Chronology - Quarter 2 1997
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1997 April 4 - 16:47 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4W. Launch Vehicle: Titan 2. Model: Titan II SLV. LV Configuration: Titan 2 s/n M68B-106 / 66-4317 / 23G-6.
  • USA 131 Nation: USA. Program: DMSP. Payload: DMSP 5D-2 F-14. Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Telecommunications, East Windsor (formerly RCA). Agency: USAF. Perigee: 842 km (523 mi). Apogee: 855 km (531 mi). Inclination: 98.90 deg. Period: 101.90 min. COSPAR: 1997-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 24753. References: 4.
1997 April 4 - 19:20 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39. Launch Pad: LC39A. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Model: Space Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-83.
  • STS-83 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Columbia F22 / Spacelab LM Unit 1 / EDO. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 298 km (185 mi). Apogee: 302 km (187 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 90.50 min. COSPAR: 1997-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 24755. Duration: 3.97 days. Decay Date: 1997-04-08. Crew: Halsell, Kilrain, Voss Janice, Gernhardt, Crouch, Linteris, Thomas. Flight: STS-83. The launch of STS-83, the first Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL-1) mission, was postponed for a day to replace some insulation around a water coolant line in Columbia's payload bay. Liftoff was further delayed 20 minutes due to anomalous oxygen readings in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-83 was cut short due to a problem with one of the three fuel cells that provide electricity and water to Columbia (flight rules required that all three must be operating). At 14:30 GMT on April 6 the crew were ordered to begin a Minimum Duration Flight (MDF). On April 8 the OMS engines ignited at 17:30 GMT for the deorbit burn, and Columbia landed on Runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center at 18:33 GMT.

    With delays in International Space Station construction leaving ample room in the shuttle schedule, NASA made the unique decision to leave the equipment installed in Columbia and refly this mission with the same crew later in 1997 as STS-94.References: 4, 7, 276.

  • MSL-1 Spacelab Nation: USA. Program: Spacelab. Payload: Spacelab Long Module 1. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacelab. Manufacturer: Daimler-Benz Aerospace, Bremen (formerly ERNO). Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 298 km (185 mi). Apogee: 302 km (187 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 90.50 min. COSPAR: 1997-013xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24755. Decay Date: 1997-04-08. Remained attached to OV-102 References: 4, 276.
  • EDO Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-013xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24755. Decay Date: 1997-04-08. References: 279.
1997 April 6 - 03:25 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.156UG.
  • Black Brant Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1884.
1997 April 6 - 16:04 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Progress M-34 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 234. Mass: 7,156 kg (15,776 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Manufacturer: RKK Energiya im. S.P. Korolyov, Kaliningrad-Korolyov. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 375 km (233 mi). Apogee: 393 km (244 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 92.20 min. COSPAR: 1997-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 24757. Duration: 86.60 days. Completed Operations Date: 1997-07-02 06:31:45. Decay Date: 1997-07-02 06:31:45. Flight: Mir NASA-3, Mir EO-23. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. It carried supplies for the Mir station and repair equipment for Mir's oxygen generators, replacement oxygen-generating 'candles' and a pair of new spacesuits. Docked with Mir at the rear Kvant module port on 8 Apr 1997 17:30:03 GMT. The Mir complex raised its orbit by 5 km on 15 Apr 1997 at 12:00 GMT, using Progress M-34's engine. Undocked on 24 Jun 1997 10:22:50 GMT. It was then used to perform a redocking test using newly developed remote-control procedures which were to replace the automatic system that Russia could no longer afford to buy from Ukraine. At 25 Jun 1997 09:18 GMT Mir commander Tsibliev was remotely commanding the approach of Progress to the Kvant module. This involved guiding the Progress via a television monitor. The Progress was difficult to see against the cloudy earth background at the time of the attempted docking. It went off course and collided with a solar array on the Spektr module and then the module itself. A large hole was made in a solar panel, one of the radiators was buckled, a hole was punched into Spektr's hull, and the module began to depressurize. This was not a slow leak - the crew heard a hissing sound and felt their ears pop. They disconnected the power cables leading from Mir to the main station and closed the hatch on the core module transfer section that led to Spektr. The Spektr module became fully depressurized, remaining docked to Mir with its docking hatch open. The loss of electrical connection between Spektr's solar panels and the main station cut the available power supply to the station, crippling its operations until later repairs reconnected the electrical lines. Tsibliev was also the pilot on a previous orbital collision, when he banged Soyuz TM-17 into Mir in Jan 1994. After the return of the crew to earth he was found to be to blame for the incident, although the fines assessed were later dismissed. The Progress M-34 cargo ship was backed to a safe distance from the station and was destroyed in reentry on 2 Jul 1997 06:31:50 GMT. Total free-flight time 9.90 days. Total docked time 76.70 days.References: 4, 275, 276.
