Chronology - Quarter 1 1986 home
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1986 - Launch Vehicle: Tu-2000.
  • In reaction to US X-30 project, government decrees of 27 January and 19 July 1986 ordered development of a Soviet equivalent. The Ministry of Defence issued technical specifications on 1 September for Nation: USSR.
1986 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36MU 15A18.
  • Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1986 During the Year -
  • Mars 1986 Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Mars 1986. Having completed design and development work on Energia-launched nuclear-electric upper stages, NPO Energia studied a manned Mars project again. The study revamped the 1969 studies to include launch by Energia and use of two reactors in the place of one and the use of tested systems developed on orbital stations.
1986 January - Launch Vehicle: Energia.
  • Buran program shakeup Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Buran. By January 1986 it was clear that the project, now three years behind schedule, had no prospect of completion due to problems in obtaining deliveries of equipment for Buran, numerous problems in assembling the orbiters and lack of manpower at Baikonur, and a general loss of management focus. Minister O D Bakhnov called large group of industry leaders to the cosmodrome to review measures to concentrate and accelerate the remaining work. Three 'Tiger Teams' were set up. The first, led by Semenov, was to finish the flight Buran orbiter and associated facilities in time for a third quarter 1987 launch. The second, led by B I Gubanov, was to finish the Energia launch vehicle and fly it, without the Buran mock-ups if necessary, at the earliest possible date. The third group, led by S S Banin, was to complete the assembly and launch facilities.
1986 January 3 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: Jubilee. Launch Pad: -.
  • Buran Analog BST-02 flight 2 Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Buran Analogue. Location of Spacecraft: Zhukovskiy Aerodrome, Moscow. Crew: Stankiavicius, Volk. Maximum speed 520 kph. Maximum altitude 3000 m. Time 36 minutes. References: 81.
1986 January 3 -
  • Stephen Synnott's Discovery of Uranus Moons Juliet & Portia Nation: USA.
1986 January 8 - 11:25 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1715 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Apogee: 288 km (178 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1986-001A. USAF Sat Cat: 16447. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-01-22. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1986 January 9 -
  • Stephen Synnott's Discovery of Uranus Moon Cressida Nation: USA.
1986 January 9 - 02:48 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: LC132/2?. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47122-337.
  • Cosmos 1716 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 289. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,463 km (909 mi). Apogee: 1,492 km (927 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.50 min. COSPAR: 1986-002A. USAF Sat Cat: 16449. Eight satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1717 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 290. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,475 km (916 mi). Apogee: 1,513 km (940 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.90 min. COSPAR: 1986-002B. USAF Sat Cat: 16450. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1718 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 291. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,475 km (916 mi). Apogee: 1,496 km (929 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.70 min. COSPAR: 1986-002C. USAF Sat Cat: 16451. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1719 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 292. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,454 km (903 mi). Apogee: 1,485 km (922 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.30 min. COSPAR: 1986-002D. USAF Sat Cat: 16452. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1720 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 293. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,440 km (890 mi). Apogee: 1,484 km (922 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.20 min. COSPAR: 1986-002E. USAF Sat Cat: 16453. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1721 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 294. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,427 km (886 mi). Apogee: 1,483 km (921 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.00 min. COSPAR: 1986-002F. USAF Sat Cat: 16454. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1722 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 295. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,484 km (922 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.80 min. COSPAR: 1986-002G. USAF Sat Cat: 16455. References: 2, 6.
  • Cosmos 1723 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 296. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,400 km (800 mi). Apogee: 1,482 km (920 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.70 min. COSPAR: 1986-002H. USAF Sat Cat: 16456. References: 2, 6.
1986 January 12 - 11:55 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-32/61-C.
  • STS-61-C Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Columbia F07 Satcom-K 1 [PAM-D2]. Mass: 14,724 kg (32,460 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 331 km (205 mi). Apogee: 338 km (210 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 91.20 min. COSPAR: 1986-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 16481. Duration: 6.09 days. Decay Date: 1986-01-18. Crew: Bolden, Cenker, Chang-Diaz, Gibson, Hawley, Nelson, Nelson Bill. Flight: STS-61-C. Manned seven crew. Launched Satcom K1. Payloads: Deploy SATCOM (RCA-Satellite Communi-cations) Ku-1 with Payload Assist Module (PAM)-D II. Materials Science Laboratory, Comet Halley Active Monitoring Experiment (CHAMP), Hitchhiker (HH) Goddard (G)-1, thirteen getaway specials (GAS), student experiment, Initial Blood Storage Equipment (lBSE), Characterization of Space Motion Sickness (SMS). References: 2, 6, 7, 33.
