Chronology - Quarter 3 1996
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1996 July 2 - 07:48 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: RW30. Launch Pad: L-1011. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL. Model: Pegasus XL. LV Configuration: Pegasus XL F12.
  • TOMS-EP Nation: USA. Mass: 248 kg (546 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: TOMS-EP. Agency: NASA-GSF. Perigee: 705 km (438 mi). Apogee: 746 km (463 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 99.30 min. COSPAR: 1996-037A. USAF Sat Cat: 23940. LEO. Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer-Earth Probe; atmospheric ozone mapping. References: 4, 6.
1996 July 3 - 00:31 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: LC40. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 405A. LV Configuration: Titan 405A K-2 (45H-1).
  • USA 125 Nation: USA. Payload: SDS B-4. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: SDS-2. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 292 km (181 mi). Apogee: 319 km (198 mi). Inclination: 54.90 deg. Period: 90.63 min. COSPAR: 1996-038A. USAF Sat Cat: 23945. Unknown orbit References: 4, 6.
1996 July 3 - 10:47 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: CZ-3. Model: Chang Zheng 3. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 3 CZ3-10 (41).
  • Apstar 1A Nation: China. Program: Apstar. Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Agency: APT. Perigee: 35,785 km (22,235 mi). Apogee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-039A. USAF Sat Cat: 23943. 24 C-band transponders; Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 134 deg E in 1996-1999. As of 6 September 2001 located at 134.02 deg E drifting at 0.013 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 129.99E drifting at 0.007E degrees per day. References: 4, 6.
1996 July 7 -
  • Russian Air Force Cosmonaut Training Group 11 Supplemental selected. Nation: Russia.
1996 July 7 -
  • Landing of STS-78 Nation: USA. Program: Spacelab. Flight: STS-78. STS-78 landed at 12:36 GMT.
1996 July 9 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Aries. LV Configuration: Aries ABIE-TLV.
  • Aries TBM tracking test Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SMC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). The Airborne Interceptor Experiment) was designed to demonstrate the feasibility of intercepting enemy theater ballistic missiles during early-boost. The Aries Target Launch Vehicle was launched from Wallops Island, flying a boost trajectory similar to a real theater ballistic missile. The missile was detected and tracked by Air Force F-15s, Navy F-14s, an Air Force infrared sensor tracking platform and by fleet surface ships of the US Atlantic Command. The data collected was used to develop an air-launched anti-ballistic missile system.References: 1911.
1996 July 9 - 22:24 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44L. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L V89.
  • Arabsat 2A Nation: Arab States. Program: Arabsat. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. Manufacturer: Aerospatiale, Cannes, France. Agency: Arabsat. Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. COSPAR: 1996-040A. USAF Sat Cat: 23948. Geostationary at 26.0E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 26 deg E in 1996-1999 As of 29 August 2001 located at 25.92 deg E drifting at 0.000 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 166.53W drifting at 3.749W degrees per day. References: 4, 6.
  • Turksat 1C Nation: Turkey. Program: Turksat. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 2000. Manufacturer: Aerospatiale. Agency: Turk Tel. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-040B. USAF Sat Cat: 23949. 22 Ku band and 12 C band transponders. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 31 deg E in 1996; 42 deg E in 1996-1999 As of 3 September 2001 located at 42.02 deg E drifting at 0.003 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 42.00E drifting at 0.002E degrees per day.References: 4, 6.
1996 July 14 - 07:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9CM1. LV Configuration: Black Brant 9CM1 NASA 36.113UG.
  • Black Brant NUVIEWS 1 Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1996 July 15 - Launch Site: Barents Sea. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Shtil.
  • R-29 Operational Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1826.
1996 July 15 - Launch Site: Barents Sea. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Vysota.
  • R-29 Operational Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1826.
1996 July 15 - 11:28 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC94. Launch Pad: FIX. Launch Vehicle: Hera. LV Configuration: Hera 5.
  • Hera BRV/THAAD Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1975.
1996 Jul 15 1131? - 11:31 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: THAAD. LV Configuration: THAAD FT-06.
  • THAAD ABM Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 1539.
