirement.
1985 January 27 -
  • Landing of STS-51-C Nation: USA. Program: STS. Flight: STS-51-C. STS-51-C landed at 21:28 GMT.
1985 January 30 - 19:30 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 12. LV Configuration: Skylark 12 DLR A-GRC-134.
  • CAESAR 2 Auroral mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 703 km (436 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 1 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: TP-01. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper FTM-7.
  • 6 RVs Test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1985 February - 1985 February 1 - 19:36 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47144-445.
  • Cosmos 1627 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 955 km (593 mi). Apogee: 1,015 km (630 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-011A. USAF Sat Cat: 15505. Military navigation satellite. Replaced Cosmos 1448. References: 2, 6.
1985 February 6 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F. LV Configuration: Atlas F.
  • USAF Nation: USA.
1985 February 6 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. FAILURE: Failure.
  • FOT GT106GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 6 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1628 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 378 km (234 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1985-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 15514. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-02-20. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1985 February 6 - 21:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Meteor 2-12 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor-2 no. 12. Mass: 2,750 kg (6,060 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor-2. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 932 km (579 mi). Apogee: 958 km (595 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 104.00 min. COSPAR: 1985-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 15516. Gathering meteorological information and data on penetrating radiation fluxes in circumterrestrial space. References: 2, 6.
1985 February 7 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: L. Launch Pad: K. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310-15.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 213 km (132 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 8 - 06:10 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 34B. LV Configuration: Titan 34B 34B-10 (3B-69) / Ascent Agena D.
  • USA 9 Nation: USA. Payload: SDS no. 6. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: SDS. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 400 km (240 mi). Apogee: 39,775 km (24,714 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 15546. Satellite Data Systems 2. References: 2, 6.
1985 February 8 - 18:14 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.48UU.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 8 - 23:22 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 3. LV Configuration: Ariane 3 V12.
  • Arabsat 1A Nation: Arab States. Program: Arabsat. Mass: 532 kg (1,172 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 100. Agency: Arabsat. Perigee: 35,724 km (22,197 mi). Apogee: 35,753 km (22,215 mi). Inclination: 8.20 deg. Period: 1,433.70 min. COSPAR: 1985-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 15560. Completed Operations Date: 1992-07-31. Stationed at 19 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 19 deg E in 1985-1991 As of 27 August 2001 located at 76.76 deg E drifting at 0.635 deg E per day. As of 2007 Feb 28 located at 87.85E drifting at 0.629E degrees per day. References: 2, 6.
  • Brasilsat A1 Nation: Brazil. Program: Brasilsat. Mass: 671 kg (1,479 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Agency: Telebras. Perigee: 35,983 km (22,358 mi). Apogee: 35,999 km (22,368 mi). Inclination: 5.90 deg. Period: 1,446.60 min. COSPAR: 1985-015B. USAF Sat Cat: 15561. Stationed at 65 deg W. Brazilsat 1 & 2 provide telecommunications services to Brazil. Canada's Spar Aerospace was awarded a $125 million contract to build, under license, two satellites based on Hughes' HS-376 design (similar to Anik D). Brazilsat 1 & 2 were the first two elements of Brazil's national Sistema Barasilero de Telecommunicacoes por Satelite (SBTS) network. Spacecraft: Based on Hughes HS-376, single antenna on despun platform, spin stabilised, hydrazine thrusters, body mounted solar cells provide 982 W BOL. Payload: 24 C-band transponders with 6 spares, 10 W TWTA, EIRP >34 dBW over most of Brazilian territory
    Financial/Operational:
    Contract issued in 1990 for 2 units HS-376W. B1-B2 have dedicated transponders for government use. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 65 deg W in 1985-1994; 63 deg W in 1994-1996; 79 deg W in 1996-1998; 144 deg W in 1998-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 143.96 deg W drifting at 0.005 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 145.69E drifting at 2.591W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.
