Chronology - Quarter 1 1991

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Previous Home Next 1991 - Launch Vehicle: HOTOL. Model: Interim HOTOL. Interim HOTOL designed by British Aerospace Nation: UK. This was a less ambitious, scaled-back version of the original HOTOL. The single-stage to orbit winged launch vehicle using four Russian rocket engines. It was to have been air-launched from a Ukrainian An-225 aircraft. 1991 During the Year - Mars Direct Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mars Direct. Martin Marietta and NASA Ames (Zubrin, Baker, and Gwynne) proposed 'Mars Direct' - a Mars expedition faster, cheaper, and better than the standard NASA plan. 1991 January 7 - 17:03 GMT - EVA Mir EO-8-1 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir. Crew: Afanasyev, Manarov. Flight: Mir EO-8. EVA Duration: 0.22 days. Completed repair of Kvant 2 hatch. References: 66. 1991 January 8 - 00:53 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D202. NATO 4A Nation: NATO. Program: NATO. Payload: NATO 4A. Mass: 1,433 kg (3,159 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: ECS/OTS. Agency: NATO. Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Inclination: 2.60 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1991-001A. USAF Sat Cat: 21047. NATO communications; 18 deg W. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 18 deg W in 1991-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 17.81 deg W drifting at 0.007 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 16.26W drifting at 0.003W degrees per day. References: 2, 6. 1991 January 14 - 14:50 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U2 T15000-045. Progress M-6 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 205. Mass: 7,125 kg (15,707 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 188 km (116 mi). Apogee: 205 km (127 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.40 min. COSPAR: 1991-002A. USAF Sat Cat: 21053. Duration: 60.14 days. Completed Operations Date: 1991-03-15 18:06:59 PM. Decay Date: 1991-03-15 18:06:59 PM. Flight: Mir EO-8. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Delivered new life support equipment to replace life-expired equipment aboard. Docked with Mir on 16 Jan 1991 16:35:25 GMT. Undocked on 15 Mar 1991 12:46:41 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 15 Mar 1991 18:07:26 GMT. Total free-flight time 2.30 days. Total docked time 57.84 days. References: 2, 6, 275. 1991 January 15 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Space Command takes over Vandenberg AFB from SAC. Nation: USA. Host base responsibilities for Vandenberg AFB transferred from Strategic Air Command to Air Force Space Command. References: 88. 1991 January 15 - SAC transferred Vandenberg AFB, California, to Air Force Space Command. Nation: USA. References: 569. 1991 January 15 - 23:10 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L V41. Italsat 1 Nation: Italy. Mass: 1,865 kg (4,111 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Italsat. Agency: ASI. Perigee: 35,817 km (22,255 mi). Apogee: 35,919 km (22,318 mi). Inclination: 4.20 deg. Period: 1,440.20 min. COSPAR: 1991-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 21055. Experimental commsat; 13.2 deg E. ITALSAT is a body stabilized geostationary satellite and it is proposed to provide pre-operational domestic telecommunications services on the 20/30 GHz bands. Geographic longitude 13.2 deg E. Longitudinal tolerance +/- 0.1 deg. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 13 deg E in 1991-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 144.14 deg E drifting at 1.021 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 86.26E drifting at 1.156W degrees per day. References: 2, 6. Eutelsat II F2 Nation: Europe. Program: Eutelsat. Mass: 1,878 kg (4,140 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 100. Agency: Eutelsat. Perigee: 35,759 km (22,219 mi). Apogee: 35,814 km (22,253 mi). Inclination: 2.20 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1991-003B. USAF Sat Cat: 21056. Stationed at 10 deg E. Telecommunications satellite. Registered by France in ST/SG/SER.E/234 and 239 until EUTELSAT can register the satellite. EUTELSAT is the European Telecommunications Satellite Organization. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 10 deg E in 1991-1999 12 deg W in 1999-2000 As of 4 September 2001 located at 12.60 deg W drifting at 0.009 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 28.49E drifting at 4.801W degrees per day. References: 2, 6. 1991 January 17 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 2121 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 165 km (102 mi). Apogee: 247 km (153 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 88.60 min. COSPAR: 1991-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 21059. Duration: 24.00 days. Decay Date: 1991-02-10. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. 1991 January 18 - 11:34 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. Cosmos 2122 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 401 km (249 mi). Apogee: 415 km (257 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 92.70 min. COSPAR: 1991-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 21065. Decay Date: 1993-03-28. Ocean surveillance. References: 2, 6. 1991 January 20 - 18:43 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 20 - 18:43 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 21 - Kazakhstan Cosmonaut Training Group selected. Nation: Kazakhstan. Kazakh astronaut trained for flights to the Mir space station. 1991 January 21 - 08:29 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 21 - 08:29 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 21 - 09:42 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 21 - 09:42 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 21 - 09:42 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 21 - 09:42 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 21 - 19:18 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Combat launch - target: Al Jubail Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 22 - Launch Site: Haikou. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Zhinui. LV Configuration: Zhinui ZN-3. Test mission Nation: China. Agency: PRC. Apogee: 120 km (70 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 22 - 00:41 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 22 - 00:41 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 22 - 00:41 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 22 - 04:10 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 22 - 04:10 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 22 - 04:10 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 23 - 10:59 GMT - EVA Mir EO-8-2 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir. Crew: Afanasyev, Manarov. Flight: Mir EO-8. EVA Duration: 0.23 days. Installed Strela boom on Mir. References: 66. 1991 January 23 - 19:54 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 23 - 19:54 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 23 - 19:54 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-W. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Israel Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 23 - 19:54 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 23 - 19:54 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 25 - 19:23 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 25 - 19:23 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 26 - 00:28 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 26 - 06:25 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.057UG. JHU FOT 10 (Io) Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 26 - 09:00 GMT - EVA Mir EO-8-3 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir. Crew: Afanasyev, Manarov. Flight: Mir EO-8. EVA Duration: 0.26 days. Installed solar array supports. References: 66. 1991 January 26 - 19:46 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 28 - 17:55 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 28 - 18:03 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. GBI-1 ERIS Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1991 January 28 - 18:24 GMT - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: Meck. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: ERIS. LV Configuration: ERIS ERIS 1. ERIS Interceptor mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi). During the mission the TRW team monitored a mission telephone com channel real time in Redondo Beach. Participants recall the intense, "nail biting" anxiety as they waited the approximate 30 minutes it took for the RV to reach the nominal intercept point, over the Pacific and closer to Hawaii than to Kwajalein Atoll. Launch of the Minuteman I target from Vandenberg AFB came at 1803:00.3, launch of the ERIS interceptor at 1824:24.2, and kinetic intercept over Pacific at 1832:08.2. References: 2. 1991 January 29 - 11:59 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53744-158. Oscar 21 Nation: USSR. Program: Oscar. Payload: Informator s/n 1. Mass: 600 kg (1,320 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Amateur Radio. Spacecraft: Informator. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 956 km (594 mi). Apogee: 1,008 km (626 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.70 min. COSPAR: 1991-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 21087. Prototype satellite for the planned Koskon (Space Conversion) Global Space Communication System. It was planned that the Koskon constellation would consist of a constellation of 32 to 45 satellites in 1997-2001. Also carried amateur radio transponders and performed geological research. Routine communications, collection and relaying of information in the interests of the Ministry of Geology of the USSR and other branches of the country's national economy, and the development of communications between amateur radio-operators. References: 2, 6. 1991 February 2 - 21:41 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 5 - 02:36 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47148-407. Cosmos 2123 Nation: USSR. Payload: Tsikada/RS-12/RS-13. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Tsikada. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 963 km (598 mi). Apogee: 1,005 km (624 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1991-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 21089. Civilian navigation satellite. Positioned in plane 13 of constellation. Testing of components and equipment of a space navigation system being set up to determine the position of civil aircraft and ships of the USSR merchant marine and fishing fleet at any point on the oceans and seas. Two amateur satellite transponders, RS12 and RS13, were secondary payloads on the Cosmos 2123 navigation satellite. These transponders were developed at the Kaluga Electromechanical Plant under the direction of Aleksander Papkov and were launched aboard several satellites by the USSR during 1978-1991. References: 2, 6, 107. 1991 February 6 - Salyut-7 Burnup In Earth's Atmosphere (Soviet Union Space Station) Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Salyut 7. 1991 February 6 - 07:29 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Super Chief. Model: LCLV. Target / active plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: OSC. Apogee: 510 km (310 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 7 - Salyut 7 re-enters Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 7. Spacecraft: Salyut 7. Salyut 7 had been put into a high storage orbit in June 1986, which was supposed to allow it to remain in orbit for ten years before decaying. But much greater than expected solar activity caused the orbit to decay rapidly. By the end of 1990 the station was no longer controllable, and on 7 February 1991 the station came down over South America. References: 367. 1991 February 7 - 08:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 7 - 18:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 2124 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Apogee: 316 km (196 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1991-008A. USAF Sat Cat: 21092. Duration: 59.00 days. Decay Date: 1991-04-07. 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. 1991 February 7 - 22:54 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 11 - Launch Site: Sriharikota. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Prithvi. LV Configuration: Prithvi 3. Test mission Nation: India. Agency: IDRDL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 11 - 19:20 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 12 - 02:44 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47187-204. Cosmos 2125 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 345. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,458 km (905 mi). Apogee: 1,473 km (915 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.20 min. COSPAR: 1991-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 21100. Eight satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 2126 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 346. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,467 km (911 mi). Apogee: 1,496 km (929 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.60 min. COSPAR: 1991-009B. USAF Sat Cat: 21101. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 2127 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 347. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,467 km (911 mi). Apogee: 1,478 km (918 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.40 min. COSPAR: 1991-009C. USAF Sat Cat: 21102. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 2128 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 348. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,445 km (897 mi). Apogee: 1,469 km (912 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.00 min. COSPAR: 1991-009D. USAF Sat Cat: 21103. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 2129 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 349. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,430 km (880 mi). Apogee: 1,469 km (912 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.90 min. COSPAR: 1991-009E. USAF Sat Cat: 21104. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 2130 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 350. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,401 km (870 mi). Apogee: 1,469 km (912 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.60 min. COSPAR: 1991-009F. USAF Sat Cat: 21105. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 2131 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 351. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,387 km (861 mi). Apogee: 1,468 km (912 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.40 min. COSPAR: 1991-009G. USAF Sat Cat: 21106. References: 2, 6. Cosmos 2132 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 352. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,415 km (879 mi). Apogee: 1,469 km (912 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.70 min. COSPAR: 1991-009H. USAF Sat Cat: 21107. References: 2, 6. 1991 February 12 - 03:29 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-520. LV Configuration: S-520-14. Auroral mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 353 km (219 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 12 - 09:11 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 12. LV Configuration: Black Brant XII NASA 40.01UE. TOPAZ 3 Active plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 14 - 08:31 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 344-02. Cosmos 2133 Nation: USSR. Payload: SPRN Generation 2 No. 1. Mass: 2,150 kg (4,730 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Prognoz SPRN. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.50 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1991-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 21111. Completed Operations Date: 1995-05-01. Geosynchronous ballistic missile early warning satellite. First launch of improved second generation version. Declared purpose: 'Investigation of outer space and of processes occurring in the Earth's atmosphere'. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 80 deg E in 1991; 24 deg W in 1992-1993; 80 deg E in 1993-1995 As of 2 September 2001 located at 80.48 deg E drifting at 0.009 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 74.02E drifting at 0.040E degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 107, 274. 1991 February 14 - 08:45 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Hafir Al Batin Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 14 - 08:45 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Hafir Al Batin Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 15 - 09:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1/LC31?. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 2134 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-1KFT no. 13. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Cartography. Spacecraft: Yantar-1KFT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 190 km (110 mi). Apogee: 306 km (190 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1991-011A. USAF Sat Cat: 21116. Duration: 45.00 days. Decay Date: 1991-04-01. Topographic mapping for the Army General Staff. References: 2, 6, 101, 102. 1991 February 15 - 15:19 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML. Molniya 1-80 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 3,029 km (1,882 mi). Apogee: 37,317 km (23,187 mi). Inclination: 64.40 deg. Period: 717.60 min. COSPAR: 1991-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 21118. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network. References: 2, 6. 1991 February 15 - 23:01 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Combat launch - target: Al Jubail Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 16 - 13:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: L. Launch Pad: K. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-520. LV Configuration: S-520-13. Extreme ultraviolet Telescopes Extreme ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 18 - 14:30 GMT - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Strypi. Model: Strypi XI. LV Configuration: Strypi XI LACE. Bow Shock 2 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: SDIO. Apogee: 120 km (70 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 21 - 14:06 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Combat launch - target: King Khalid Military City Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 21 - 14:06 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Combat launch - target: King Khalid Military City Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 21 - 18:00 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Combat launch - target: King Khalid Military City Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 21 - 23:31 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Bahrain Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 22 - 19:46 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.070US. Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 23 - 01:59 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 23 - 01:59 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 24 - 01:32 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 24 - 06:23 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Riyadh Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 24 - 09:17 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Combat launch - target: King Khalid Military City Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 25 - 17:32 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Dhahran Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 25 - 22:26 GMT - Launch Site: Scud Batteries. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: IRAQ-S. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Al Hussein. Qatar Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2. 1991 February 26 - 04:53 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47168-254. Cosmos 2135 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 923 km (573 mi). Apogee: 1,018 km (632 mi). Inclination: 82.80 deg. Period: 104.50 min. COSPAR: 1991-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 21130. Military navigation satellite. Replaced by Cosmos 2195. Reactivated in August 1993 after Cosmos 2195 failed. References: 2, 6. 1991 February 28 - 05:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 360-02. Raduga 27 Nation: USSR. Payload: Raduga s/n 38L. Mass: 1,965 kg (4,332 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Raduga . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,809 km (22,250 mi). Inclination: 7.30 deg. Period: 1,436.50 min. COSPAR: 1991-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 21132. Completed Operations Date: 1998-05-01. Provision of telephone and telegraph radiocommunications and transmission of television programmes. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 128 deg E in 1991-1998 As of 29 August 2001 located at 109.47 deg E drifting at 0.276 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 119.06E drifting at 0.198W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 274. 1991 March - Saboteurs destroy LKS spaceplane mock-up Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: LKS. A group of unidentified saboteurs (possibly KGB) broke into the premises of NPO Mashinostroyeniye and destroyed the mock-up. 1991 March 2 - 23:36 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44LP. LV Configuration: Ariane 44LP V42. Astra 1B Nation: Europe. Program: Astra. Mass: 2,620 kg (5,770 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 5000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: SES. Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Apogee: 35,799 km (22,244 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1991-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 21139. Stationed at 19.2 deg E; European coverage. Astra 1B provides TV coverage to Western Europe. The satellite is owned and operated by Société Europíenne des Satellites (SES), a private company formed in 1985. Astra 1B is the second in a network of four satellites. SES acquired Astra 1B from DBS Crimson Satellite Associates while still under construction by GE Astro Space (as Satcom K3). Astra 1B is colocated with Astra 1A, and doubled the number of channels provided by the Astra network. Spacecraft: GE 5000 platform.3-axis stabilisation with momentum wheels, magnetic torquers, Earth sensors and 20 blowdown monopropellant hydrazine thrusters. Solar arrays provide 4850 W BOL, 4 50 Ahr NiH batteries. GEO insertion provided by 2 500N bipropellant motors. Payload: 16 Ku-band transponders (with six spares) Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 19 deg E in 1991-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 19.20 deg E drifting at 0.002 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 92.40W drifting at 6.354W degrees per day. References: 2, 6. Meteosat 5 Nation: Europe. Payload: MOP 2. Mass: 681 kg (1,501 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteosat. Agency: ESA. Perigee: 35,758 km (22,218 mi). Apogee: 35,765 km (22,223 mi). Inclination: 0.30 deg. Period: 1,434.90 min. COSPAR: 1991-015B. USAF Sat Cat: 21140. Earth imaging for weather, climatology, atmospheric physics; 4 deg E. Geostationary meteorological satellite, operating within the world-wide network of the World Weather Watch of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Its main missions are: imaging in the visible, infrared and water vapour region of the spectrum. Dat a reception from so called Data Collection Platforms (DCPs); data distribution to meteorological services and other interested parties (research institutes, etc). Launch time 2336:00 UT. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 4 deg W in 1991; 1 deg W in 1991; 4 deg W in 1991-1992; 1 deg W in 1992; 8 deg W in 1993-1997; 9 deg W in 1997-1998; 63 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 62.77 deg E drifting at 0.000 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 1 located at 63.15E drifting at 0.006E degrees per day. References: 2, 6. 1991 March 5 - 19:19 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. LV Configuration: Terrier NASA 12.44WT. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). References: 2. 1991 March 6 - Soviet Air Force Cosmonaut Training Group 11 Supplemental selected. Nation: USSR. 1991 March 6 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 2136 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 250 km (150 mi). Apogee: 314 km (195 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1991-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 21143. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1991-03-20. Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. 1991 March 8 - 12:03 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 403A. LV Configuration: Titan 403A K-5 (45F-1). USA 69 Nation: USA. Payload: Lacrosse 2. Class: Surveillance. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Lacrosse. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver (formerly Martin). Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 420 km (260 mi). Apogee: 662 km (411 mi). Inclination: 68.00 deg. Period: 95.50 min. COSPAR: 1991-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 21147. Still operating December 1997. First West Coast launch of a Titan 4. References: 2, 6, 69. 