Chronology - Quarter 3 1987

home topic index

Previous Home Next 1987 July - Launch Vehicle: ALS. Seven contractors were awarded five million dollar, one year ALS study contracts. Nation: USA. The studies to recommend a family of modular boosters with low earth orbit payloads from 2,400 kg to 90,000 kg. The new launch vehicle was expected to make its first flight in 1998, reach full operational capability of up to 30 flights per year in 2000, and replace all existing expendable launch vehicles by 2005. 1987 July 1 - 19:35 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3. Cosmos 1862 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 62. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 602 km (374 mi). Apogee: 636 km (395 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 97.10 min. COSPAR: 1987-055A. USAF Sat Cat: 18152. References: 2, 6. 1987 July 1 - 21:08 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F12 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 112 km (69 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 1 - 23:05 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F13 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 113 km (70 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 3 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F14 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 112 km (69 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 4 - 12:25 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1863 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 358 km (222 mi). Apogee: 417 km (259 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 1987-056A. USAF Sat Cat: 18155. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-07-18. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. 1987 July 6 - 12:40 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F15 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 106 km (65 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 6 - 21:59 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53796-177. Cosmos 1864 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 957 km (594 mi). Apogee: 1,005 km (624 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-057A. USAF Sat Cat: 18160. Military navigation satellite. References: 2, 6. 1987 July 7 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. FOT GT148M Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 8 - 10:59 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1865 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-1KFT no. 7. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Cartography. Spacecraft: Yantar-1KFT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Apogee: 297 km (184 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 89.40 min. COSPAR: 1987-058A. USAF Sat Cat: 18162. Duration: 37.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-08-14. Military topographic / cartographic satellite. References: 2, 6, 101, 102. 1987 July 8 - 13:00 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F16 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 108 km (67 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 9 - 16:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1866 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 223 km (138 mi). Apogee: 769 km (477 mi). Inclination: 67.20 deg. Period: 94.50 min. COSPAR: 1987-059A. USAF Sat Cat: 18184. Duration: 17.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-08-31. High resolution photo reconnaissance. Engine failure prematurely depleted fuel supply. Blown up in orbit on July 26. References: 2, 6, 179. 1987 July 10 - 12:12 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F17 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 110 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 10 - 15:35 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. Cosmos 1867 Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: Plazma-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 803 km (498 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 100.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-060A. USAF Sat Cat: 18187. Test of new Topaz reactor, new systems, and ion engines aboard US-AM bus - Tested Plasma-2 SPT electric engine. References: 2, 6. 1987 July 12 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF10. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. FAILURE: Failure. FOT GT123GM-1 Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 13 - 19:55 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A S-F18. MAC-SINE S-F18 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 105 km (65 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 14 - 08:11 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F19 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 108 km (67 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 14 - 08:32 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F20 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 14 - 11:02 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F21 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 14 - 14:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47196-161. Cosmos 1868 Nation: USSR. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-1Yu. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 279 km (173 mi). Apogee: 669 km (415 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 94.10 min. COSPAR: 1987-061A. USAF Sat Cat: 18192. Decay Date: 1989-03-03. Radar calibration mission. References: 2, 6. 1987 July 15 - 01:55 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.52GE. Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 15 - 12:46 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F22 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 107 km (66 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 15 - 21:01 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F23 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 117 km (72 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 15 - 21:43 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F24 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 113 km (70 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 16 - 04:25 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3. Cosmos 1869 Nation: USSR. Program: Okean. Payload: Okean-O1 no. 2. Mass: 1,950 kg (4,290 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Okean-O1. