Chronology - Quarter 4 1987 Previous Home Next 1987 October 1 - Onizuka AFB, California, and the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) Common User Element, including a worldwide network of remote tracking stations (RTSs) transferred to AF Space Command. Nation: USA. References: 569. 1987 October 1 - 17:09 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200. Launch Pad: LC200/39. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 328-02. Cosmos 1888 Nation: USSR. Payload: Potok no. 4 s/n 15L. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Potok. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,772 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,804 km (22,247 mi). Inclination: 4.00 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1987-084A. USAF Sat Cat: 18384. Completed Operations Date: 1994-09-01. Stationed at 80 deg E; later moved to 13.5 deg W. Communications experiments. Investigation of outer space; relaying of telephone and telegraph information. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 80 deg E in 1987-1990; 14 deg W in 1990-1994 As of 3 September 2001 located at 1.75 deg E drifting at 0.093 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 68.17W drifting at 0.344W degrees per day.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 67, 112, 274. 1987 Oct 2? - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36MU 15A18. R-36M Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). 1987 October 4 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: RN. Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac. HJ Nike Hydac HAVE JEEP IV-D re-entry vehicle test flight? Nation: USA. Agency: ASMS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 904. 1987 October 5 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: Jubilee. Buran Analog BST-02 flight 14 Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Buran Analogue. Location of Spacecraft: Zhukovskiy Aerodrome, Moscow. Crew: Shchukin, Volk. Automatic landing. Time 21 minutes. References: 81. 1987 October 6 - 17:02 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC46. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 D5X-8. Trident D-5 Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 792. 1987 October 9 - 08:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1889 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 371 km (230 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1987-085A. USAF Sat Cat: 18394. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-10-23. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1, 2, 6. 1987 October 10 - 21:48 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90. Launch Pad: LC90. Launch Vehicle: Tsyklon 2. Model: Tsiklon-2. Cosmos 1890 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 402 km (249 mi). Apogee: 415 km (257 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 92.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-086A. USAF Sat Cat: 18396. Decay Date: 1988-12-26. Ocean surveillance. References: 1, 2, 5, 6. 1987 October 14 - 12:35 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133. Launch Pad: LC133/3. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53726-186. Cosmos 1891 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 950 km (590 mi). Apogee: 1,026 km (637 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1987-087A. USAF Sat Cat: 18402. Military navigation satellite. References: 1, 2, 5, 6. 1987 October 15 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: Jubilee. Buran Analog BST-02 flight 15 Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Buran Analogue. Location of Spacecraft: Zhukovskiy Aerodrome, Moscow. Crew: Bachurin, Borodai. Time 19 minutes. References: 81. 1987 October 15 - 10:47 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper-Dart. LV Configuration: Viper 3A E-F1 /FALL. Viper-Dart Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi). Viper 3A/Dart E-F1 /FALL References: 1592. 1987 October 15 - 10:52 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion DLR A-NO-148. Nike Orion MAC/E-T1 Bugatti 10 Aeronomy mission Nation: Norway. Agency: NDRE/DLR. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 1085. 1987 October 15 - 10:52 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.63UE. Nike Orion MAC/Epsilon NEFS Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 931. 1987 October 15 - 13:08 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper-Dart. LV Configuration: Viper 3A E-C3/SL /LIGH. Viper-Dart Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi). Viper 3A/Dart E-C3/SL /LIGH References: 1592. 1987 October 16 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. Poseidon Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 792. 1987 October 16 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. Poseidon Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 792. 1987 October 16 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. Poseidon Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 792. 1987 October 16 - 16:17 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. Poseidon Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 792. 1987 October 20 - 09:09 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32. Launch Vehicle: Tsyklon 3. Model: Tsiklon-3. Cosmos 1892 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 63. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 595 km (369 mi). Apogee: 623 km (387 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 96.90 min. COSPAR: 1987-088A. USAF Sat Cat: 18421. References: 1, 2, 5, 6. 1987 October 21 - 21:28 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper-Dart. LV Configuration: Viper 3A E-F2 /FALL. Viper-Dart Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Apogee: 113 km (70 mi). Viper 3A/Dart E-F2 /FALL References: 1592. 