  • Satcom K1 Nation: USA. Program: Satcom. Payload: Satcom-K 1 / PAM-D2. Mass: 1,923 kg (4,239 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 4000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: RCA Amer. Perigee: 35,965 km (22,347 mi). Apogee: 36,016 km (22,379 mi). Inclination: 4.50 deg. Period: 1,446.50 min. COSPAR: 1986-003B. USAF Sat Cat: 16482. Completed Operations Date: 1997-07-02. Stationed at 81 deg W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 85 deg W in 1986-1997; 87 deg W in 1997 As of 31 August 2001 located at 61.19 deg W drifting at 2.593 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 125.55E drifting at 2.586W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.
  • GBA-1 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: GAS Bridge. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1986-003xx. USAF Sat Cat: 16481. Decay Date: 1986-01-18. References: 2, 279.
  • MSL-2 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1986-003xx. USAF Sat Cat: 16481. Decay Date: 1986-01-18. References: 2, 279.
1986 January 13 -
  • Stephen Synnott's Discovery of Uranus Moons Desdemona, Rosalind & Belinda Nation: USA.
1986 January 15 - 14:20 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1724 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 167 km (103 mi). Apogee: 330 km (200 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1986-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 16490. Duration: 59.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-03-15. 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.
1986 January 16 - 11:38 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53744-152.
  • Cosmos 1725 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 967 km (600 mi). Apogee: 1,002 km (622 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1986-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 16493. Military navigation satellite. Replaced Cosmos 1577. References: 2, 6.
1986 January 17 - 07:21 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Cosmos 1726 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 53. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 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: 1986-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 16495. References: 2, 6.
1986 January 17 - 10:20 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 331-02.
  • Raduga 18 Nation: USSR. Payload: Raduga s/n 29L. Mass: 1,940 kg (4,270 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Raduga . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,909 km (22,312 mi). Apogee: 36,493 km (22,675 mi). Inclination: 5.80 deg. Period: 1,457.30 min. COSPAR: 1986-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 16497. Completed Operations Date: 1991-12-04. Stationed at 335 deg. E. Provision of telephone and telegraph radiocommunications and television broadcasting. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 25 deg W in 1986-1989; 170 deg W in 1989-1991 As of 28 August 2001 located at 163.25 deg W drifting at 5.255 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 22.49E drifting at 5.257W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 274.
1986 January 18 - 18:13 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 10. LV Configuration: Black Brant X NASA 35.010CE.
  • CENTAUR 2 Auroral mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 676 km (420 mi). References: 2.
1986 January 18 -
  • Landing of STS-61-C Nation: USA. Program: STS. Flight: STS-61-C. STS-61-C landed at 13:59 GMT.
1986 January 20 -
  • Rich Terrile's Discovery of Uranus Moons Cordelia & Ophelia Nation: USA.
1986 January 23 -
  • Brad Smith's Discovery of Uranus Moon Bianca Nation: USA.
1986 January 23 - 18:52 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47122-334.
  • Cosmos 1727 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Tsikada. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 957 km (594 mi). Apogee: 1,014 km (630 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1986-008A. USAF Sat Cat: 16510. Civilian naval navigation satellite. Replaced Cosmos 1506. References: 2, 6.
1986 January 24 -
  • Voyager 2, Uranus Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Voyager.
1986 January 26 -
  • Voyager 2 spacecraft reports secrets of Uranus Nation: USA.
1986 January 27 - Launch Vehicle: Tu-2000, VKS, Yakovlev MVKS.
  • Government decree orders design of a Soviet aerospaceplane Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Tu-2000, Yakovlev MVKS, VKS. In reaction to US X-30 project government decree ordered development of a Soviet equivalent.
1986 January 28 - 08:35 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1728 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 278 km (172 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1986-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 16512. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-02-11. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1986 January 28 - 16:38 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-33/51-L. FAILURE: Seal on SRB failed, allowed hot gas to burn through External Tank.
