Chronology - Quarter 2 1996 Previous Home Next 1996 April 3 - 15:59 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9CM1. Black Brant Aeronomy mission? Nation: USA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Microgravity experiments. References: 1836. 1996 April 3 - 23:01 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: LC36A. Launch Vehicle: Atlas IIA. Model: Atlas IIA. LV Configuration: Atlas IIA AC-122 / Centaur II. Inmarsat 3 F1 Nation: International. Program: Inmarsat. Mass: 2,068 kg (4,559 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 4000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Inmarsat. Perigee: 35,767 km (22,224 mi). Apogee: 35,806 km (22,248 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 23839. Geostationary at 64.1E. Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit with RAAN Cntl trajectory option. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 64 deg E in 1996-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 63.98 deg E drifting at 0.003 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 64.52E drifting at 0.006W degrees per day.References: 4, 6, 278. 1996 April 8 - 23:09 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81. Launch Pad: LC81/23. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861-01. Model: Proton-K/DM-2M. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2M 390-01. Astra 1F Nation: Europe. Program: Astra. Mass: 3,010 kg (6,630 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Agency: SES. Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 23842. Geostationary at 19.3E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 19 deg E in 1996-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 19.16 deg E drifting at 0.002 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 19.18E drifting at 0.016W degrees per day. References: 4, 6, 67, 274. 1996 April 17 - 07:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC158. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol'. Topol Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1823. 1996 April 20 - 22:36 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 42P. Model: Ariane 42P. LV Configuration: Ariane 42P V85. M-SAT 1 Nation: Canada. Program: M-SAT. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Agency: TMI. Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 23846. Geostationary at 106.5W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 106 deg W in 1996-1999 As of 3 September 2001 located at 106.55 deg W drifting at 0.004 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 106.48W drifting at 0.004W degrees per day. References: 4, 6. 1996 April 21 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-14. Trident D-5 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 797. 1996 April 21 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-14. Trident D-5 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 797. 1996 April 23 - 11:48 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81. Launch Pad: LC81/23. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K. Model: Proton-K. LV Configuration: Proton-K 385-01. Priroda Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: 77KSI s/n 17401. Mass: 19,000 kg (41,000 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Priroda. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 220 km (130 mi). Apogee: 347 km (215 mi). Inclination: 51.67 deg. Period: 89.89 min. COSPAR: 1996-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 23848. Decay Date: 2001-03-23. Flight: Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-21. LEO. Remote sensing module for Mir space station Docked with Mir Apr 26. References: 4, 6, 67, 274. 1996 April 24 - 12:27 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2. Launch Pad: SLC2W. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7000. Model: Delta 7920-10. LV Configuration: Delta 7920-10 D235. MSX Nation: USA. Mass: 2,700 kg (5,900 lb). Class: Military. Type: SDI. Spacecraft: MSX. Agency: BMDO. Perigee: 897 km (557 mi). Apogee: 907 km (563 mi). Inclination: 99.40 deg. Period: 103.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 23851. LEO. Midcourse Space eXperiment; missile detection technology tests; also used for auroral and atmospheric studies References: 4, 6. 1996 April 24 - 13:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. Cosmos 2332 Nation: Russia. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-1Yu. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 294 km (182 mi). Apogee: 1,548 km (961 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 102.70 min. COSPAR: 1996-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 23853. Decay Date: 2005-01-28. Radar calibration mission. References: 4, 6. 1996 April 24 - 23:37 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur K-16 (45E-4). USA 118 Nation: USA. Payload: Mercury ELINT 2. Class: Military. Type: ELINT. Spacecraft: Mercury ELINT. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 30,000 km (18,000 mi). COSPAR: 1996-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 23855. Second launch of Mercury ELINT satellite. References: 4, 6. 