1987 October 21 - 21:33 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion DLR A-NO-149. Nike Orion MAC/E-T3 Total 9 Aeronomy mission Nation: Norway. Agency: NDRE/DLR. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 1085. 1987 October 21 - 21:33 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion DLR A-NO-150 MAC/Eps. Nike Orion Aeronomy mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DLR/NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 1582. 1987 October 21 - 21:33 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.66UE. Nike Orion MAC/Epsilon EXERT Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 931. 1987 October 21 - 21:34 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.64GE. Nike Orion Aeronomy mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DLR/NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 931. 1987 October 21 - 21:46 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper-Dart. LV Configuration: Viper 3A E-C6/SL /LIGH. Viper-Dart Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Apogee: 101 km (62 mi). Viper 3A/Dart E-C6/SL /LIGH References: 1592. 1987 October 21 - 23:21 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. LV Configuration: Super Loki E-C8/SL /LIGH. Super Loki Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Apogee: 102 km (63 mi). References: 1592. 1987 October 22 - 14:25 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1893 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 162 km (100 mi). Apogee: 323 km (200 mi). Inclination: 67.20 deg. Period: 89.40 min. COSPAR: 1987-089A. USAF Sat Cat: 18432. Duration: 55.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-12-16. 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: 1, 2, 6, 179. 1987 October 23 - 18:05 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.92US. Black Brant MSSTA Solar X-ray mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 340 km (210 mi). References: 931. 1987 October 26 - 21:32 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 34D. Model: Titan 34D. LV Configuration: Titan 34D 34D-15 (04D-8). USA 27 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-11 no. 8. Mass: 13,300 kg (29,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-11. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 153 km (95 mi). Apogee: 1,029 km (639 mi). Inclination: 97.80 deg. Period: 96.50 min. COSPAR: 1987-090A. USAF Sat Cat: 18441. Decay Date: 1992-05-31. KH-11 type satellite. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1, 2, 5, 6. 1987 October 28 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. Minuteman 2 FOT GT150M Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The Minuteman II launch took place at sunset and created a spectacular show in the evening sky. Pictures of the event were interpreted to mean that the missile was detonated because it was off course. The flash was visible as far away as Salt Lake City. The Air Force claimed that it was a successful launch, but the alternative LA Weekly later said that it was indeed heading for Los Angeles and was destroyed. However high-altitude contrails and staging events, altered by winds aloft, can produce easily-misinterpreted visual displays.References: 916. 1987 October 28 - 00:21 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.67GE. Nike Orion MAC/Epsilon EXERT Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi). References: 1592. 1987 October 28 - 15:15 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200. Launch Pad: LC200/40. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 325-01. Cosmos 1894 Nation: USSR. Payload: SPRN No. 4. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Prognoz SPRN. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,776 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,802 km (22,246 mi). Inclination: 4.10 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1987-091A. USAF Sat Cat: 18443. Completed Operations Date: 1991-11-01. Geosynchronous ballistic missile early warning satellite. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 24 deg W in 1987-1991 As of 5 September 2001 located at 165.32 deg W drifting at 0.190 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 85.03W drifting at 0.375E degrees per day.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 67, 107, 274. 1987 November 3 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. Minuteman 3 FOT GT124GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 916. 1987 November 8 - Launch Site: Natal. Launch Vehicle: Sonda 4. LV Configuration: Sonda 4 PT-03. FAILURE: Failure. Sonda 4 Test mission Nation: Brazil. Agency: IAE. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi). References: 1089. 1987 November 9 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Last launch of a Minuteman II Nation: USA. Last launch of a Minuteman II (first launch from Vandenberg AFB on 18 August 1965). References: 88. 1987 November 9 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF07. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. Minuteman 2 FOT GT149M Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 916. 1987 November 11 - 09:04 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1895 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 224 km (139 mi). Apogee: 283 km (175 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1987-092A. USAF Sat Cat: 18491. Duration: 15.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-11-26. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1, 2, 6. 1987 November 11 - 23:58 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper-Dart. LV Configuration: Viper 3A E-F3 /FALL. Viper-Dart Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Apogee: 107 km (66 mi). Viper 3A/Dart E-F3 /FALL References: 1592. 