Chronology - Quarter 3 1985 home
topic index
PreviousHomeNext
1985 July 2 - 11:23 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 1. LV Configuration: Ariane 1 V14.
  • Giotto Nation: Europe. Mass: 583 kg (1,285 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Comet. Spacecraft: Giotto. Agency: ESA. Perigee: 201 km (124 mi). Apogee: 35,807 km (22,249 mi). Inclination: 6.90 deg. Period: 631.51 min. COSPAR: 1985-056A. USAF Sat Cat: 15875. Encountered comet Halley March 13, 1986. The Giotto mission was designed to study Comet P/Halley, and also studied Comet P/Grigg-Skjellerup during its extended mission. The spacecraft encountered Halley on March 13, 1986, at a distance of 0.89 AU from the sun and 0.98 AU from the Earth and an angle of 107 degrees from the comet-sun line. The actual closest approach was measured at 596 km. All experiments performed well and returned a wealth of new scientific results, of which perhaps the most important was the clear identification of the cometary nucleus. Fourteen seconds before closest approach, Giotto was hit by a `large' dust particle. The impact caused the spacecraft angular momentum vector to shift 0.9 degrees. Scientific data were received intermittently for the next 32 minutes. Some experiment sensors suffered damage during this 32-minute interval. Other experiments (the camera baffle and deflecting mirror, the dust detector sensors on the front sheet of the bumper shield, and most experiment apertures) were exposed to dust particles regardless of the accident and also suffered damage. Many of the sensors survived the encounter with little or no damage. Questionable or partially damaged sensors included the camera (later proved to not be functional) and one of the plasma analyzers (RPA). Inoperable experiments included the neutral and ion mass spectrometers and one sensor each on the dust detector and the other plasma analyzer (JPA). During the Giotto extended mission, the spacecraft successfully encountered Comet P/Grigg-Skjellerup on July 10, 1992. The closest approach was approximately 200 km. The heliocentric distance of the spacecraft was 1.01 AU, and the geocentric distance, 1.43 AU at the time of the encounter. The payload was switched-on in the evening of July 9. Eight experiments were operated and provided a surprising wealth of data. The Johnstone Plasma Analyser detected the first presence of cometary ions 600,000 km from the nucleus at 12 hours before the closest approach. The Dust Impact Detectors reported the first impact of a fairly large particle at 15:30:56. Bow shocks/waves and acceleration regions were also detected. After the P/Grigg-Skjellerup encounter operation were terminated on 23 July 1992. The spacecraft will fly by the Earth on 1 July 1999. References: 2, 6, 296.
1985 July 3 - 12:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1665 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 280 km (170 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1985-057A. USAF Sat Cat: 15877. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-07-17. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6.
1985 July 6 - 00:55 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4.
  • Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1985 July 8 - 23:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Cosmos 1666 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 49. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 595 km (369 mi). Apogee: 622 km (386 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 96.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-058A. USAF Sat Cat: 15889. References: 2, 6.
1985 July 10 - 03:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1667 Nation: USSR. Payload: Bion no. 7. Mass: 5,700 kg (12,500 lb). Class: Biology. Spacecraft: Bion. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 262 km (162 mi). Inclination: 82.40 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1985-059A. USAF Sat Cat: 15891. Duration: 6.90 days. Decay Date: 1985-07-17. Biological research. Carried monkeys Verniy and Gordiy. Continued investigations of the influence of space flight factors on living organisms and radiation physics research. Cosmos 1667 was the second USSR biosatellite mission with a primate payload. Cosmos 1667 also featured a large rodent payload, however the U.S. only conducted a single experiment cardiovascular experiment on one of the two flight monkeys. Mission parameters were very similar to those of Cosmos 1514. Countries participating in the mission included the USSR, U.S., France, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. Additional Details: Cosmos 1667. References: 2, 6, 104, 297.