1996 July 15 - 18:21 GMT - Launch Site: Wake Island. Launch Vehicle: Castor 4B. LV Configuration: Castor 4B TCMP IIB.
  • Castor 4B Re-entry Vehicle Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: OSC. Apogee: 317 km (196 mi). References: 1785.
1996 July 16 - 00:50 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17. Launch Pad: LC17A. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7000. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D237.
  • USA 126 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS 2A-26 / GPS SVN 40. Mass: 1,816 kg (4,003 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2 and 2A. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 20,127 km (12,506 mi). Apogee: 20,237 km (12,574 mi). Inclination: 55.10 deg. Period: 717.90 min. COSPAR: 1996-041A. USAF Sat Cat: 23953. Placed in Plane E Slot 3 of the constellation. References: 4, 6.
1996 July 19 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-15.
  • Trident D-5 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 797.
1996 July 19 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-15.
  • Trident D-5 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 797.
1996 July 25 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC158. Launch Vehicle: Topol M. LV Configuration: Topol'-M 3.
  • Topol M Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1964.
1996 July 25 - 12:42 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: LC36A. Launch Vehicle: Atlas II. Model: Atlas II. LV Configuration: Atlas II AC-125 / Centaur II.
  • USA 127 Nation: USA. Program: UHF. Payload: UHF F/O F7-EHF. Mass: 3,015 kg (6,646 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Agency: HCI. Perigee: 35,784 km (22,235 mi). Apogee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Inclination: 4.90 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-042A. USAF Sat Cat: 23967. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 170 deg W in 1996; 23 deg W in 1996-1999; 100 deg W in 1999. As of 29 July 1999) 99.21 deg W drifting at 0.011 deg W per day. As of 2007 Feb 22 located at 21.85W drifting at 0.014W degrees per day. References: 4, 6, 278.
1996 July 26 - 09:40 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9CM1. LV Configuration: Black Brant 9CM1 NASA 36.148CL.
  • Black Brant Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1996 July 31 - 19:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: DC-X. Model: DC-XA. FAILURE: Landing strut 2 failed to extend; vehicle tipped over and LOX tank exploded; vehicle destroyed.
  • DC-X Test mission Nation: USA. Manufacturer: MDAC. Apogee: 1.25 km (0.77 mi). Reached altitude of 1250 m during a 140 second flight. References: 1825.
1996 July 31 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Progress M-32 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 232. Mass: 7,130 kg (15,710 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 371 km (230 mi). Apogee: 390 km (240 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 92.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-043A. USAF Sat Cat: 24071. Duration: 96.11 days. Completed Operations Date: 1996-11-04 22:47:04. Decay Date: 1996-11-04 22:47:04. Flight: Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-21. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. This was the first successful launch of a Soyuz-U after two failures. Docked with Mir at the forward docking port on 2 Aug 1996 22:03:40 GMT. Undocked on 18 Aug 1996 09:33:45 GMT in order to free up the docking port. By 29 August 1994 Mir was in a 375 x 390 km x 51.6 deg orbit; the Progress M-32 cargo ship, flying separately, was in a 375 x 392 km x 51.6 deg orbit. Redocked with Mir on 3 Sep 1996 09:35:00 GMT at the rear port of the Kvant module. Finally undocked from Mir on 20 Nov 1996 19:51:20 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 20 Nov 1996 22:42:25 GMT. Total free-flight time 2.20 days. Total docked time 93.91 days.References: 4, 6, 275, 276.
1996 August 4 - 1996 August 6 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.
  • Endeavour OMDP-1 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Spacecraft: Endeavour. Shuttle Endeavour undergoes its OMDP-1 Orbiter Maintenance Down Period at Palmdale, returning to service on 4 April 1997. These overhauls are undertaken every 10 to 12 shuttle missions. References: 44.
1996 August 7 -
  • Announcement of Possible Microfossils Found in ALH84001 Martian Meteorite
1996 August 8 - 22:49 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44L. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L V90.
  • Italsat F2 Nation: Italy. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Italsat. Agency: ASI. Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,801 km (22,245 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-044A. USAF Sat Cat: 24208. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 13 deg E in 1996-1998; 16 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 16.38 deg E drifting at 0.010 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 94.10W drifting at 1.863E degrees per day. References: 4, 6.