1987 November 12 - 00:16 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper-Dart. LV Configuration: Viper 3A E-F4 /FALL. Viper-Dart Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Apogee: 106 km (65 mi). Viper 3A/Dart E-F4 /FALL References: 1592. 1987 November 12 - 00:21 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion MAC/E-T4 Ferdinand74 Test/Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Nation: Norway. Agency: NDRE. Apogee: 125 km (77 mi). References: 1592. 1987 November 12 - 00:21 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion DLR A-NO-151. Nike Orion DLR A-NO-151 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 124 km (77 mi). References: 1582. 1987 November 12 - 00:21 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion DLR A-NO-152. Nike Orion MAC/E-T5 Total 11 Aeronomy mission Nation: Norway. Agency: NDRE. Apogee: 125 km (77 mi). References: 1085. 1987 November 12 - 00:22 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.65UE. Nike Orion NEFS Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 124 km (77 mi). References: 1592. 1987 November 14 - 09:29 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1896 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-1KFT no. 8. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Cartography. Spacecraft: Yantar-1KFT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 263 km (163 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1987-093A. USAF Sat Cat: 18535. Duration: 41.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-12-25. Military topographic / cartographic satellite. References: 1, 2, 6, 101, 102. 1987 November 14 - 14:10 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 N. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.030UH. Black Brant X-ray Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 931. 1987 November 18 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: RN. Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac. HJ Nike Hydac HAVE JEEP VIII-A re-entry vehicle test flight? Nation: USA. Agency: ASMS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 904. 1987 November 18 - 13:06 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 N. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.023UG. Black Brant Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 931. 1987 November 20 - 23:47 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U2. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U2 L15000-022. Progress 33 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress s/n 140. Mass: 6,895 kg (15,200 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 326 km (202 mi). Apogee: 343 km (213 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.20 min. COSPAR: 1987-094A. USAF Sat Cat: 18568. Duration: 28.58 days. Completed Operations Date: 1987-12-20 13:36:48. Decay Date: 1987-12-20 13:36:48. Flight: Soyuz TM-3, Mir LD-1. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Space station orbit at rendezvous was 326 km x 343 km. Docked on 23 Nov 1987 01:39:13 GMT. Undocked on 19 Dec 1987 08:15:46 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 19 Dec 1987 13:37:00 GMT. Total free-flight time 2.30 days. Total docked time 26.28 days.References: 1, 2, 6, 275. 1987 November 21 - 02:19 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 2/3. Model: Ariane 2. LV Configuration: Ariane 2 V20. TVSAT 1 Nation: Germany. Program: TVSAT. Payload: TV-Sat 1. Mass: 2,077 kg (4,579 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 300. Agency: Bundespo. Perigee: 36,066 km (22,410 mi). Apogee: 36,151 km (22,463 mi). Inclination: 4.30 deg. Period: 1,452.60 min. COSPAR: 1987-095A. USAF Sat Cat: 18570. Completed Operations Date: 1989-02-01. West German communications; solar panel failed to deploy making spacecraft unusable. Because of a malfunction of the solar generator, the satellite is being used only for technical tests. Geostationary position 19 W. Launch by Ariane-2 flight no. 20. Due to a malfunction of the solar generator, TV-SAT 1 was taken out of commission and sen t to a so-called parking orbit beyond the geostationary orbit. Semi-major axis 42485.605 km. Eccentricity 0.00116. Inc 0.716, Arg of perigee 216.66, RA 76.77, Mean anomaly 47.1 Mean drift -4.071 deg/day, E long 350.617, latitude -0.713. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 18 deg W in 1988 As of 5 September 2001 located at 76.53 deg W drifting at 4.886 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 169.62W drifting at 4.874W degrees per day.References: 1, 2, 5, 6. 1987 November 23 - 09:10 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: S. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7. LV Configuration: Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-153. FAILURE: Failure. Skylark TEXUS 16 Microgravity mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. References: 1582. 1987 November 25 - 23:13 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper. LV Configuration: Viper 3A M-100B. Viper Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Apogee: 109 km (67 mi). References: 1592. 1987 November 26 - 13:28 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200. Launch Pad: LC200/39. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 330-01. Cosmos 1897 Nation: USSR. Payload: Luch s/n 12L. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Luch . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,763 km (22,222 mi). Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 3.80 deg. Period: 1,435.60 min. COSPAR: 1987-096A. USAF Sat Cat: 18575. Completed Operations Date: 1992-10-01. Stationed at 95 deg E. Relaying of telephone and telegraph information. Second launch in Altair/SR system for communication with Mir space station and other orbital spacecraft. In late July 1988 Cosmos 1897 was moved from its station at 95 degrees East to 12 degrees East to support the Buran shuttle test flight of November 14, 1988. During February 1987 the satellite was moved back to its original position at 95 degrees East. The satellite drifted to 90 degrees East by March 1991. By late April it was maneuvered it back to 95 degrees East, but by the end of 1991 it had drifted to 77 degrees East and was considered inoperative. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 95 deg E in 1987-1988; 12 deg E in 1988-1989; 95 deg E in 1989-1992 As of 5 September 2001 located at 62.12 deg E drifting at 0.168 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 94.48E drifting at 0.087E degrees per day.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 67, 274. 1987 November 29 - 03:28 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: LC40. Launch Vehicle: Titan 34D. Model: Titan 34D/Transtage. LV Configuration: Titan 34D/Transtage 34D-8 (05D-4). USA 28 Nation: USA. Payload: DSP Phase 2 Upgrade s/n 5R. Mass: 1,670 kg (3,680 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: DSP. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 35,514 km (22,067 mi). Apogee: 35,558 km (22,094 mi). Inclination: 2.90 deg. Period: 1,423.30 min. COSPAR: 1987-097A. USAF Sat Cat: 18583. Completed Operations Date: 1987-12-31. Reserve DSP ballistic missile launch detection satellite fitted with Block 14 sensors, remained in service for only five years.. Observed Scud launches during Gulf War. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 35 deg W in 1988-1989; 10 deg E in 1989-1992; 35 deg W in 1992-1993; 105 deg E in 1993; 165 deg W in 1999.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 127. 1987 December 1 - Astronaut Donn Fulton Eisele dies at age of 57 -- Natural causes - Heart attack. Nation: USA. 1987 December 1 - 14:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133. Launch Pad: LC133/3?. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65035-621. Cosmos 1898 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-2M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 770 km (470 mi). Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 100.60 min. COSPAR: 1987-098A. USAF Sat Cat: 18585. References: 1, 2, 5, 6. 1987 December 4 - 17:05 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 N. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.024UH. Black Brant X-ray Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 931. 1987 December 7 - 08:50 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1899 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 225 km (139 mi). Apogee: 277 km (172 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1987-099A. USAF Sat Cat: 18625. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-12-21. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1, 2, 6. 1987 December 10 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200. Launch Pad: LC200/40. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 343-01. Raduga 21 Nation: USSR. Payload: Raduga s/n 32L. Mass: 1,965 kg (4,332 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Raduga . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,789 km (22,238 mi). Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 3.90 deg. Period: 1,436.40 min. COSPAR: 1987-100A. USAF Sat Cat: 18631. Completed Operations Date: 1997-09-30. Stationed at 128 deg E. Provision of telephone and telegraph radiocommunications and television broadcasting. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 128 deg E in 1987-1991; 170 deg W in 1991-1997 As of 3 September 2001 located at 140.92 deg W drifting at 0.213 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 154.31W drifting at 0.091W degrees per day.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 67, 274. 1987 December 11 - 13:26 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC46. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 D5X-10. Trident D-5 Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 792. 1987 December 11 - 18:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.38CS. Black Brant Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 931. 1987 December 11 - 18:45 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.20DS. Black Brant HRTS 5 Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 931. 1987 December 12 - 05:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90. Launch Pad: LC90. Launch Vehicle: Tsyklon 2. Model: Tsiklon-2. Cosmos 1900 Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: US-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 696 km (432 mi). Apogee: 735 km (456 mi). Inclination: 66.10 deg. Period: 99.10 min. COSPAR: 1987-101A. USAF Sat Cat: 18665. Ocean surveillance; nuclear powered. References: 1, 2, 5, 6. Cosmos 1900 Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: US-A. Agency: UNKS. COSPAR: 1987-101xx. Ocean surveillance; nuclear powered. References: 279. 1987 December 14 - Mir-2 draft project approved Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: International Space Station, ISS Zvezda, Mir-2. The draft project for this greatly expanded station was approved by NPO Energia Chief Semenov on 14 December 1987 and announced to the press as 'Mir-2' in January 1988. The station would be built in a 65 degree orbit and consist mainly of enormous 90 tonne modules. But the first launch, as always, was the DOS 8. Assembly of the station was expected to begin in 1993. 1987 December 14 - 01:45 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant X. LV Configuration: Black Brant X GL A22.703. Black Brant SPEAR I Active Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: SDIO. Apogee: 370 km (220 mi). References: 1836. 