1996 April 30 - 04:31 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: LC36B. Launch Vehicle: Atlas I. Model: Atlas I. LV Configuration: Atlas I AC-78 / Centaur I 5058. Beppo SAX Nation: Italy. Payload: BeppoSAX. Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: SAX. Agency: ASI. Perigee: 584 km (362 mi). Apogee: 601 km (373 mi). Inclination: 4.00 deg. Period: 96.50 min. COSPAR: 1996-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 23857. Decay Date: 2003-04-29. LEO. Satellite per Astronomia a raggi X; X-ray celestial observatory Launch vehicle put payload into low earth orbit with IFR trajectory option. 100th Atlas-Centaur flight. References: 4, 6, 278. 1996 May 3 - 04:16 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: S. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7. LV Configuration: Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-221. Skylark MASER 7 Microgravity mission Nation: Sweden. Agency: SSC. Apogee: 252 km (156 mi). References: 1582. 1996 May 4 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: DC-X. LV Configuration: DC-XA. DC-XA Engine Test 1 Nation: USA. 1996 May 5 - 07:04 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Progress M-31 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 231. Mass: 7,140 kg (15,740 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 376 km (233 mi). Apogee: 390 km (240 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 92.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-028A. USAF Sat Cat: 23860. Duration: 88.56 days. Completed Operations Date: 1996-08-01 20:32:45. Decay Date: 1996-08-01 20:32:45. Flight: Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-21. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Delivered 1,140 kg of fuel and 1,700 kg of cargo to the Mir complex. Docked with Mir on 7 May 1996 08:54:19 GMT. Undocked on 1 Aug 1996 16:44:54 GMT. Destroyed in reentry over the Pacific on 1 Aug 1996 20:33:03 GMT. Total free-flight time 2.23 days. Total docked time 86.33 days.References: 4, 6, 275, 276. 1996 May 7 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: DC-X. LV Configuration: DC-XA. DC-XA Engine Test 2 Nation: USA. 1996 May 8 - 08:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF05. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper 20PA. Peacekeeper Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 916. 1996 May 12 - 21:32 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 403A. LV Configuration: Titan 403A K-22 (45F-11). USA 119 Nation: USA. Payload: SDS B-2. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: SDS-2. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,051 km (653 mi). Apogee: 1,165 km (723 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.44 min. COSPAR: 1996-029A. USAF Sat Cat: 23893. Unknown orbit References: 4, 6. USA 120 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,058 km (657 mi). Apogee: 1,157 km (718 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. COSPAR: 1996-029B. USAF Sat Cat: 23907. References: 4, 6. USA 121 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,055 km (655 mi). Apogee: 1,160 km (720 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. COSPAR: 1996-029C. USAF Sat Cat: 23908. References: 4, 6. USA 122 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS B-4. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,060 km (650 mi). Apogee: 1,156 km (718 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. COSPAR: 1996-029D. USAF Sat Cat: 23862. References: 4, 6. USA 123 Nation: USA. Payload: TIPS Ralph. Class: Technology. Type: Tether. Spacecraft: TIPS. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,010 km (620 mi). Apogee: 1,032 km (641 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. COSPAR: 1996-029E. USAF Sat Cat: 23936. ??? References: 4, 6. USA 124 Nation: USA. Payload: TIPS Norton. Class: Technology. Type: Tether. Spacecraft: TIPS. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,010 km (620 mi). Apogee: 1,032 km (641 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. COSPAR: 1996-029F. USAF Sat Cat: 23937. References: 4, 6. 1996 May 14 - 08:55 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U PVB78051-368. FAILURE: Shroud broke up at T+49 seconds. Kometa Nation: Russia. Payload: Yantar-1KFT no. 18. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Cartography. Spacecraft: Yantar-1KFT. Agency: VKS. COSPAR: F960514A. Topographic mapping satellite failed to reach orbit. References: 4, 101, 102. 1996 May 16 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-47. Trident C-4 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 797. 1996 May 16 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-47. Trident C-4 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 797. 1996 May 16 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-47. Trident C-4 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 797. 1996 May 16 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-47. Trident C-4 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 797. 1996 May 16 - 01:56 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44L. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L V86. Palapa C2 Nation: Indonesia. Program: Palapa. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Agency: PSN. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 23864. 34 transponders; Geostationary at 113.0E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 113 deg E in 1996-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 112.95 deg E drifting at 0.018 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 112.97E drifting at 0.011W degrees per day. References: 4, 6. Amos Nation: Israel. Payload: AMOS 1. Mass: 996 kg (2,195 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AMOS. Agency: IAI/Maba. Perigee: 35,773 km (22,228 mi). Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-030B. USAF Sat Cat: 23865. 7 Ku-band transponders Geostationary at 4.1W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 4 deg W in 1996-1999 As of 3 September 2001 located at 4.04 deg W drifting at 0.001 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 4.01W drifting at 0.004W degrees per day. References: 4, 6. 1996 May 17 - 02:44 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: RW30. Launch Pad: L-1011. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Model: Pegasus H. LV Configuration: Pegasus H F11. MSTI-3 Nation: USA. Payload: MSTI 3. Class: Military. Type: SDI. Spacecraft: MSTI. Agency: BMDO. Perigee: 420 km (260 mi). Apogee: 432 km (268 mi). Inclination: 97.10 deg. Period: 90.70 min. COSPAR: 1996-031A. USAF Sat Cat: 23868. Decay Date: 1997-12-11. LEO. Sensor technology tests References: 4, 6, 276. 1996 May 18 - 14:20 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: DC-X. Model: DC-XA. DC-X Test mission Nation: USA. Manufacturer: MDAC. Apogee: 0.24 km (0.15 mi). First flight of the DC-XA; aeroshell caught fire during slow landing. Reached altitude of 244 m during a 62 second flight. References: 1537. 1996 May 19 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39. Launch Pad: LC39B. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Model: Space Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-77. STS-77 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Endeavour F11 / GBA-9. Mass: 12,233 kg (26,969 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Endeavour. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 274 km (170 mi). Apogee: 285 km (177 mi). Inclination: 39.00 deg. Period: 90.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-032A. USAF Sat Cat: 23870. Duration: 10.03 days. Decay Date: 1996-05-29. Crew: Brown, Bursch, Casper, Garneau, Runco, Thomas Andrew. Flight: STS-77. Deployed and retrieved Spartan 2; deployed PAMS-STU; carried Spacehab module. Payloads: Shuttle Pointed Research Tool for Astronomy (SPARTAN) 207/Inflatable Antenna Experiment (IAE); Technology Experiments Advancing Missions in Space (TEAMS) 01 (includes Vented Tank Resupply Experiment (VTRE), Global Positioning System (GPS) Attitude and Navigation Experiment (GANE) (RME 1316), Liquid Metal Test Experiment (LMTE) and Passive Aerodynami-cally Stabilized Magnetically Damped Satellite (PAMS) Satellite Test Unit (STU); SPACEHAB-4; Brilliant Eyes Ten-Kelvin Sorption Cryocooler Experiment (BETSCE); 12 getaway specials attached to a GAS bridge assembly (GAS 056, 063, 142, 144, 163, 200, 490, 564, 565, 703, 741 and the Reduced-Fill Tank Pressure Control Experiment (RFTPCE); Aquatic Research Facility (ARF) 01; Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) 07, Block III.References: 4, 6, 7, 276. Spartan 207 Nation: USA. Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: Spartan. Agency: JPL. Perigee: 278 km (172 mi). Apogee: 288 km (178 mi). Inclination: 39.00 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-032B. USAF Sat Cat: 23871. Decay Date: 1996-05-29. LEO. Deployed from STS 77 on 5/20/96; retrieved 5/21/96; deployed IAEsatellite during free flight. References: 4, 6, 276. IAE Nation: USA. Payload: Inflatable Antenna Experiment. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: IAE. Agency: JPL. Perigee: 180 km (110 mi). Apogee: 201 km (124 mi). Inclination: 39.10 deg. Period: 88.30 min. COSPAR: 1996-032C. USAF Sat Cat: 23872. Decay Date: 1996-05-22. LEO. Inflatable Antenna Experiment; deployed from Spartan 207 5/20/96; test of inflatable antenna technology. Reentered May 22. References: 4, 6, 276. PAMS STU Nation: USA. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: PAMS. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 132 km (82 mi). Apogee: 138 km (85 mi). Inclination: 39.00 deg. Period: 87.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-032D. USAF Sat Cat: 23876. Decay Date: 1996-10-26. LEO. Passive Aerodynamically Stabilized Magnetically Damped Satellite; deployed from STS 77 5/22/96; attitude control technology test. Reentered Oct 26. References: 4, 6, 276. Spacehab 4 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacehab. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1996-032xx. USAF Sat Cat: 23870. Decay Date: 1996-05-29. References: 279. TEAMS Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1996-032xx. USAF Sat Cat: 23870. Decay Date: 1996-05-29. References: 279. GBA-9 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1996-032xx. USAF Sat Cat: 23870. Decay Date: 1996-05-29. References: 279. 