1985 July 12 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.
  • Shuttle Challenger Pad Abort Nation: USA. Program: STS. Spacecraft: Challenger. Flight: STS-51-F. The countdown for Challenger's launch was halted at T-3 seconds when on-board computers detected a problem with a coolant valve on main engine #2. The valve was replaced and Challenger was launched on July 29, 1985.
1985 July 12 - 19:35 GMT - Launch Site: Syowa Base. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310JA-12.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: NIPR. Apogee: 222 km (137 mi). References: 2.
1985 July 14 - 15:05 GMT - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: KP. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute Sandia 497-013.
  • ACE I Target Nation: USA. Agency: SDIO/MIT-LL. Apogee: 497 km (308 mi). References: 2.
1985 July 15 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT110GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1985 July 15 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1668 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 271 km (168 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1985-060A. USAF Sat Cat: 15906. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-07-29. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6.
1985 July 17 - 01:05 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML.
  • Molniya 3-25 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 37. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,797 km (1,116 mi). Apogee: 38,334 km (23,819 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 713.30 min. COSPAR: 1985-061A. USAF Sat Cat: 15909. Decay Date: 2002-09-21. 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 July 19 -
  • NASA Astronaut Training Group 17 selected. Nation: USA. The group was selected to provide pilot, engineer, and scientist astronauts for space shuttle flights.. Qualifications: Pilots: Bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. Advanced degree desirable. At least 1,000 flight-hours of pilot-in-command time. Flight test experience desirable. Excellent health. Vision minimum 20/50 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 vision; maximum sitting blood pressure 140/90. Height between 163 and 193 cm.

    Mission Specialists: Bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics and minimum three years of related experience or an advanced degree. Vision minimum 20/150 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20. Maximum sitting blood pressure of 140/90. Height between 150 and 193 cm.. Of 25 Americans, eight pilots and 17 mission specialists.

1985 July 19 - 13:05 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U 446.
  • Cosmos 1669 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 7. Payload: Progress s/n 126. Mass: 7,020 kg (15,470 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 187 km (116 mi). Apogee: 247 km (153 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 15918. Duration: 41.51 days. Completed Operations Date: 1985-08-30 01:19:52 PM. Decay Date: 1985-08-30 01:19:52 PM. Flight: Salyut 7 EO-4-1a, Salyut 7 EO-4-1b. Progress vehicle, given Cosmos designation instead of Progress because control lost early in mission but regained later. Resupplied Salyut 7. On departure briefly undocked and redocked to verify reliability of docking system. Transported of various cargoes to the Salyut-7 orbital station. Docked with Salyut 7 on 21 Jul 1985 15:05:00 GMT. Undocked on 28 Aug 1985 21:50:00 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 30 Aug 1985 01:20:00 GMT. Total free-flight time 3.23 days. Total docked time 38.28 days. References: 2, 6, 275.
1985 July 29 - 21:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-26/51-F.
  • STS-51-F Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Challenger F08 / PDP / Spacelab 2 PLT. Mass: 15,603 kg (34,398 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Challenger. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 203 km (126 mi). Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). Inclination: 49.50 deg. Period: 89.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-063A. USAF Sat Cat: 15925. Duration: 7.95 days. Decay Date: 1985-08-06. Crew: Acton, Bartoe, Bridges, England, Fullerton, Henize, Musgrave. Flight: STS-51-F. Manned seven crew. At 5 minutes, 45 seconds into ascent the number one engine shut down prematurely due to a a sensor problem and an abort to orbit was declared. Despite the anomaly the mission continued. Launched PDP; carried Spacelab 2. Payloads: Spacelab-2 with 13 experiments, Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX), Protein Crystal Growth (PCG). The flight crew was divided into a red and blue team. Each team worked 12-hour shifts for 24-hour-a-day operation. References: 2, 6, 7, 33.
  • PDP Nation: USA. Payload: Challenger F8 / PDP. Mass: 285 kg (628 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: PDP. Agency: NASA MSF. Perigee: 311 km (193 mi). Apogee: 321 km (199 mi). Inclination: 49.50 deg. Period: 90.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-063B. USAF Sat Cat: 15929. Decay Date: 1985-08-06. Plasma Diagnostics Package; released by STS 51F 8/1/85, retrieved 8/2/85. References: 2, 6.