  • STS-51-L Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Challenger F10 / TDRS 2 [IUS]. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Challenger. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). COSPAR: F860128A. Duration: 0.0008 days. Decay Date: 1986-01-28. Crew: Jarvis, McAuliffe, McNair, Onizuka, Resnik, Scobee, Smith. Flight: STS-51-L. Exploded 73 seconds after launch, all 7 crewmembers were killed; carried TDRSS satellite. References: 7, 33.
  • Spartan-Halley Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Spartan-Halley. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). COSPAR: F860128B. References: 279.
  • TDRS B Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: TDRS B. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: TDRS. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). COSPAR: F860128C. References: 279.
1986 January 31 - Launch Vehicle: Energia.
  • Buran project in crisis Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Spacecraft: Buran. By January 1986 it was clear that the project, now three years behind schedule, had no prospect of completion due to problems in obtaining deliveries of equipment for Buran, numerous problems in assembling the orbiters and lack of manpower at Baikonur, and a general loss of management focus. Minister O D Bakhnov called a large group of industry leaders to the cosmodrome to review measures to concentrate and accelerate the remaining work. Three 'Tiger Teams' were set up. The first, led by Semenov, was to finish the flight Buran orbiter and associated facilities in time for a third quarter 1987 launch. The second, led by B I Gubanov, was to finish the Energia launch vehicle and fly it, without the Buran mock-ups if necessary, at the earliest possible date. The third group, led by S S Banin, was to complete the assembly and launch facilities.
1986 January 31 - 08:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-79.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 319 km (198 mi). References: 2.
1986 February - Launch Vehicle: Energia.
  • Frst Buran payload arrived in Baikonur Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Buran. The first Buran payload, 37KB module s/n 37070, arrived in Baikonur. The 37KB modules, similar to the Kvant module of the Mir space station, were to be standard on the early Buran flights. 37KB-37070 itself primarily contained instrumentation to measure the performance of the orbiter and its structure on its first flight.
1986 February 1 - 05:40 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.103UH.
  • X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 228 km (141 mi). References: 2.
1986 February 1 - 12:37 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-3. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 3 CZ3-3 (13).
  • STTW 1 Nation: China. Payload: STTW 1. Mass: 1,024 kg (2,257 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: DFH-2. Agency: MAI. Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Apogee: 35,819 km (22,256 mi). Inclination: 9.80 deg. Period: 1,436.60 min. COSPAR: 1986-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 16526. Completed Operations Date: 1990-06-01. Second successful DFH-2 launch. Also designated STW-2, the satellite was positioned at 103 deg E. In comparison to the first two DFH-2's, a parabolic antenna reflector replaced the horn antenna. Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 103 deg E in 1986-1990. As of 3 September 2001 located at 102.75 deg E drifting at 0.030 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 46.50E drifting at 0.019E degrees per day. References: 2, 6.
1986 February 1 - 12:40 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: L. Launch Pad: K. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310-16.
  • E-region Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 201 km (124 mi). References: 2.
1986 February 1 - 18:11 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-2BL.
  • Cosmos 1729 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #46. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 7,251 km (4,505 mi). Apogee: 33,130 km (20,580 mi). Inclination: 68.00 deg. Period: 718.30 min. COSPAR: 1986-011A. USAF Sat Cat: 16527. Replaced Cosmos 1569. Covered Oko constellation plane 5 - 75 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 6, 100.
1986 February 4 - 11:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1730 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 303 km (188 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1986-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 16540. Duration: 9.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-02-13. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6.
1986 February 7 - 08:45 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2.
  • Cosmos 1731 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4KS1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 233 km (144 mi). Apogee: 263 km (163 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1986-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 16589. Duration: 238.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-10-03. Photo/digital surveillance. References: 2, 6.
1986 February 9 - 10:06 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas H. LV Configuration: Atlas H 6004H / 6004H.
  • USA 15 Nation: USA. Payload: PARCAE 8. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,049 km (651 mi). Apogee: 1,166 km (724 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 107.40 min. COSPAR: 1986-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 16591. Ocean surveillance; aka White Cloud type spacecraft; Navy Ocean Surveillance Satellite; PARCAE. References: 2, 6, 172, 278.