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 602 km (374 mi). Apogee: 632 km (392 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 97.10 min. COSPAR: 1987-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 18214. Completed Operations Date: 1989-05-30. Oceanographic. Acquisition of operational oceanographic information in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation. References: 2, 6. 1987 July 17 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F25 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 112 km (69 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 19 - 11:07 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F26 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 19 - 11:21 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Viper. Model: Viper 3A. LV Configuration: Viper 3A FALLING SPHERE. MAC-SINE S-F27 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 111 km (68 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 20 - 20:45 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC46. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 D5X-6. Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 22 - 01:59 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. Soyuz TM-3 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Soyuz TM 11F732 s/n 53. Mass: 7,100 kg (15,600 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz TM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 297 km (184 mi). Apogee: 353 km (219 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.00 min. COSPAR: 1987-063A. USAF Sat Cat: 18222. Duration: 160.30 days. Decay Date: 1987-12-29. Crew: Aleksandrov, Faris, Viktorenko. Flight: Soyuz TM-3, Mir EP-1, Mir EO-2, Mir LD-1. Manned three crew. Transported to the Mir orbital space station a Soviet-Syrian crew comprising cosmonauts A S Viktorenko, A P Aleksandrov and M A Faris to conduct joint research and experiments with cosmonauts Y Romanenko and A Laveykin. Maneuvered from initial 231 X 217 km orbit to Mir's 311 X 359 km orbit. Docked with rear Mir port at 3:30 GMT 24 July. Undocked with rear port 30 July and docked to forward port. References: 2, 6,51. 1987 July 25 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K. LV Configuration: Proton-K 347-01. Cosmos 1870 Nation: USSR. Program: Almaz. Payload: Almaz-K s/n 304. Mass: 18,550 kg (40,890 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Almaz-T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 263 km (163 mi). Apogee: 278 km (172 mi). Inclination: 71.90 deg. Period: 89.90 min. COSPAR: 1987-064A. USAF Sat Cat: 18225. Duration: 734.00 days. Decay Date: 1989-07-29. First flight of Almaz radars imaging satellite taken out of mothballs after death of Ustinov. At the beginning of 1987 it was decided not to man the Almaz-T, instead operate it in a fully automatic mode. Thus the final Almaz cosmonaut training group was disbanded. Cosmos 1870 conducted remote sensing of the earth's surface, oceans and seas in the interests of various branches of science and the economy. Its side-looking radar had a 20-25 m ground resolution and functioned throughout its two year service life. References: 2, 6, 67, 274. 1987 July 27 - 06:25 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.53GE. Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 27 - 17:27 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.107US. Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 340 km (210 mi). References: 2. 1987 July 30 - Landing of Soyuz TM-2 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Flight: Soyuz TM-3, Mir EP-1, Mir EO-2, Mir LD-1. Undocked from Mir at 8:34 GMT on 29 July. The Orbital Module was jettisoned before retrofire and left in a 308 X 356 orbit. Soyuz TM-2 landed at 01:05 GMT with the crew of Faris, Laveykin and Viktorenko aboard. 1987 July 31 - 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. 1987 July 31 - 03:53 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.13UE. WIPP Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2. 1987 August 1 - 03:59 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-2. Cosmos 1871 Nation: USSR. Payload: Uragan boilerplate or Orlets-2 Mass Model. Mass: 15,000 kg (33,000 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Uragan Space Interceptor. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 168 km (104 mi). Apogee: 188 km (116 mi). Inclination: 97.00 deg. Period: 88.10 min. COSPAR: 1987-065A. USAF Sat Cat: 18259. Duration: 9.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-08-10. Considered by some observors as possible spite test of Uragan space interceptor boilerplate mass model, just prior to project cancellation. Officially: Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 2, 6. 1987 August 3 - DLR Astronaut Training Group 1 selected. Nation: Germany. German astronaut trained for flights to the Mir space station. 1987 August 3 - 20:44 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. Progress 31 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress s/n 138. Mass: 7,212 kg (15,899 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 187 km (116 mi). Apogee: 250 km (150 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1987-066A. USAF Sat Cat: 18283. Duration: 50.18 days. Completed Operations Date: 1987-09-24 01:01:49 PM. Decay Date: 1987-09-24 01:01:49 PM. Flight: Soyuz TM-3, Mir LD-1. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Rendezvous transfer orbits 187 X 250 km, 51. 64 deg; 266 X 314 km; 309 X 360 km. Docked with Mir on 5 Aug 1987 22:27:35 GMT. Refueled Mir propellants tanks on 15/16 Sept. Undocked on 21 Sep 1987 23:57:41 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 23 Sep 1987 01:02:00 GMT. Total free-flight time 3.12 days. Total docked time 47.06 days. References: 2, 6, 275. 1987 August 5 - 06:39 GMT - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA2B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2C. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2C CZ2C-9 (15). FSW-0 No. 9 Nation: China. Payload: FSW-0 No. 09. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: FSW. Agency: MAI. Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 366 km (227 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 89.90 min. COSPAR: 1987-067A. USAF Sat Cat: 18306. Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-08-23. Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable satellite; carried microgravity experiments; return capsule recovered August 10 after five days in space. References: 2, 6. 1987 August 7 - 15:02 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.112UE. ERIC I Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 340 km (210 mi). References: 2. 1987 August 15 - 17:25 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.021CS. AS&E SAIP XRT Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2. 1987 August 18 - 02:27 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3. Meteor 2-16 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor-2 no. 16. Mass: 2,750 kg (6,060 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor-2. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 939 km (583 mi). Apogee: 958 km (595 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 104.00 min. COSPAR: 1987-068A. USAF Sat Cat: 18312. Gathering meteorological information and data on penetrating radiation fluxes in circumterrestrial space. References: 2, 6. 1987 August 19 - 06:59 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1872 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 196 km (121 mi). Apogee: 299 km (185 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1987-069A. USAF Sat Cat: 18314. Duration: 11.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-08-30. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. 1987 August 24 - 03:52 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. JANUS Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: SDIO. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1987 August 24 - 16:30 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 D. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7. LV Configuration: Skylark 7 DLR W-GR-147. Supernova X-ray telescope mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi). References: 2. 1987 August 27 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC107/1. Launch Pad: LC107/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: K65M-RB. BOR-5 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USSR. Agency: UNKS. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). Suborbital test of 1/8 scale model of Buran. Typical trajectory: ascent to 120 km; pitch down to drive model in atmosphere at 45 degree at Mach 18.5. None were reflown but at least 4 were recovered. References: 2. 1987 August 27 - 09:20 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: N. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: H-1. LV Configuration: H-1 H-17(F). Kiku 5 Nation: Japan. Payload: ETS 5. Mass: 550 kg (1,210 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: ETS. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 36,029 km (22,387 mi). Apogee: 36,072 km (22,414 mi). Inclination: 7.90 deg. Period: 1,449.60 min. COSPAR: 1987-070A. USAF Sat Cat: 18316. Completed Operations Date: 1997-09-10. Stationed at 150 deg E. ETS-V (Kiku-5). Establishment of basic technology for bus systems needed for 3-axis stabilized geostationary satellites. Accumulation of key technologies required for high performance in the next generation of applications satellites; Experiment of mobile satellite communications for the control of aircrafts over the Pacific Ocean, and for the communication, navigational aid, search and rescue of ships. H-I (3-stage) launch vehicle. Launching organization NASDA. Launch time 0920 GMT. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 150 deg E in 1987-1997 As of 5 September 2001 located at 92.55 deg W drifting at 3.394 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 49.74W drifting at 3.380W degrees per day. References: 2, 6. 1987 August 28 - 08:20 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-2. Cosmos 1873 Nation: USSR. Payload: Uragan boilerplate or Orlets-2 Mass Model. Mass: 15,000 kg (33,000 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Uragan Space Interceptor. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 175 km (108 mi). Apogee: 241 km (149 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 88.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-071A. USAF Sat Cat: 18318. Duration: 16.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-09-14. Considered by some observors as possible spite test of Uragan space interceptor boilerplate mass model, just prior to project cancellation. Officially: Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 2, 6. 1987 August 29 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1987 August 29 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1987 August 29 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1987 August 29 - 23:43 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1987 September - Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-2. Uragan spaceplane allegedly cancelled Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Uragan Space Interceptor. Uragan was said to have been cancelled before the first flight of the Buran shuttle. Possibly the cancellation of US Shuttle polar orbit military missions from Vandenberg after the Challenger explosion eliminated the space interceptor's mission. Or perhaps it never existed and was merely the subject of a very successful disinformation campaign. Adding even more confusion is that it is now known that at least two spaceplanes - Chelomei's LKS, for launch on Proton, and Molniya's OK-M, for launch on Zenit, were being designed concurrently with Buran. And the official history of the MiG OKB, states cryptically that after completion of the 105-11 flight tests development of the spaceplane continued.... 