1996 May 20 - EVA Mir EO-21-2 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir. Crew: Onufrienko, Usachyov. Flight: Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-21. EVA Duration: 0.22 days. Installed MCSA solar array. References: 66. 1996 May 24 - EVA Mir EO-21-3 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir. Crew: Onufrienko, Usachyov. Flight: Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-21. EVA Duration: 0.24 days. Deployed MCSA solar array. References: 66. 1996 May 24 - 01:09 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17. Launch Pad: LC17B. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7000. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D236. Galaxy 9 Nation: USA. Program: Galaxy. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Agency: HCI. Perigee: 35,783 km (22,234 mi). Apogee: 35,789 km (22,238 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-033A. USAF Sat Cat: 23877. Geostationary at 123.0W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 123 deg W in 1996-2000; 127 deg W in 2000.- As of 5 September 2001 located at 126.96 deg W drifting at 0.001 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 74.14W drifting at 0.004W degrees per day.References: 4, 6. 1996 May 25 - 02:05 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-2 379-01. Gorizont 32 Nation: Russia. Payload: Gorizont s/n 44L. Mass: 2,125 kg (4,684 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Gorizont . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,776 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,801 km (22,245 mi). Inclination: 3.30 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-034A. USAF Sat Cat: 23880. Stationed at 53.2E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 53 deg E in 1996-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 53.25 deg E drifting at 0.005 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 14.58W drifting at 0.023W degrees per day. References: 4, 6, 67, 111, 274. 1996 May 29 - Landing of STS-77 Nation: USA. Flight: STS-77. STS-77 landed at 11:10 GMT. 1996 May 30 - EVA Mir EO-21-4 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir. Crew: Onufrienko, Usachyov. Flight: Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-21. EVA Duration: 0.18 days. Multi-Spectral Scanner installed. References: 66. 1996 May 30 - 08:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF02. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper 21PA. Peacekeeper Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 916. 1996 June - Soyuz TMA, X-38 selected as ISS lifeboat over Alpha Lifeboat Nation: Russia. Program: ISS. Spacecraft: Alpha Lifeboat, Soyuz TMA, X-38, International Space Station. The Alpha lifeboat was based on the Zarya reentry vehicle with a solid retrofire motor and cold gas thruster package. The design was rejected in favor of use of modified Soyuz TM in short term, US X-38 in long term. 1996 June 4 - 05:06 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.140UH. Black Brant XQC X-ray Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 340 km (210 mi). References: 1835. 1996 June 4 - 12:34 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA3. Launch Pad: ELA3. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5G. Model: Ariane 5G. LV Configuration: Ariane 5G V88 (501). FAILURE: Vehicle went off course and was destroyed by range safety. Reuse of flight software from Ariane 4 was the cause (faulty program logic that only took effect on Ariane 5 launch trajectory). Cluster F1 Nation: Europe. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Cluster. Agency: ESA. COSPAR: F960604A. The Cluster satellites were a series of sophisticated earth-observation platforms that were to be launched aboard the first Ariane 5. The explosion of the booster led to a costly setback for European space science. There were no back-up spacecraft. Some instruments may fly on other future satellites.References: 4. Cluster F2 Nation: Europe. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Cluster. Agency: ESA. COSPAR: F960604B. References: 4. Cluster F3 Nation: Europe. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Cluster. Agency: ESA. COSPAR: F960604C. References: 4. Cluster F4 Nation: Europe. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Cluster. Agency: ESA. COSPAR: F960604D. References: 4. 1996 June 6 - EVA Mir EO-21-5 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir. Crew: Onufrienko, Usachyov. Flight: Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-21. EVA Duration: 0.16 days. Retrieved and installed material samples References: 66. 1996 June 6 - China agrees to world ban on atomic testing Nation: China. 1996 June 6 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC158. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol'. Topol Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1823. 1996 June 6 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: UR-100N. Model: UR-100NU. UR-100N Operational missile test Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1964. 