1997 April 7 - 1997 April 8 - 03:55 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.157UL.
  • Black Brant WISP Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1884.
1997 April 8 -
  • Landing of STS-83 Nation: USA. Program: Spacelab. Flight: STS-83. STS-83 landed at 18:33 GMT.
1997 April 9 - 08:58 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16. Launch Pad: LC16/2. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M 2BL PVB76032-647.
  • Cosmos 2340 Nation: Russia. Payload: Oko #77. Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Manufacturer: NPO Lavochkin, Moskva. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 3,164 km (1,966 mi). Apogee: 37,201 km (23,115 mi). Inclination: 65.20 deg. Period: 718.00 min. COSPAR: 1997-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 24761. Covered Oko constellation planes 8/9 - 217 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 4, 100.
1997 April 16 - 23:08 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44LP. Model: Ariane 44LP. LV Configuration: Ariane 44LP V95.
  • Thaicom 3 Nation: Thailand. Program: Thaicom. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. Manufacturer: Aerospatiale, Cannes, France. Agency: Shinawat. Perigee: 35,770 km (22,220 mi). Apogee: 35,803 km (22,246 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 24768. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 78.5E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 78 deg E in 1997-1999 As of 3 September 2001 located at 78.53 deg E drifting at 0.008 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 111.51W drifting at 5.525W degrees per day. References: 4.
  • BSAT 1a Nation: Japan. Program: BSAT. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: BSAT. Perigee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Apogee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1997-016B. USAF Sat Cat: 24769. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 110.0E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 110 deg E in 1997-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 109.56 deg E drifting at 0.018 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 109.63E drifting at 0.008W degrees per day. References: 4.
1997 April 17 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36MU 15A18.
  • R-36M Operational missile test Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1964.
1997 April 17 - 13:03 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M.
  • Cosmos 2341 Nation: Russia. Mass: 825 kg (1,818 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Manufacturer: AKO Polyot, Omsk. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 977 km (607 mi). Apogee: 1,014 km (630 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 105.00 min. COSPAR: 1997-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 24772. Military navigation satellite. Positioned in plane 2 of constellation. Signals at 149.91 and 399.76 MHz. References: 4, 107.
1997 April 20 -
  • Failed FSW Launch Nation: China. Spacecraft: FSW. Repeated rumours appeared that a Chinese military satellite was launched or suffered a failure on this date. The story was first carried by Reuters in May 1997. In December 2000 it was again reported in a Chinese professional magazine that China launched its last recoverable satellite on April 20, 1997. The last official launch of the series was in October 1996.References: 424.
1997 April 21 - 11:59 GMT - Launch Site: Gando. Launch Complex: RW03. Launch Pad: L-1011. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL. Model: Pegasus XL. LV Configuration: Pegasus XL F15.
  • Minisat-01 Nation: USA. Mass: 209 kg (460 lb). Class: Technology . Spacecraft: Minisat. Manufacturer: CASA, Madrid. Agency: INTA. Perigee: 561 km (348 mi). Apogee: 580 km (360 mi). Inclination: 151.00 deg. Period: 96.00 min. COSPAR: 1997-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 24779. Decay Date: 2002-02-26. Minisat-01 carried the EURD extreme ultraviolet spectrograph to study interstellar gas, the LEGRI gamma ray burst detector, and the CPLM microacceleration in liquids experiment. References: 4.
  • Celestis Nation: USA. Payload: CPAC. Class: Burial . Spacecraft: CPAC. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: OSC. Perigee: 553 km (343 mi). Apogee: 581 km (361 mi). Inclination: 151.00 deg. Period: 96.00 min. COSPAR: 1997-018B. USAF Sat Cat: 24780. References: 4.
1997 April 24 -
  • Senate, 74–26, approves chemical-weapons treaty Nation: USA.
1997 April 25 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Hyperion FPDP. Model: Hyperion. LV Configuration: Hyperion FPDP 4.
  • Hyperion FPDP HA-2 Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA MSFC. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). References: 1866.
1997 April 25 - 05:49 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: LC36B. Launch Vehicle: Atlas I. Model: Atlas I. LV Configuration: Atlas I AC-79.
  • GOES 10 Nation: USA. Payload: GOES K. Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: GOES-Next. Manufacturer: Space Systems/Loral, Palo Alto. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,799 km (22,244 mi). Inclination: 0.40 deg. Period: 1,436.30 min. COSPAR: 1997-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 24786. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 105.7W Launch vehicle put payload into supersynchronous earth orbit with MRS trajectory option. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 105 deg W in 1997-1998; 135 deg W in 1998-1999 As of 6 September 2001 located at 135.09 deg W drifting at 0.037 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 59.64W drifting at 0.009W degrees per day.References: 4, 278.