  • USA 16 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,055 km (655 mi). Apogee: 1,161 km (721 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 107.40 min. COSPAR: 1986-014E. USAF Sat Cat: 16624. References: 2, 6, 278.
  • USA 17 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,055 km (655 mi). Apogee: 1,165 km (723 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 107.40 min. COSPAR: 1986-014F. USAF Sat Cat: 16625. References: 2, 6, 278.
  • USA 18 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 817 km (508 mi). Apogee: 1,407 km (874 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.44 min. COSPAR: 1986-014H. USAF Sat Cat: 16631. References: 2, 6, 278.
1986 February 10 - Launch Site: Biscarosse. Launch Complex: BLB. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: SSBS. Model: SSBS S3. LV Configuration: SSBS S3 2607.
  • Operational test Nation: France. Agency: DMA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1986 February 11 - 06:56 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Cosmos 1732 Nation: USSR. Payload: Geo-IK no. 7. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Geodetic. Spacecraft: Geo-IK. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,480 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,525 km (947 mi). Inclination: 73.60 deg. Period: 116.00 min. COSPAR: 1986-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 16593. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 2, 6, 114.
1986 February 12 - 07:55 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: N. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: N-2. LV Configuration: N-2 N-14(F).
  • Yuri 2B Nation: Japan. Program: BS. Payload: BS-2b. Mass: 677 kg (1,492 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 3000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 35,996 km (22,366 mi). Apogee: 36,135 km (22,453 mi). Inclination: 2.70 deg. Period: 1,450.40 min. COSPAR: 1986-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 16597. Completed Operations Date: 1991-10-24. Stationed at 117 deg E. BS-2b (Yuri-2b). Domestic satellite broadcasting; development of broadcasting satellite technology. Launching organization NASDA. N launch vehicle flight no 14. Launch time 0755 GMT. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 110 deg E in 1986-1991 As of 5 September 2001 located at 13.60 deg W drifting at 3.524 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 77.04E drifting at 3.551W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.
1986 February 14 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT112GB Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1986 February 15 -
  • First Buran payload arrives at Baikonur Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Spacecraft: Buran. The first Buran payload, 37KB module s/n 37070, is delivered by freight car. The 37KB modules, similar to the Kvant module of the Mir space station, were to be standard on the early Buran flights. 37KB-37070 itself primarily contained instrumentation to measure the performance of the orbiter and its structure on its first flight.
1986 February 16 -
  • First attempt to launch Mir. Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Spacecraft: Mir. The first launch attempt at very low temperatures was scrubbed when the spacecraft communications failed.
1986 February 19 - 21:28 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K. LV Configuration: Proton-K 337-01.
  • Mir Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Mir s/n 127-01. Mass: 20,100 kg (44,300 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 387 km (240 mi). Apogee: 395 km (245 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 92.40 min. COSPAR: 1986-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 16609. Decay Date: 2001-03-23. The core module of Russia's new space station was placed in an initial orbit of 172 x 301 km. It was established in its operational orbit on 6 March. It passed just 10 km from Salyut 7 on 8 March. First use of the geosynchronous Luch relay sattelite for communications with the station was on 29 March. Equipment launched with the core module included:

    • Splav-2 crystal growth facility
    • Zona zone melt facility
    • Kashtan electrophoresis unit
    • Bulgarian Rozhen photometer
    • Spektr-256 and MKS-M spectrometers
    • Pion-M multipurpose physics unit (41 kg)
    • Biryuza semiconductor materials unit
    • -Ruchei electrophoresis installation
    • Yantar metal coating equipment
    • Mariye magnetic spectrometer
    • Korund furnace (136 kg)

    Total costs of Mir from February 1986 through return of Soyuz TM-9 in April 1989 were given as 1.471 billion rubles. This sum ncluded Mir, Kvant, all Soyuz and Progress spacecraft, and 2 new modules. As of April 1989 50% of the scientific equipment was inoperable and the interior was cramped due to lack of extension modules. Electric power supply problems were first reported in April 1989 (batteries would not hold charge from panels). Mass 27,300 kg as of January 1990. Complex mass with Kvant-2 65,790 kg; with Kristall, Soyuz TM, and Progress M, 89,990 kg. Additional Details: Mir. References: 2, 6, 67, 274.