  • Telecom 2D Nation: France. Program: Telecom. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Eurostar 2000. Manufacturer: Matra Marconi Space-France, Toulouse. Agency: France T. Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,803 km (22,246 mi). Inclination: 0.20 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-044B. USAF Sat Cat: 24209. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 3 deg E in 1996; 5 deg W in 1996-2000; 8 deg W in 2000.- As of 5 September 2001 located at 7.90 deg W drifting at 0.004 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 7.85W drifting at 0.005W degrees per day. References: 4, 6.
1996 August 12 - 18:58 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.114UP.
  • Nike Orion Aeronomy mission? Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 1925.
1996 August 14 - 22:20 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43. Launch Pad: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M ML.
  • Molniya-1T Nation: Russia. Program: Molniya. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 968 km (601 mi). Apogee: 39,391 km (24,476 mi). Inclination: 64.10 deg. Period: 717.90 min. COSPAR: 1996-045A. USAF Sat Cat: 24273. References: 4, 6.
1996 August 17 - 01:53 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: Y. Launch Pad: Y. Launch Vehicle: H-2. Model: H-II. LV Configuration: H-II-4F.
  • ADEOS Nation: Japan. Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: ADEOS. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 799 km (496 mi). Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Inclination: 98.60 deg. Period: 100.90 min. COSPAR: 1996-046A. USAF Sat Cat: 24277. References: 4.
  • JAS-2 Nation: Japan. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Fuji. Agency: JARL. Perigee: 801 km (497 mi). Apogee: 1,323 km (822 mi). Inclination: 98.60 deg. Period: 106.50 min. COSPAR: 1996-046B. USAF Sat Cat: 24278. Japanese amateur radio satellite. References: 4.
1996 August 17 - 13:18 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Soyuz TM-24 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Soyuz TM 11F732 s/n 73. Mass: 7,150 kg (15,760 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz TM. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 378 km (234 mi). Apogee: 394 km (244 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 1996-047A. USAF Sat Cat: 24280. Duration: 196.73 days. Decay Date: 1997-03-02. Crew: Andre-Deshays, Kaleri, Korzun. Flight: Mir EO-22, Mir Cassiopee, Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-21. Mir Expedition EO-22. Valeriy Korzun and Aleksandr Kaleri of the Russian Space Agency (RKA) Claudie Andre-Deshays of the French space agency CNES. This launch was the first of the Soyuz-U booster with a crew aboard following two launch failures of on unmanned flights. Soyuz docked with Mir's front port at 14:50:21 GMT on August 19; Mir was in a 375 x 390 km x 51.6 deg orbit.

    On Feb 7 at 16:28:01 GMT the EO-22 crew and American astronaut Linenger undocked the Soyuz TM-24 ferry from the front docking port, flew it around to the far side of the complex and redocked at the rear Kvant port at 16:51:27 GMT. This cleared the forward port for the arrival of the EO-23 crew, who brought with them German astronaut Reinhold Ewald on Feb 12.References: 4, 9,51, 276.

1996 August 18 - 10:27 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: CZ-3. Model: Chang Zheng 3. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 3 CZ3-11 (42).
  • Zhongxing 7 Nation: China. Program: Chinastar. Payload: Zhongxing 7. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Agency: Chinasat. Perigee: 21,674 km (13,467 mi). Apogee: 46,499 km (28,893 mi). Inclination: 26.30 deg. Period: 1,350.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-048A. USAF Sat Cat: 24282. References: 4.
1996 August 20 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: K. Launch Vehicle: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310 S-310-26.
  • S-310 SEEK Plasma mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 177 km (109 mi). References: 1900.
1996 August 20 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9CM1. LV Configuration: Black Brant 9CM1 NASA 36.130NS.
  • Black Brant Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1996 August 21 - 09:47 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: RW30. Launch Pad: L-1011. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL. Model: Pegasus XL. LV Configuration: Pegasus XL F13.
  • FAST Nation: USA. Program: Small Explorer. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: FAST. Agency: NASA-GSF. Perigee: 353 km (219 mi). Apogee: 4,163 km (2,586 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 132.70 min. COSPAR: 1996-049A. USAF Sat Cat: 24285. Second Small Explorer mission. References: 4.