1987 September 1 - 07:58 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. IPMS Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1987 September 3 - 10:25 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1874 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 223 km (138 mi). Apogee: 284 km (176 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1987-072A. USAF Sat Cat: 18326. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-09-17. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. 1987 September 3 - 19:26 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 337-02. Ekran 16 Nation: USSR. Payload: Ekran s/n 29L. Mass: 1,970 kg (4,340 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Ekran. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 36,871 km (22,910 mi). Apogee: 36,895 km (22,925 mi). Inclination: 5.10 deg. Period: 1,492.50 min. COSPAR: 1987-073A. USAF Sat Cat: 18328. Completed Operations Date: 1989-10-06. 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 1987-1989 As of 31 August 2001 located at 146.34 deg W drifting at 13.641 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 69.25E drifting at 13.645W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 274. 1987 September 7 - 23:50 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3. Cosmos 1875 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 17. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,387 km (861 mi). Apogee: 1,408 km (874 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 113.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-074A. USAF Sat Cat: 18334. Military store-dump communications satellite. Six satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 2, 6, 105. Cosmos 1876 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 18. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,409 km (875 mi). Apogee: 1,415 km (879 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1987-074B. USAF Sat Cat: 18335. References: 2, 6, 105. Cosmos 1877 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 19. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,407 km (874 mi). Apogee: 1,410 km (870 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.00 min. COSPAR: 1987-074C. USAF Sat Cat: 18336. References: 2, 6, 105. Cosmos 1878 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 20. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,403 km (871 mi). Apogee: 1,409 km (875 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 113.90 min. COSPAR: 1987-074D. USAF Sat Cat: 18337. References: 2, 6, 105. Cosmos 1879 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 21. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,397 km (868 mi). Apogee: 1,409 km (875 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 113.90 min. COSPAR: 1987-074E. USAF Sat Cat: 18338. References: 2, 6, 105. Cosmos 1880 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 22. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,393 km (865 mi). Apogee: 1,409 km (875 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 113.80 min. COSPAR: 1987-074F. USAF Sat Cat: 18339. References: 2, 6, 105. 1987 September 9 - 07:15 GMT - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA2B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2C. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2C CZ2C-10 (16). FSW-1 No. 1 Nation: China. Payload: FSW-1 No. 01. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: FSW. Agency: MAI. Perigee: 181 km (112 mi). Apogee: 222 km (137 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 88.50 min. COSPAR: 1987-075A. USAF Sat Cat: 18341. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-10-04. Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable satellite; return capsule recovered September 17 after eight days in space. References: 2, 6. 1987 September 11 - 02:06 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. Cosmos 1881 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4KS1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 228 km (141 mi). Apogee: 294 km (182 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 18343. Duration: 201.00 days. Decay Date: 1988-03-30. Photo/digital surveillance. References: 2, 6. 1987 September 12 - 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. 1987 September 12 - 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. 1987 September 12 - 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. 1987 September 12 - 05:28 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. 1987 September 15 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1882 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F1-14F40. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 253 km (157 mi). Apogee: 269 km (167 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-077A. USAF Sat Cat: 18348. Duration: 21.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-10-06. 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. 1987 September 16 - 00:45 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 3. LV Configuration: Ariane 3 V19. Aussat A3 Nation: Australia. Program: Aussat. Payload: Aussat K3. Mass: 1,195 kg (2,634 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Agency: Aussat. Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1987-078A. USAF Sat Cat: 18350. Australian domestic communications; 164 deg E. Communication satellite. Launching states: Australia and France. Longitude 164 deg E +/- 0.5. (orbit given is geocentric 42164 km, which corresponds to altitude 35787 km). The satellite mass was 655 kg at beginning of life for an Ariane mission only on-station after the apogee motor had fired and station acquisition fuel was expended. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 164 deg E in 1987-1993; 156 deg E in 1993-1995; 152 deg E in 1995-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 163.96 deg E drifting at 0.005 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 31.52E drifting at 0.011E degrees per day. References: 2, 6. Eutelsat I F4 Nation: Europe. Program: Eutelsat. Payload: ECS 4. Mass: 1,175 kg (2,590 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: ECS/OTS. Agency: Eutelsat. Perigee: 35,760 km (22,220 mi). Apogee: 35,813 km (22,253 mi). Inclination: 6.70 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1987-078B. USAF Sat Cat: 18351. European communications; 10 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 10 deg E in 1987-1988; 13 deg E in 1989-1991; 7 deg E in 1991-1993; 25 deg E in 1993-1999 As of 2 September 2001 located at 33.14 deg E drifting at 0.002 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 120.92E drifting at 5.702W degrees per day. References: 2, 6. 