  • Spacelab 2 PLT Nation: USA. Program: Spacelab. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacelab. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1985-063xx. USAF Sat Cat: 15925. Decay Date: 1985-08-06. References: 2, 279.
  • CRNE Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1985-063xx. USAF Sat Cat: 15925. Decay Date: 1985-08-06. References: 2, 279.
  • Spacelab 2 PLT Nation: USA. Program: Spacelab. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacelab. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1985-063xx. USAF Sat Cat: 15925. Decay Date: 1985-08-06. References: 2, 279.
  • Spacelab 2 PLT Nation: USA. Program: Spacelab. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacelab. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1985-063xx. USAF Sat Cat: 15925. Decay Date: 1985-08-06. References: 2, 279.
1985 August 1 -
  • Buran Cosmonaut Training Group 2 selected. Nation: USSR. Experienced test pilots were selected to train for manned missions using the Buran space shuttle.
1985 August 1 - 05:36 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1670 Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: US-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 893 km (554 mi). Apogee: 1,007 km (625 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 104.10 min. COSPAR: 1985-064C. USAF Sat Cat: 16196. Decay Date: 1985-12-08. Ocean surveillance; nuclear powered. References: 2, 6.
1985 August 2 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: Jubilee. Launch Pad: -.
  • Buran Analog BST-02 taxi test 2 Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Buran Analogue. Location of Spacecraft: Zhukovskiy Aerodrome, Moscow. Crew: Stankiavicius, Volk. Maximum speed 200 kph. Time 14 minutes. References: 81.
1985 August 2 - 07:15 GMT - 1985 August 2 - 11:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1671 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Apogee: 281 km (174 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1985-065A. USAF Sat Cat: 15931. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-08-16. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6.
1985 August 3 - 03:31 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout G. LV Configuration: Scout G-1 S209C.
  • Transit O-24 Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Mass: 55 kg (121 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Apogee: 1,254 km (779 mi). Inclination: 89.90 deg. Period: 107.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-066A. USAF Sat Cat: 15935. First operational Transits launched in 12 years due to reliability of original constellation. First paired Transit launch. References: 2, 6.
  • Transit O-30 Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Mass: 55 kg (121 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: USN. Perigee: 999 km (620 mi). Apogee: 1,255 km (779 mi). Inclination: 89.90 deg. Period: 107.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-066B. USAF Sat Cat: 15936. References: 2, 6.
1985 August 6 -
  • Landing of STS-51-F Nation: USA. Program: Spacelab. Flight: STS-51-F. STS-51-F landed at 19:52 GMT.
1985 August 7 - 09:50 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1672 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F1-17F41. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Apogee: 255 km (158 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-067A. USAF Sat Cat: 15940. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-08-21. High resolution photo surveillance; film capsule; maneuverable. 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.
1985 August 8 - 10:19 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1673 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-1KFT no. 5. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Cartography. Spacecraft: Yantar-1KFT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Apogee: 271 km (168 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1985-068A. USAF Sat Cat: 15942. Duration: 42.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-09-19. Military topographic / cartographic satellite. References: 2, 6, 101, 102.
1985 August 8 - 11:49 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Cosmos 1674 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 50. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 594 km (369 mi). Apogee: 620 km (380 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 96.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-069A. USAF Sat Cat: 15944. Replaced Cosmos 1536. References: 2, 6.
1985 August 8 - 21:01 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 317-02.
  • Raduga 16 Nation: USSR. Payload: Raduga s/n 26L. Mass: 1,940 kg (4,270 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Raduga . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,788 km (22,237 mi). Apogee: 35,818 km (22,256 mi). Inclination: 10.80 deg. Period: 1,436.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-070A. USAF Sat Cat: 15946. Completed Operations Date: 1988-10-01. Stationed at 45 deg. E. Provision of telephone and telegraph radiocommunications and television broadcasting. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 45 deg E in 1985-1987; 170 deg W in 1987-1988 As of 1 September 2001 located at 34.20 deg W drifting at 0.087 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 161.95W drifting at 0.182W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 274.