1996 August 26 - 14:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: K. Launch Vehicle: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310 S-310-25.
  • S-310 SEEK Plasma mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi). References: 1900.
1996 August 29 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant VC.
  • Black Brant Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi). References: 1674.
1996 August 29 - 05:22 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43. Launch Pad: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M 2BL.
  • Microsat Nation: Argentina. Payload: Victor. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Agency: Cordoba. Perigee: 804 km (499 mi). Apogee: 19,176 km (11,915 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 94.70 min. COSPAR: 1996-050A. USAF Sat Cat: 24291. Decay Date: 1999-11-12. References: 4.
  • Magion 5 Nation: Czech Republic. Payload: S2. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Magion. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 1,366 km (848 mi). Apogee: 18,608 km (11,562 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 347.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-050B. USAF Sat Cat: 24292. Deployed from Interbol-2 on 8/30/96; auroral studies in conjunction with Interbol-2. References: 4.
  • Interbol 2 Nation: Russia. Payload: SO-M2 s/n 512. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Prognoz-M. Agency: Czech. Perigee: 1,369 km (850 mi). Apogee: 18,604 km (11,559 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 347.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-050C. USAF Sat Cat: 24293. Auroral research. Paired with Magion 5 subsatellite. References: 4.
1996 August 31 - 15:41 GMT - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Vehicle: STARS. LV Configuration: STARS M-3 STARS II.
  • STARS ODES/MSX MDT-2 Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA SDC. Apogee: 909 km (564 mi). References: 1769.
1996 September 2 -
  • Landing of Soyuz TM-23 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Flight: Mir EO-22, Mir Cassiopee, Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-21. The spacecraft undocked on September 2 at 04:20 GMT, and made a small seperation burn at 04:24:40 GMT. Deorbit was at 06:47:20 GMT. The three modules separated at 07:14:36 and the parachute deployed at 07:26 GMT. The landing was at 07:41:40 GMT, 100 km SW of Akmola in Kazakstan with Yuri Onufrienko, Yuriy Usachyov and Claudie Andre-Deshays aboard. This concluded the French 'Cassiopee' mission.
1996 September 4 - 09:01 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45. Launch Pad: LC45/1. Launch Vehicle: Zenit-2. Model: Zenit-2.
  • Cosmos 2333 Nation: Russia. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-2 no. 20. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-2. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 849 km (527 mi). Apogee: 852 km (529 mi). Inclination: 70.90 deg. Period: 101.90 min. COSPAR: 1996-051A. USAF Sat Cat: 24297. New heavy ELINT class. References: 4.
1996 September 5 - 12:47 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M.
  • Cosmos 2334 Nation: Russia. Mass: 825 kg (1,818 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 966 km (600 mi). Apogee: 1,011 km (628 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1996-052A. USAF Sat Cat: 24304. Military navigation satellite. Positioned in plane 1 of constellation. Signals at 150.03 MHz and 400.08 MHz. References: 4, 107.
  • Oscar 30 Nation: Mexico. Program: Oscar. Payload: UNAMSAT B. Class: Communications. Type: Amateur Radio. Spacecraft: Oscar. Agency: UNAM. Perigee: 966 km (600 mi). Apogee: 1,010 km (620 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1996-052B. USAF Sat Cat: 24305. References: 4.
1996 September 6 -
  • Galileo, Ganymede 2 Encounter Spacecraft: Galileo.
1996 September 6 - 17:37 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81. Launch Pad: LC81/23. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 375-01.
  • Inmarsat 3 F2 Nation: International. Program: Inmarsat. Mass: 1,021 kg (2,250 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 4000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: INMARSAT. Perigee: 35,766 km (22,223 mi). Apogee: 35,807 km (22,249 mi). Inclination: 2.50 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-053A. USAF Sat Cat: 24307. Geostationary at 15.5W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 15 deg W in 1996-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 15.48 deg W drifting at 0.005 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 7 located at 15.47W drifting at 0.007W degrees per day. References: 4, 67, 274.