1985 February 10 - 02:11 GMT - Launch Site: Sonde Stromfjord. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute NASA 29.15UE.
  • ARCS 3 Plasma / active mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 406 km (252 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 10 - 02:13 GMT - Launch Site: Sonde Stromfjord. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 10. LV Configuration: Black Brant X NASA 35.012UE.
  • TOPAZ I Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 816 km (507 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 11 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: L. Launch Pad: K. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-520. LV Configuration: S-520-7.
  • Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 362 km (224 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 15 - 01:45 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9B. LV Configuration: Black Brant IXB AAF-IXB-3.
  • WATERHOLE 4 Aurora / aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 302 km (187 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 15 - 05:25 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 10B. LV Configuration: Black Brant XB AAF-XB-01.
  • MARIE Ionosphere / plasma / fields mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 979 km (608 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 20 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT107GB Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 21 - 07:57 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 327-01.
  • Cosmos 1629 Nation: USSR. Payload: SPRN No. 3. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Prognoz SPRN. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,738 km (22,206 mi). Apogee: 35,773 km (22,228 mi). Inclination: 6.50 deg. Period: 1,434.50 min. COSPAR: 1985-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 15574. Completed Operations Date: 1986-10-01. Geosynchronous ballistic missile early warning satellite. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 35 deg E in 1985; 24 deg W in 1985-1986 As of 5 September 2001 located at 151.95 deg W drifting at 0.251 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 3 located at 24.42W drifting at 0.038E degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 107, 274.
1985 February 27 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: RT-23. Model: RT-23U 15Zh61. LV Configuration: RT-23U 15Zh61 15Zh61.
  • rail Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1985 February 27 - 11:10 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1630 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 173 km (107 mi). Apogee: 332 km (206 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1985-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 15582. Duration: 55.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-04-23. 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.
1985 February 27 - 12:56 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47134-139.
  • Cosmos 1631 Nation: USSR. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-1. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 349 km (216 mi). Apogee: 376 km (233 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 91.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 15584. Decay Date: 1990-12-08. Radar calibration mission. References: 2, 6.
1985 March - Launch Vehicle: Energia.
  • Energia cold flow tests begun Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Buran. From March-October 1985 the Ts core stage was back on the UKSS for cold flow tests. A total of nine cryogenic fuelling cycle were completed with the 4M Energia mock-up, representing the first operational use in the world of super-chilled hydrogen.
1985 March 1 - 10:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1632 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 190 km (110 mi). Apogee: 233 km (144 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 88.70 min. COSPAR: 1985-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 15589. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-03-15. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6.
1985 March 3 - 14:45 GMT - Launch Site: Natal. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 12. LV Configuration: Skylark 12 DLR N-GRC-137. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Interzodiak 1 Extreme ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1985 March 5 - 15:39 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Cosmos 1633 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 48. Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 595 km (369 mi). Apogee: 613 km (380 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 96.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 15592. Replaced Cosmos 1470. References: 2, 6.
1985 March 5 - 20:38 GMT - Launch Site: Sonde Stromfjord. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.44UE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 6 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 6 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 6 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 6 - 03:42 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 13 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E/OIS. LV Configuration: Atlas E/OIS 41E.
  • Geosat Nation: USA. Mass: 635 kg (1,399 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Geosat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 775 km (481 mi). Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Inclination: 108.10 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1985-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 15595. Ocean sea height mapping. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 2, 6, 278.
1985 March 14 - 01:09 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53744-146.
  • Cosmos 1634 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 957 km (594 mi). Apogee: 1,009 km (626 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 15597. Military navigation satellite. Replaced Cosmos 1513. References: 2, 6.
1985 March 14 - 12:54 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Taurus Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Taurus Tomahawk NASA 34.11UE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 15 - Launch Vehicle: Energia.
  • Energia cold flow tests. Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Spacecraft: Buran. From March-October 1985 the Ts core stage was back on the UKSS test/launch stand for cold flow tests. A total of nine cryogenic fuelling cycle were completed with the 4M Energia mock-up, representing the first operational use in the world of super-chilled hydrogen.