1985 August 10 - 17:00 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.
1985 August 12 - 15:09 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-2BL.
  • Cosmos 1675 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #41. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 3,363 km (2,089 mi). Apogee: 36,967 km (22,970 mi). Inclination: 67.40 deg. Period: 717.30 min. COSPAR: 1985-071A. USAF Sat Cat: 15952. Replaced Cosmos 1581. Covered Oko constellation plane 8 - 195 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 6, 100.
1985 August 16 - 15:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1676 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 332 km (206 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1985-072A. USAF Sat Cat: 15959. Duration: 59.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-10-14. 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 August 18 - 23:33 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: M. Launch Pad: M1. Launch Vehicle: Mu. Model: Mu-3S-II. LV Configuration: Mu-3S-II M-3S2-2.
  • SS-11 Suisei Nation: Japan. Payload: Planet A. Mass: 141 kg (310 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: SS. Agency: ISAS. COSPAR: 1985-073A. USAF Sat Cat: 15967. Rendezvoused with comet Halley 3/8/86. Solar Orbit (Heliocentric). PLANET-A (SUISEI). Launch time 2333 GMT. Imaging of the hydrogen coma of Halley's comet by the hydrogen Lyman alpha line. Measurement of the solar wind in the cruising phase and in the vicinity of the comet. Launching organiza tion ISAS. Heliocentric orbit parameters 282 days, inclination 0.888 deg, 151.42 x 100.5 million km (1.0122 x 0.6718 AU). References: 2, 6.
1985 August 22 - 19:28 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML.
  • Molniya 1-64 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,987 km (1,234 mi). Apogee: 38,370 km (23,840 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-074A. USAF Sat Cat: 15977. Decay Date: 2000-03-22. Replaced Molniya 1-61. 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.
1985 August 23 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • First Peacekeeper ICBM "cold launch" Nation: USA. First Peacekeeper ICBM 'cold launch' from an underground silo (LF08). First eight launches conducted from an above ground launch stand at Test Pad 01. References: 88.
1985 August 23 - 22:33 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1677 Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: US-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 880 km (540 mi). Apogee: 1,001 km (621 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 103.90 min. COSPAR: 1985-075B. USAF Sat Cat: 16192. Decay Date: 1985-12-14. Ocean surveillance; nuclear powered. References: 2, 6.
1985 August 24 - 16:40 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF08. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper FTM-9.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1985 August 27 - 10:58 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-27/51-I.
  • STS-51-I Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Discovery F06 / Syncom-4 4 [Orbus-7S] / Aussat A1. Mass: 19,952 kg (43,986 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 351 km (218 mi). Apogee: 364 km (226 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 91.70 min. COSPAR: 1985-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 15992. Duration: 7.10 days. Decay Date: 1985-09-03. Crew: Covey, Engle, Fisher William, Lounge, van Hoften. Flight: STS-51-I. Manned five crew. Launched Aussat 1, ASC 1, Leasat 4; repaired Leasat 3. Payloads: Deploy ASC (American Satellite Company)-1 with Payload Assist Modue (PAM)-D. Deploy AUSSAT (Australian communications satellite)-1 with PAM-D. Deploy Syncom IV-4 communications satellite with its unique stage. Retrieve Leasat-3 communications satellite, repair and deploy by extravehicular activity (EVA) astronauts. Physical Vapor Transport Organic Solids (PVTOS) experiment. References: 2, 6, 7, 33.