1996 September 8 - 21:49 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: LC36B. Launch Vehicle: Atlas IIA. Model: Atlas IIA. LV Configuration: Atlas IIA AC-123 / Centaur II.
  • GE 1 Nation: USA. Program: Americom. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 2100. Agency: GE Americom. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-054A. USAF Sat Cat: 24315. Geostationary at 103.0W. Launch vehicle put payload into supersynchronous earth orbit with IFR/MRS trajectory option. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 103 deg W in 1996-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 103.06 deg W drifting at 0.009 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 103.03W drifting at 0.006W degrees per day.References: 4, 278.
1996 September 11 - 00:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 42P. Model: Ariane 42P. LV Configuration: Ariane 42P V91.
  • Echostar 2 Nation: USA. Program: Echostar. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 7000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Echostar. Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-055A. USAF Sat Cat: 24313. Geostationary at 119.0W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 119 deg W in 1996-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 119.39 deg W drifting at 0.009 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 147.94W drifting at 0.004E degrees per day. References: 4.
1996 September 11 - 08:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF05. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper 22PA.
  • Peacekeeper Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1812.
1996 September 12 - 08:49 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17. Launch Pad: LC17A. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7000. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D238.
  • USA 128 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS 2A-27 / GPS SVN 30. Mass: 1,816 kg (4,003 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2 and 2A. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 20,042 km (12,453 mi). Apogee: 20,320 km (12,620 mi). Inclination: 54.70 deg. Period: 718.00 min. COSPAR: 1996-056A. USAF Sat Cat: 24320. Placed in Plane B Slot 2 of the constellation. References: 4.
1996 September 16 - 08:54 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39. Launch Pad: LC39A. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Model: Space Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-79.
  • STS-79 Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Payload: Atlantis F17 / External Airlock/ODS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Atlantis. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 368 km (228 mi). Apogee: 386 km (239 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 92.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-057A. USAF Sat Cat: 24324. Duration: 10.14 days. Decay Date: 1996-09-25. Crew: Blaha, Readdy, Wilcutt, Akers, Apt, Walz. Flight: STS-79, Mir NASA-2, Mir NASA-1, Mir EO-22. On September 19 Atlantis docked with the Russian Mir space station. Aboard Atlantis in the payload bay were the Orbiter Docking System, the modified Long Tunnel, and the Spacehab Double Module, containing supplies for the Mir. Astronaut John Blaha relieved Shannon Lucid as NASA resident on the complex. Atlantis undocked from the Mir complex on September 23 at 23:33 GMT. Valeriy Korzun, Aleksandr Kaleri and John Blaha remain on Mir. On September 26 Atlantis closed its payload bay doors, and at 11:06 GMT fired its OMS engines for a three minute long deorbit burn. After entry interface at 11:42 GMT the spaceship flew across Canada and the US for a landing at the Kennedy Space Center's Runway 15 at 12:13 GMT.References: 4, 7, 276.
  • External Airlock/ODS Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Payload: Orbiter Docking System. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1996-057xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24324. Decay Date: 1996-09-25. References: 279.
  • Spacehab Double Module Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Payload: Spacehab FU2/STA. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacehab. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1996-057xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24324. Decay Date: 1996-09-25. Remained attached to OV-104 References: 279.
1996 September 24 - 22:00 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: T. Launch Vehicle: TR-1. Model: TR-1A. LV Configuration: TR-1A TR-1A-5.
  • TR-1 Microgravity mission Nation: Japan. Agency: NASDA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 1904.
1996 September 26 - 17:50 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200. Launch Pad: LC200/39. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861-01. Model: Proton-K/DM-2M. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2M 379-02.
  • Ekspress No. 12 Nation: Russia. Payload: Ekspress s/n 12L. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Ekspress . Agency: AO Infor. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,809 km (22,250 mi). Inclination: 3.50 deg. Period: 1,436.50 min. COSPAR: 1996-058A. USAF Sat Cat: 24435. Stationed at 80.0 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 80 deg E in 1996-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 103.84 deg E drifting at 0.012 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 82.98E drifting at 0.225W degrees per day. References: 4, 67, 274.
1996 September 26 - 1996 September 27 - 16:51 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-Demo.
  • Minuteman 2 MSLS Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 916.
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