1987 December 14 - 11:29 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1901 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 172 km (106 mi). Apogee: 343 km (213 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-102A. USAF Sat Cat: 18666. Duration: 51.00 days. Decay Date: 1988-02-03. 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: 1, 2, 6, 179. 1987 December 15 - 13:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133. Launch Pad: LC133/3. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53726-183. Cosmos 1902 Nation: USSR. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-1. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 364 km (226 mi). Apogee: 408 km (253 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 1987-103A. USAF Sat Cat: 18668. Decay Date: 1988-12-30. Radar calibration mission. References: 1, 2, 5, 6. 1987 December 21 - 11:18 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U2. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. Soyuz TM-4 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Soyuz TM 11F732 s/n 54. Mass: 7,070 kg (15,580 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz TM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 337 km (209 mi). Apogee: 357 km (221 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.50 min. COSPAR: 1987-104A. USAF Sat Cat: 18699. Duration: 178.95 days. Decay Date: 1988-06-17. Crew: Levchenko, Manarov, Titov Vladimir. Flight: Mir EO-3, Mir LII-1, Soyuz TM-3, Mir LD-1. Mir Expedition EO-03. Carried Musa Manarov, Anatoly Levchenko, Vladimir Titov to Mir; returned crew of Soyuz TM-5 to Earth. Orbits 168 x 243 km, 255 x 296 km, 333 x 359 km. Docked with Mir 12:51 GMT 23 December. 30 December moved to forward port. References: 1, 2, 6,51. 1987 December 21 - 22:35 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M 2BL. Cosmos 1903 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #55. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 6,634 km (4,122 mi). Apogee: 33,733 km (20,960 mi). Inclination: 67.70 deg. Period: 718.00 min. COSPAR: 1987-105A. USAF Sat Cat: 18701. Covered Oko constellation plane 8 - 196 degree longitude of ascending node. It was reported that prior to this, on 8 November 1987 a Molniya booster was prepared for launch in a record four days at Plesetsk. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 100. 1987 December 22 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: RT-23. Model: RT-23U 15Zh61. LV Configuration: RT-23U 15Zh61 15Zh61. RT-23 Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 475. 1987 December 23 - 20:22 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133. Launch Pad: LC133/3. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53711-281. Cosmos 1904 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 967 km (600 mi). Apogee: 1,005 km (624 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1987-106A. USAF Sat Cat: 18709. Military navigation satellite. References: 1, 2, 5, 6. 1987 December 25 - 08:45 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1905 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 226 km (140 mi). Apogee: 277 km (172 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1987-107A. USAF Sat Cat: 18711. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1988-01-08. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1, 2, 6. 1987 December 26 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16. Launch Pad: LC16/2. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1906 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Payload: Resurs F2 s/n 1. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 253 km (157 mi). Apogee: 273 km (169 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1987-108A. USAF Sat Cat: 18713. Duration: 65.00 days. Decay Date: 1988-02-29. Also performed earth resources tasks. Investigation of the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation. References: 1, 2, 6. 1987 December 27 - 11:25 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200. Launch Pad: LC200/39. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 345-01. Ekran 17 Nation: USSR. Payload: Ekran-M s/n 13L. Mass: 1,970 kg (4,340 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Ekran-M . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 36,890 km (22,920 mi). Apogee: 37,239 km (23,139 mi). Inclination: 3.60 deg. Period: 1,501.90 min. COSPAR: 1987-109A. USAF Sat Cat: 18715. Completed Operations Date: 1993-01-28. Stationed at 99 deg E. Transmitting USSR Central Television programmes to a network of communal receivers. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 99 deg E in 1988-1992 As of 5 September 2001 located at 125.85 deg W drifting at 15.807 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 124.58E drifting at 15.805W degrees per day.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 67, 274. 1987 December 29 - 11:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 1907 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 353 km (219 mi). Apogee: 412 km (256 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 92.20 min. COSPAR: 1987-110A. USAF Sat Cat: 18720. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1988-01-12. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1, 2, 6. 1987 December 29 - Landing of Soyuz TM-3 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Flight: Mir EO-3, Mir LII-1, Soyuz TM-3, Mir LD-1. Soyuz TM-3 undocked from Mir at 05:55 GMT and landed near Arkalyk at 09:16 GMT with the crew of Aleksandrov, Levchenko (Soyuz TM-4) and Romanenko (Soyuz TM-2) aboard. Previous Home Next                   Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments. 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