1991 March 8 - 23:03 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 6925. LV Configuration: Delta 6925 D203. Inmarsat 2 F2 Nation: International. Program: Inmarsat. Mass: 1,385 kg (3,053 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Eurostar 1000. Manufacturer: Matra Marconi Space-France, Toulouse. Agency: Inmarsat. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 2.20 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1991-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 21149. Mobile and maritime communications; 15.5 deg W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 15 deg W in 1991-1996; 55 deg W in 1997-1999; DRIFT As of 6 September 2001 located at 97.95 deg W drifting at 0.002 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 97.96W drifting at 0.006W degrees per day. References: 2, 6. 1991 March 12 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF02. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper 05PA. Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1991 March 12 - 19:29 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65048-406. Nadezhda 3 Nation: USSR. Payload: Tsikada-Kospas. Mass: 825 kg (1,818 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Nadezhda. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 955 km (593 mi). Apogee: 1,016 km (631 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1991-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 21152. Civilian navigation satellite. Positioned in plane 12 of constellation. Maritime navigation. Signals at 150,00 MHz and 400.00 MHz. Carried COSPAS search and rescue package. Location of vessels in the Soviet merchant marine and fishing fleet; work within the international space search and rescue system for locating vessels and aircraft in distress (COSPAS-SARSAT). References: 2, 6. 1991 March 18 - 10:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.077UH. Colorado SXT X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2. 1991 March 19 - Launch Site: WTR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1991 March 19 - Launch Site: WTR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1991 March 19 - 13:05 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U2 R15000-049. Progress M-7 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 208. Mass: 7,307 kg (16,109 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Apogee: 213 km (132 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.50 min. COSPAR: 1991-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 21188. Duration: 49.18 days. Completed Operations Date: 1991-05-07 17:21:50 PM. Decay Date: 1991-05-07 17:21:50 PM. Flight: Mir EO-8. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Attempted to dock with Mir on 21 March 1998 14:28 GMT, but missed the station by 500 m. Docking attempted again on 23 March but at 50 meters the docking was aborted; the Progress missed hitting the station by five meters. Thereafter it was placed in a station-keeping co-orbit with Mir while the problem was diagnosed. Finally docked with Mir on 28 Mar 1991 12:02:28 GMT. On 12 and 14 Apr 1998 two burns of the engine of Progress M-7 raised the station's orbit from a 360 x 377 km orbit to a 370 x 382 km orbit. Undocked on 6 May 1991 22:59:36 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 7 May 1991 17:20:05 GMT. Total free-flight time 9.72 days. Total docked time 39.46 days. References: 2, 6, 275. VBK Raduga Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Spacecraft: Progress M. Agency: UNKS. COSPAR: 1991-020xx. Flight: Mir EO-8. References: 2, 279. 1991 March 19 - 14:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53448-417. Cosmos 2137 Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-1Yu. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 356 km (221 mi). Apogee: 364 km (226 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 91.70 min. COSPAR: 1991-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 21190. Decay Date: 1995-04-03. Radar calibration mission. References: 2, 6. 1991 March 22 - 12:19 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML. Molniya 3-40 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 55. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 2,948 km (1,831 mi). Apogee: 37,374 km (23,223 mi). Inclination: 64.50 deg. Period: 717.10 min. COSPAR: 1991-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 21196. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. References: 2, 6. 1991 March 23 - 07:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.068GG. MAMA ultraviolet Telescope Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2. 1991 March 26 - 13:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 2138 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 161 km (100 mi). Apogee: 343 km (213 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1991-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 21203. Duration: 59.00 days. Decay Date: 1991-05-24. 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. 1991 March 30 - 02:27 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.078UL. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2. 1991 March 31 - 15:12 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K. LV Configuration: Proton-K 365-01. Almaz 1 Nation: USSR. Program: Almaz. Payload: Almaz-K s/n 305. Mass: 18,550 kg (40,890 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Almaz-T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 337 km (209 mi). Apogee: 351 km (218 mi). Inclination: 72.70 deg. Period: 91.40 min. COSPAR: 1991-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 21213. Decay Date: 1992-10-17. Second flight of Almaz radar imaging satellite. Surveyed the territory of the Soviet Union and of other countries for purposes of geology, cartography, oceanology, ecology and agriculture, and studied the ice situation at high latitudes. Launched eight months after its target date into an initial operational orbit of approximately 270 km with an inclination of 72.7 degrees, slightly higher than the 71.9 degrees inclination of Cosmos 1870. Unfortunately, the failure of one of the SAR antennas to deploy fully rendered that side inoperable. Returned images of 10 to 15 meter resolution through 17 October 1992. Its radiometer provided images of 10 to 30 km radiometer resolution over a 600 km swath. Its engines completed 760,000 firings during its 18 month service life. References: 2, 6, 67, 274. Previous Home Next Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments. 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