1985 March 15 - 02:05 GMT - Launch Site: Sonde Stromfjord. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX GL A21.426.
  • PIIE Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 429 km (266 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 15 - 17:37 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.50UU.
  • CWAS 9 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 18 - 00:05 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 18.0 N x 30.0 W. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Model: MR-20.
  • Plazma Plasma/Active mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 18 - 08:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5C. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC NASA 21.70UH.
  • X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 213 km (132 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 20 - 22:34 GMT - Launch Site: Sonde Stromfjord. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Taurus Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Taurus Tomahawk NASA 34.06UE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 20 - 22:44 GMT - Launch Site: Sonde Stromfjord. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.219UE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 21 - 00:08 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53734-134.
  • Cosmos 1635 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 281. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,474 km (915 mi). Apogee: 1,513 km (940 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 115.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 15617. Eight satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1636 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 282. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,474 km (915 mi). Apogee: 1,494 km (928 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 115.60 min. COSPAR: 1985-023B. USAF Sat Cat: 15618. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1637 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 283. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,465 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,488 km (924 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 115.50 min. COSPAR: 1985-023C. USAF Sat Cat: 15619. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1638 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 284. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,456 km (904 mi). Apogee: 1,480 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 115.30 min. COSPAR: 1985-023D. USAF Sat Cat: 15620. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1639 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 285. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,441 km (895 mi). Apogee: 1,480 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 115.10 min. COSPAR: 1985-023E. USAF Sat Cat: 15621. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1640 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 286. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,427 km (886 mi). Apogee: 1,480 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 115.00 min. COSPAR: 1985-023F. USAF Sat Cat: 15622. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1641 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 287. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,480 km (910 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 114.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-023G. USAF Sat Cat: 15623. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1642 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 288. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,399 km (869 mi). Apogee: 1,478 km (918 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 114.60 min. COSPAR: 1985-023H. USAF Sat Cat: 15624. References: 2, 6.
1985 March 22 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 328-01.
  • Ekran 14 Nation: USSR. Payload: Ekran s/n 28L. Mass: 1,970 kg (4,340 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Ekran . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 37,333 km (23,197 mi). Apogee: 37,457 km (23,274 mi). Inclination: 12.70 deg. Period: 1,519.00 min. COSPAR: 1985-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 15626. Completed Operations Date: 1987-11-01. Stationed at 99 deg E. Transmission of Central Television programmes to a network of receivers for collective use. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 99 deg E in 1985-1987 As of 5 September 2001 located at 178.66 deg E drifting at 19.729 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 122.42E drifting at 19.716W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 274.
1985 March 22 - 17:33 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.49UU.
  • CWAS 10 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 91 km (56 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 22 - 23:58 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas G Centaur. LV Configuration: Atlas G Centaur AC-63 / Centaur D-1AR 5043G.
  • Intelsat 5A F-10 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Mass: 2,013 kg (4,437 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Intelsat 5A. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 36,237 km (22,516 mi). Apogee: 36,468 km (22,660 mi). Inclination: 7.20 deg. Period: 1,465.10 min. COSPAR: 1985-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 15629. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 24 deg W in 1985-1990; 174 deg E in 1990-1994; 66 deg E in 1994-1995; 57 deg E in 1995-1996; 33 deg E in 1996-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 135.23 deg W drifting at 7.152 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 107.21W drifting at 7.157W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 278.
1985 March 25 - 10:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2.
  • Cosmos 1643 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4KS1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 182 km (113 mi). Apogee: 276 km (171 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 89.10 min. COSPAR: 1985-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 15634. Duration: 207.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-10-18. Photo/digital surveillance. References: 2, 6.
1985 March 27 - 06:07 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.98UL.
  • Auroral Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 230 km (140 mi). References: 2.
1985 March 29 - 17:03 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.48GE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.

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