1986 February 19 - 23:04 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Cosmos 1733 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 54. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 594 km (369 mi). Apogee: 618 km (384 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 96.80 min. COSPAR: 1986-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 16611. Replaced Cosmos 1544. References: 2, 6.
1986 February 21 - 17:15 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.
1986 February 22 - 01:44 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 1. LV Configuration: Ariane 1 V16.
  • SPOT 1 Nation: France. Program: SPOT. Payload: Spot 1 / Viking. Mass: 1,830 kg (4,030 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: SPOT-1-2-3. Agency: CNES. Perigee: 824 km (512 mi). Apogee: 826 km (513 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 101.40 min. COSPAR: 1986-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 16613. Remote sensing satellite. Registration 1986-1.B References: 2, 6.
  • Viking Nation: Sweden. Payload: Spot 1 / Viking. Mass: 538 kg (1,186 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Viking (Sweden). Agency: SSC. Perigee: 817 km (507 mi). Apogee: 13,524 km (8,403 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 261.60 min. COSPAR: 1986-019B. USAF Sat Cat: 16614. Studied magnetic, electric, UV properties of auroral regions. Scientific satellite for the investigation of space plasma physics in the part of the magnetosphere close to the Earth, particularly in connection with the auroral phenomena. The nominal mission period is eight months but an extension can be envisaged. ST /SG/SER.E/167: The satellite Viking has ceased to function on 12 May 1987 due to a gradual degradation of its electrical power supply system. The satellite remains, however, in Earth orbit. References: 2, 6.
1986 February 24 - 11:53 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.10DL.
  • Halley Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 312 km (193 mi). References: 2.
1986 February 26 - 12:02 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: LC35?. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5B. LV Configuration: Black Brant VB NASA 21.93UG.
  • JHU FOT 6 Halley Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 229 km (142 mi). References: 2.
1986 February 26 - 13:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1734 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 165 km (102 mi). Apogee: 343 km (213 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1986-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 16618. Duration: 59.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-04-26. 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.
1986 February 27 - 01:44 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1735 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 419 km (260 mi). Apogee: 442 km (274 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 93.20 min. COSPAR: 1986-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 16620. Decay Date: 1988-11-17. Ocean surveillance. References: 2, 6.
1986 March 1 - Launch Site: Biscarosse. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MSBS. Model: MSBS M4.
  • Long range test Nation: France. Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). References: 2.
1986 March 6 -
  • Vega 1, Comet Halley Flyby Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Vega 5VK.
1986 March 7 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF08. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper FTM-11.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1986 March 7 - 18:12 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.104GU.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 319 km (198 mi). References: 2.
1986 March 7 - 19:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.51UU.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1986 March 8 -
  • Susei, Comet Halley Flyby Nation: Japan.
1986 March 9 -
  • Vega 2, Comet Halley Flyby Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Vega 5VK.
1986 March 10 -
  • Sakigake, Comet Halley Flyby Nation: Japan.
1986 March 13 -
  • Giotto, Comet Halley Flyby Nation: Europe. Spacecraft: Giotto.
1986 March 13 - 10:54 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.17DL.
  • Halley Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 312 km (193 mi). References: 2.
1986 March 13 - 11:20 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5B. LV Configuration: Black Brant VB NASA 21.95UG.
  • JHU FOT 7 Halley Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 231 km (143 mi). References: 2.
1986 March 13 - 12:33 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U2 012.
  • Soyuz T-15 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Soyuz T 11F732 s/n 21L. Mass: 7,020 kg (15,470 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 331 km (205 mi). Apogee: 366 km (227 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.50 min. COSPAR: 1986-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 16643. Duration: 125.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-07-16. Crew: Kizim, Solovyov Vladimir. Flight: Mir EO-1. Mir Main Expedition EO-01. Epic repair mission. The crew, consisting of ship's commander L D Kizim and flight engineer V A Solovyov first docked with the Mir orbital station to conduct scientific and technical studies and experiments. Mir then maneuvered 17 April to match Salyut 7's orbit at 4000 km separation, then again on 4 May to catch up. After six weeks aboard Mir, Soyuz T-15 undocked on 5 May, then rendezvoused and manually docked with the inoperative Salyut 7 station. This was the only flight in history by a single spacecraft between two space stations. The Salyut-7 station was found to be ice bound and without electrical power. The crew repaired the station, regaining power, heat, and environmental control. The also removed experimental results left behind by last crew. Soyuz T-15 undocked Salyut 7 on 25 June, and redocked with Mir on 26 June, delivering 400 kg of scientific material from Salyut 7, including a multichannel spectrometer. Following further work aboard Mir, the crew landed on July 16, 1986 at 12:34 GMT. No crew ever revisited Salyut 7; it made an uncontrolled reentry over Argentina. References: 2, 6, 32, 33,51.