1996 June 7 - 16:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: DC-X. Model: DC-XA. DC-X Test mission Nation: USA. Manufacturer: MDAC. Apogee: 0.59 km (0.37 mi). Maximum structural stresses with 50% full LOX tank. Reached altitude of 590 m during a 64 second flight. References: 1538. 1996 June 8 - 18:17 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: DC-X. Model: DC-XA. DC-X Test mission Nation: USA. Manufacturer: MDAC. Apogee: 3.14 km (1.95 mi). 26-hour rapid turnaround demostration; new altitude and duration record. Reached altitude of 3140 m during a 142 second flight. References: 1021. 1996 June 13 - EVA Mir EO-21-6 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir. Crew: Onufrienko, Usachyov. Flight: Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-21. EVA Duration: 0.24 days. Assembled truss. Deployed SAR radar antenna. References: 66. 1996 June 15 - 06:55 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44P. Model: Ariane 44P. LV Configuration: Ariane 44P V87. Intelsat 709 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-035A. USAF Sat Cat: 23915. 36 transponders Geostationary at 50.0W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 50 deg W in 1996-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 49.96 deg W drifting at 0.015 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 85.17E drifting at 0.004W degrees per day. References: 4, 6. 1996 June 17 - 05:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.134UR. Black Brant Radio Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925. 1996 June 20 - 14:40 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.118NP. Black Brant Test mission? Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925. 1996 June 20 - 14:49 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39. Launch Pad: LC39B. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Model: Space Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-78. STS-78 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Columbia F20 / EDO. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 246 km (152 mi). Apogee: 261 km (162 mi). Inclination: 39.00 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1996-036A. USAF Sat Cat: 23931. Duration: 16.91 days. Decay Date: 1996-07-07. Crew: Brady, Favier, Helms, Henricks, Kregel, Linnehan, Thirsk. Flight: STS-78. Columbia carried Terence T Henricks, Kevin R Kregel, Susan J Helms, Richard M Linnehan, Charles E Brady, Jr, Jean-Jacques Favier, and Robert Brent Thirsk to orbit. Main payload was the Life and Microgravity Spacelab for conducting human biological and microgravity experiments. Columbia landed safely at Kennedy Space Center on July 7.References: 4, 6, 7, 276. Spacelab LMS 1 Nation: USA. Program: Spacelab. Payload: Spacelab Long Module. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacelab. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 246 km (152 mi). Apogee: 261 km (162 mi). Inclination: 39.00 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1996-036xx. USAF Sat Cat: 23931. Decay Date: 1996-07-07. References: 4, 6, 276. EDO Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1996-036xx. USAF Sat Cat: 23931. Decay Date: 1996-07-07. References: 279. 1996 June 20 - 18:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16. Launch Pad: LC16/2. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. FAILURE: Shroud broke up at T+50seconds. Yantar-4K1 Nation: Russia. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: VKS. COSPAR: F960620A. High resolution photo reconnaissance mission. References: 4. 1996 June 26 - 12:17 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF10. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 GT162GM. Minuteman 3 FOT GT162GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 916. 1996 June 26 - 14:59 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 GT160GM. Minuteman 3 FOT GT160GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 916. 1996 June 26 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.147US. Black Brant Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925. 1996 June 27 - Galileo, Ganymede 1 Flyby Spacecraft: Galileo. 1996 June 28 - Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Vysota. R-29 Operational Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Launched from a Russian submarine in the Okhotsk Launch Area, Okhotskoye More - Latitude: 57.00 N, Longitude:148.00 E. References: 1826. 1996 June 28 - Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Vysota. R-29 Operational Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Launched from a Russian submarine in the Okhotsk Launch Area, Okhotskoye More - Latitude: 57.00 N, Longitude:148.00 E. References: 1826. 1996 June 28 - Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Vysota. R-29 Operational Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Launched from a Russian submarine in the Okhotsk Launch Area, Okhotskoye More - Latitude: 57.00 N, Longitude:148.00 E. References: 1826. 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 - 2007 except where otherwise noted.

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