1987 September 16 - 02:53 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 339-02. Cosmos 1883 Nation: USSR. Payload: Glonass s/n 33L. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Glonass . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 19,119 km (11,879 mi). Apogee: 19,141 km (11,893 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 675.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-079A. USAF Sat Cat: 18355. Glonass. Testing components and apparatus from the space navigation system being set up to determine the position of Soviet civil aircraft and vessels in the Soviet merchant marine and fishing fleet. Three satellites launched by a single rocket. References: 2, 6, 67, 274. Cosmos 1884 Nation: USSR. Payload: Glonass s/n 34L. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Glonass. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 19,101 km (11,868 mi). Apogee: 19,157 km (11,903 mi). Inclination: 66.00 deg. Period: 675.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-079B. USAF Sat Cat: 18356. Glonass. Testing components and apparatus from the space navigation system being set up to determine the position of Soviet civil aircraft and vessels in the Soviet merchant marine and fishing fleet. Three satellites launched by a single rocket. References: 2, 6, 67, 274. Cosmos 1885 Nation: USSR. Payload: Glonass s/n 35L. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Glonass. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 19,101 km (11,868 mi). Apogee: 19,156 km (11,902 mi). Inclination: 66.00 deg. Period: 675.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-079C. USAF Sat Cat: 18357. Glonass. Testing components and apparatus from the space navigation system being set up to determine the position of Soviet civil aircraft and vessels in the Soviet merchant marine and fishing fleet. Three satellites launched by a single rocket. References: 2, 6, 67, 274. 1987 September 16 - 19:22 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout G. LV Configuration: Scout G-1 S204C. Transit O-27 Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Mass: 59 kg (130 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,016 km (631 mi). Apogee: 1,174 km (729 mi). Inclination: 90.30 deg. Period: 107.20 min. COSPAR: 1987-080A. USAF Sat Cat: 18361. Dual launch of operational Transits manufactured in the 1960's to replenish the constellation. References: 2, 6. Transit O-29 Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Mass: 59 kg (130 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,016 km (631 mi). Apogee: 1,177 km (731 mi). Inclination: 90.30 deg. Period: 107.20 min. COSPAR: 1987-080B. USAF Sat Cat: 18362. References: 2, 6. 1987 September 17 - 14:59 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1886 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 170 km (100 mi). Apogee: 321 km (199 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.40 min. COSPAR: 1987-081A. USAF Sat Cat: 18366. Duration: 46.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-11-02. High resolution photo reconnaissance; returned film in two small SpK capsules during the mission and with the main capsule at completion of the mission. References: 2, 6, 179. 1987 September 21 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. SENT-2 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1987 September 23 - 23:43 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. Progress 32 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress s/n 139. Mass: 7,035 kg (15,509 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 295 km (183 mi). Apogee: 355 km (220 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.00 min. COSPAR: 1987-082A. USAF Sat Cat: 18376. Duration: 55.98 days. Completed Operations Date: 1987-11-19 23:19:51 PM. Decay Date: 1987-11-19 23:19:51 PM. Flight: Soyuz TM-3, Mir LD-1. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Delivered 850 kg propellants, 315 kg food, 2,000 kg total. Docked with Mir on 26 Sep 1987 01:08:15 GMT. Undocked on 10 Nov 1987 04:09:10 GMT. Redocked from 2,500 m on 10 Nov 1987 05:47 GMT. Undocked again 17 Nov 1998 19:25 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 19 Nov 1987 00:58:00 GMT. Total free-flight time 3.17 days. Total docked time 52.82 days. References: 2, 6, 275. 1987 September 29 - 10:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8B. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8B NASA 27.106UG. Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 340 km (210 mi). References: 2. 1987 September 29 - 12:50 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1887 Nation: USSR. Payload: Bion no. 8. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Biology. Spacecraft: Bion. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 214 km (132 mi). Apogee: 382 km (237 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 90.50 min. COSPAR: 1987-083A. USAF Sat Cat: 18380. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-10-12. Biological research. Carried monkeys Drema and Erosha. Continued investigations of the influence of space flight factors on living organisms and radiation physics research. Capsule recovered 62 deg 47 min N, 112 deg 26 min E (?). Additional Details: Cosmos 1887. References: 2, 6, 104, 297. 1987 September 30 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36M2 15A18M. FAILURE: Failure. Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2. Previous Home Next Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments. Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site.. To contact astronauts or cosmonauts. © Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.