1986 March 15 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT113GM-1 Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1986 March 15 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT114GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1986 March 17 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B.
  • RSLP IPA-3 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1986 March 19 - 10:08 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2.
  • Progress 25 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress s/n 134. Mass: 7,270 kg (16,020 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Apogee: 251 km (155 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1986-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 16645. Duration: 32.61 days. Completed Operations Date: 1986-04-21 00:48:05 PM. Decay Date: 1986-04-21 00:48:05 PM. Flight: Mir EO-1. Unmanned supply vessel transporting sundry cargoes to the Mir orbital station. Docked with Mir on 21 Mar 1986 11:16:02 GMT. Undocked on 20 Apr 1986 19:24:08 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 21 Apr 1986 00:48:30 GMT. Total free-flight time 2.27 days. Total docked time 30.34 days. References: 2, 6, 275.
1986 March 21 - Launch Vehicle: Energia.
  • First Energia full thrust test Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Spacecraft: Buran. This was to be the first 20 second Energia main engine firing test. It was terminated at 2.58 seconds when the automatic control system detected a slow spool up of an engine turbine. In a the first attempt at a full-duration test helium leaks contaminated electro-hydraulic systems, leading to a situation where the tanks could not be drained. An engineering brigade had to work on the fuelled booster for 55 minutes, attach another helium tank, which led to successful de-fuelling of the vehicle.
1986 March 21 - 10:05 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1736 Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: US-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 936 km (581 mi). Apogee: 995 km (618 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 104.40 min. COSPAR: 1986-024B. USAF Sat Cat: 16806. Decay Date: 1986-09-01. Ocean surveillance; nuclear powered. References: 2, 6.
1986 March 25 - 19:26 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1737 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 414 km (257 mi). Apogee: 426 km (264 mi). Inclination: 73.40 deg. Period: 93.00 min. COSPAR: 1986-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 16648. Decay Date: 1986-12-03. Ocean surveillance. References: 2, 6.
1986 March 26 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Zenit-8 Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: UNKS. COSPAR: F860326A. Military cartographic mission. References: 279.
1986 March 28 -
  • ICE, Comet Halley Distant Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: ISEE.
1986 March 28 - 23:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 3. LV Configuration: Ariane 3 V17.
  • GStar 2 Nation: USA. Program: GTE. Payload: SBTS-2. Mass: 1,140 kg (2,510 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 3000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: GTE. Perigee: 35,902 km (22,308 mi). Apogee: 35,943 km (22,333 mi). Inclination: 5.60 deg. Period: 1,443.10 min. COSPAR: 1986-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 16649. Completed Operations Date: 1997-08-20. Ku band communications satellite. Stationed at 70 degrees W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 105 deg W in 1986-1992; 125 deg W in 1992-1997 As of 5 September 2001 located at 148.11 deg W drifting at 1.728 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 2.39W drifting at 1.699W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.
  • Brasilsat A2 Nation: Brazil. Program: Brasilsat. Mass: 1,243 kg (2,740 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: Telebras. Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 4.60 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1986-026B. USAF Sat Cat: 16650. Stationed at 105 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 70 deg W in 1986-1995; 92 deg W in 1995-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 62.91 deg W drifting at 0.007 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 7 located at 32.58W drifting at 2.263W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.
1986 March 30 - Launch Vehicle: Tu-2000.
  • Tupolev starts developement of aerospace plane Nation: USSR. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. In reaction to US X-30 project, Tupolev OKB asked to start work on counterpart. By 1992 mockup completed, but solving of propulsion and inlet problems intractable without access to supercomputers. References: 83.
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