  • Aussat A1 Nation: Australia. Program: Aussat. Payload: Aussat A1 [PAM-D]. Mass: 1,260 kg (2,770 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Agency: Aussat. Perigee: 35,922 km (22,320 mi). Apogee: 35,934 km (22,328 mi). Inclination: 7.00 deg. Period: 1,443.30 min. COSPAR: 1985-076B. USAF Sat Cat: 15993. Completed Operations Date: 1993-08-24. Released by STS 51I 8/27/85. Aussat A1 was decommissioned in early 1993 at the ned of its nominal life. It is currently in a non-synchronous graveyard orbit.. It spent its active life at 160 deg. E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 160 deg E in 1985-1993 As of 5 September 2001 located at 174.28 deg W drifting at 1.831 deg W per day. As of 2007 Feb 27 located at 120.19E drifting at 1.838W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.
  • ASC-1 Nation: USA. Program: GTE. Mass: 1,271 kg (2,802 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: ASC. Agency: ASC. Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,796 km (22,242 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1985-076C. USAF Sat Cat: 15994. Completed Operations Date: 1994-08-01. Released by STS 51I 8/27/85; stationed at 81 deg E. C, Ku band communications satellite. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 128 deg W in 1985-1994 As of 5 September 2001 located at 99.97 deg W drifting at 0.156 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 119.21W drifting at 0.126W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.
  • Syncom IV-4 Nation: USA. Payload: Discovery F6 / Syncom-4 4 [Orbus-7S] / Aussat A1 [. Mass: 1,388 kg (3,060 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 381. Agency: HCI. Perigee: 36,486 km (22,671 mi). Apogee: 36,503 km (22,681 mi). Inclination: 9.50 deg. Period: 1,472.40 min. COSPAR: 1985-076D. USAF Sat Cat: 15995. Completed Operations Date: 1996-10-30. Released by STS 51I 8/29/85; 178 deg E; leased by U.S. government. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 177 deg W in 1985-1987 As of 3 September 2001 located at 149.81 deg W drifting at 8.908 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 84.34W drifting at 8.912W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.
1985 August 28 - 21:20 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 34D. LV Configuration: Titan 34D 34D-7 (04D-6). FAILURE: Stage 1 propellant feed system failure forced premature engine shutdown.
  • KH-11 no. 7 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-11 no. 7. Mass: 13,300 kg (29,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-11. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F850828A. Decay Date: 1985-08-28. KH-11 type satellite. References: 5.
1985 August 29 - 10:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1678 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F1-17F41. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 178 km (110 mi). Apogee: 280 km (170 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 89.10 min. COSPAR: 1985-077A. USAF Sat Cat: 15997. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-09-12. High resolution photo surveillance; film capsule; maneuverable; also performed earth resource 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.
1985 August 29 - 11:33 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1679 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 172 km (106 mi). Apogee: 341 km (211 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1985-078A. USAF Sat Cat: 15999. Duration: 50.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-10-18. 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 August 31 - 1985 September 1 - 1985 September 1 -
  • DoD Astronaut Training Group 3 selected. Nation: USA. The group was selected to provide shuttle manned spaceflight engineers to operate military payloads.. Qualifications: USAF officers with bachelor's degree in science or engineering; four years experience in flying or space-related activities. Vision minimum 20/150 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20. Maximum sitting blood pressure of 140/90. Height between 150 and 193 cm.. 5 were selected from 160 candidates.
1985 September 2 -
  • IMBP Cosmonaut Training Group 4 selected. Nation: USSR. Physicians and biomedical specialist cosmonauts for planned missions to the Mir space station.
1985 September 2 -
  • MAP Cosmonaut Training Group 4 selected. Nation: USSR. The group was selected to provide test pilots for Buran spaceplane.
1985 September 2 -
  • Energia Engineer Cosmonaut Training Group 8 selected. Nation: USSR.
1985 September 2 - 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 September 2 - 05:03 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 September 3 -
  • Landing of STS-51-I Nation: USA. Program: STS. Flight: STS-51-I. STS-51-I landed at 13:34 GMT.
1985 September 4 - 07:05 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65011-241.
  • Cosmos 1680 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-2M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 774 km (480 mi). Apogee: 798 km (495 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 100.60 min. COSPAR: 1985-079A. USAF Sat Cat: 16011. Replaced Cosmos 1538. References: 2, 6.
1985 September 6 - 10:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1681 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Payload: Zenit-4MKT no. 27. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-080A. USAF Sat Cat: 16018. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-09-19. 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.
1985 September 6 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.55UU.
  • CWAS 11 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1985 September 9 -
  • CNES Astronaut Training Group 1 selected. Nation: France. French astronauts trained for flights to the Mir space station.
1985 September 9 -
  • CNES Cosmonaut Training Group selected. Nation: France. French astronaut sent to Russia for cosmonaut training.
1985 September 10 - 00:02 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.50GE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1985 September 10 - 00:03 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.51GE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1985 September 11 -
  • ICE, Comet Giacobini-Zinner Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: ISEE.
1985 September 12 - 14:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.56UU.
  • CWAS 12 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.
1985 September 12 - 23:26 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 3. LV Configuration: Ariane 3 V15. FAILURE: Geosynchronous orbit injection failure. Third stage igniter cartridge failure was determined to be the most likely cause.
  • Eutelsat 3 Nation: France. Program: Eutelsat. Payload: ECS 3. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: ECS/OTS. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Eutelsat. COSPAR: F850912A. Launched with Spacenet F3. References: 5.
  • Spacenet F3 Nation: USA. Program: GTE. Mass: 600 kg (1,320 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 3000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Arianespace. COSPAR: F850912B. References: 279.
1985 September 13 - Launch Site: Western Test Range DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 35.0 N x 120.0 W. Launch Vehicle: ASAT.
  • First US ASAT intercept Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Successful ASAT intercept test; rammed and destroyed the Solwind P78-1 satellite. References: 2.
1985 September 14 - 14:40 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-78.
  • CBR Submillimeter radio astronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 297 km (184 mi). References: 2.
1985 September 17 - 12:38 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U2 007.
  • Soyuz T-14 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 7. Payload: Soyuz T s/n 20L. Mass: 6,850 kg (15,100 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 196 km (121 mi). Apogee: 223 km (138 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.70 min. COSPAR: 1985-081A. USAF Sat Cat: 16051. Duration: 64.91 days. Decay Date: 1985-11-21. Crew: Grechko, Vasyutin, Volkov Aleksandr. Flight: Salyut 7 EO-4-2, Salyut 7 EP-5, Salyut 7 EO-4-1a, Salyut 7 EO-4-1b. Docked with Salyut 7. Transported a crew comprising ship's commander V V Vasyutin, flight engineer G M Grechko and cosmonaut-researcher A A Volkov to the Salyut-7 orbital station to conduct scientific and technical studies and experiments. Grechko returned in Soyuz T-13 on 25 September 1985 - emergency return. References: 2, 6, 32, 33,51.
1985 September 19 - 01:32 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1682 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 341 km (211 mi). Apogee: 446 km (277 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 92.40 min. COSPAR: 1985-082A. USAF Sat Cat: 16054. Decay Date: 1986-12-31. Ocean surveillance. References: 2, 6.
1985 September 19 - 10:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1683 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 370 km (220 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.10 min. COSPAR: 1985-083A. USAF Sat Cat: 16056. Duration: 15.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-10-04. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1985 September 23 -
  • United States Space Command activated at Peterson AFB, Colorado. Nation: USA. References: 569.
1985 September 24 - 01:18 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-2BL.
  • Cosmos 1684 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #42. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 7,606 km (4,726 mi). Apogee: 32,715 km (20,328 mi). Inclination: 67.90 deg. Period: 717.10 min. COSPAR: 1985-084A. USAF Sat Cat: 16064. Replaced Cosmos 1586. Covered Oko constellation plane 4 - 35 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 6, 100.
1985 September 26 -
  • Consolidated Space Operations Center (CSOC) opened at Falcon AFS, Colorado, and transferred from Air Force Systems Command (AFSC) to Space Command. Nation: USA. References: 569.
1985 September 26 - 08:25 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT111GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1985 September 26 - 11:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1685 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 350 km (210 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.00 min. COSPAR: 1985-085A. USAF Sat Cat: 16088. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-10-10. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1985 September 26 - 1985 September 27 - 08:41 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K. LV Configuration: Proton-K 331-01.
  • Cosmos 1686 Nation: USSR. Program: Almaz. Payload: TKS-M s/n 16501. Mass: 20,000 kg (44,000 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: TKS . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 280 km (170 mi). Apogee: 284 km (176 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1985-086A. USAF Sat Cat: 16095. Duration: 1,958.80 days. Decay Date: 1991-02-07. Flight: Salyut 7 EO-4-1a, Salyut 7 EO-4-2. Modification of cancelled TKS manned ferry; docked with Salyut 7. All landing systems were removed from the VA re-entry capsule and replaced with military optical sensor experiments (infrared telescope and Ozon spectrometer). Burned up in the atmosphere and together with the Salyut 7 station over Argentina on February 7, 1991 04:00 GMT. Re-entered with unused 3 m diameter recoverable capsule of 2-3,000 kg mass, solid rocket motors, and cesium sensors.

    Maneuver Summary:
    172 km X 302 km orbit to 284 km X 319 km orbit. Delta V: 36 m/s
    281 km X 315 km orbit to 290 km X 336 km orbit. Delta V: 8 m/s
    290 km X 336 km orbit to 335 km X 352 km orbit. Delta V: 16 m/s
    Maneuvers after docking with Salyut 7:
    336 km X 353 km orbit to 338 km X 358 km orbit. Delta V: 1 m/s
    338 km X 358 km orbit to 358 km X 359 km orbit. Delta V: 5 m/s
    331 km X 333 km orbit to 333 km X 385 km orbit. Delta V: 14 m/s
    333 km X 385 km orbit to 332 km X 468 km orbit. Delta V: 23 m/s
    332 km X 468 km orbit to 466 km X 468 km orbit. Delta V: 37 m/s
    466 km X 468 km orbit to 470 km X 475 km orbit. Delta V: 2 m/s
    470 km X 475 km orbit to 475 km X 475 km orbit. Delta V: 1 m/s
    Total Delta V: 143 m/s
    Officially: Testing the equipment, assemblies and design components of a satellite in various modes of flight, including joint flight with the Salyut-7 station. References: 2, 6, 67, 274, 439.
1985 September 27 - 15:20 GMT - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: KP. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute Sandia 497-014.
  • ACE II Target Nation: USA. Agency: SDIO/MIT-LL. Apogee: 497 km (308 mi). References: 2.
1985 September 28 - Launch Site: Yellow Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 35.0 N x 125.0 E. Launch Vehicle: JL-1. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: China. Agency: PRC. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1985 September 28 - 23:36 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas G Centaur. LV Configuration: Atlas G Centaur AC-65 / Centaur D-1AR 5045G.
  • Intelsat 5A F-12 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Mass: 1,096 kg (2,416 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Intelsat 5A. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 36,086 km (22,422 mi). Apogee: 36,140 km (22,450 mi). Inclination: 6.20 deg. Period: 1,452.80 min. COSPAR: 1985-087A. USAF Sat Cat: 16101. Completed Operations Date: 1998-06-23. Telephone communications; 31 deg E. Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 60 deg E in 1985-1989; 1 deg W in 1989-1994; 21 deg W in 1994-1996; 56 deg W in 1996-1998 As of 28 August 2001 located at 145.57 deg E drifting at 4.159 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 19.14E drifting at 4.163W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 278.
1985 September 30 -
  • International Cosmonaut Training Group selected. Nation: Syria. Training group of Syrian 'guest cosmonauts' for propaganda flights to the Salyut space station.
1985 September 30 - 19:23 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-2BL.
  • Cosmos 1687 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #43. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 4,160 km (2,580 mi). Apogee: 36,187 km (22,485 mi). Inclination: 67.70 deg. Period: 717.70 min. COSPAR: 1985-088A. USAF Sat Cat: 16103. Replaced Cosmos 1401. Covered Oko constellation plane 2 - 314 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 6, 100.
PreviousHomeNext
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.