1997 April 28 - 16:42 GMT - Launch Site: Alcantara. Launch Vehicle: VS-30. LV Configuration: VS-30 XV-01.
  • VS-30 DLR AL-VS30-223 Test mission Nation: Germany. Agency: INPE/DLR. Apogee: 128 km (79 mi). References: 1582.
1997 April 29 - 1997 April 30 -
  • Teledesic satellite contract issued to Boeing. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Teledesic. The constellation was revised to 12 planes x 24 satellites - $ 9 billion for 288 units. Boeing awarded satellite contract April 30 1997.
1997 Apr 30? - Launch Site: Sriharikota. Launch Vehicle: RH-560/300 Mk II.
  • RH-560/300 Mk II Test mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO. Apogee: 420 km (260 mi). References: 1823.
1997 May 2 - 07:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.093UH.
  • Black Brant X-ray Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1997 May 5 -
  • Termination of operations of ISEE 3 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: ISEE.
1997 May 5 - 14:55 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2. Launch Pad: SLC2W. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7000. Model: Delta 7920-10C. LV Configuration: Delta 7920-10C D242.
  • Iridium 8 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV008. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 24792. Plane 4. Ascending node 262.5 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 7 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV007. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-020B. USAF Sat Cat: 24793. Plane 4. Ascending node 262.4 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 6 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV006. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-020C. USAF Sat Cat: 24794. Plane 4. Ascending node 262.5 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 5 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV005. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-020D. USAF Sat Cat: 24795. Plane 4. Ascending node 262.5 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 4 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV004. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-020E. USAF Sat Cat: 24796. Plane 4. Ascending node 262.5 degrees. References: 4.
1997 May 8 - 07:10 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.133UG.
  • Black Brant Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1997 May 8 - 08:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF05. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper 24PA.
  • Peacekeeper 9 RVs operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1903.
1997 May 11 - 16:17 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC2. Launch Pad: LC2. Launch Vehicle: CZ-3A. Model: Chang Zheng 3A. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 3A CZ3A-3 (44).
  • Zhongxing-6 Nation: China. Program: Chinastar. Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: DFH-3. Agency: Chinasat. Perigee: 35,776 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 24798. The telecommunications satellite, the most sophisticated and complex satellite ever built in China, was equipped with 24 transponders used for television, digital transmission and other telecommunications services. It had a design life eight years. After over one year of tests the satellite was delivered to the end user, China Telecommunications Broadcast Satellite Corporation (Chinasat) on August 12 1998. A long term operation contract for the redesignated Chinasat-6 was signed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), Chinasat and the Xian Satellite Control Center. Chinasat-6 operated in geosynchronous orbit at 125 deg E in 1997-1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 124.99 deg E drifting at 0.011 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 6 located at 123.93E drifting at 0.104W degrees per day.References: 4.
1997 May 14 - 00:33 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43. Launch Pad: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M 2BL.
  • Cosmos 2342 Nation: Russia. Payload: Oko #78. Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Manufacturer: NPO Lavochkin, Moskva. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 2,584 km (1,605 mi). Apogee: 37,820 km (23,500 mi). Inclination: 66.70 deg. Period: 718.80 min. COSPAR: 1997-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 24800. Covered Oko constellation planes 6/7 - 129 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 4, 100.
1997 May 15 - 08:07 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39. Launch Pad: LC39A. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Model: Space Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-84.
  • STS-84 Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Payload: Atlantis F19 / Spacehab Double Module. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Atlantis. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 377 km (234 mi). Apogee: 393 km (244 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 1997-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 24804. Duration: 9.22 days. Decay Date: 1997-05-24. Crew: Precourt, Collins Eileen, Clervoy, Lu, Noriega, Kondakova, Foale. Flight: STS-84, Mir NASA-4, Mir NASA-3, Mir EO-23. Atlantis blasted off on a night launch to Mir, docking with the station on May 17 at 02:33 GMT. Jerry Linenger, who had begun his stay on Mir in mid-January aboard STS-81, would return aboard STS-84. Michael Foale would be left at the station for his stint as the American crew member of Mir. The crew transfered to Mir 466 kg of water, 383 kg of U.S. science equipment, 1,251 kg of Russian equipment and supplies, and 178 kg of miscellaneous material. Returned to Earth aboard Atlantis were 406 kg of U.S. science material, 531 kg of Russian logistics material, 14 kg of ESA material and 171 kg of miscellaneous material. Atlantis undocked from Mir at 01:04 GMT on May 22. After passing up its first landing opportunity due to clouds over the landing site, the Shuttle fired its OMS engines on the deorbit burn at 12:33 GMT on May 24. Atlantis landed at 13:27 GMT at Kennedy Space Center's runway 33.References: 4, 7, 276.
  • Spacehab Double Module Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacehab. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-023xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24804. Decay Date: 1997-05-24. References: 279.
  • External Airlock/ODS Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Payload: EAL/ODS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-023xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24804. Decay Date: 1997-05-24. References: 279.
1997 May 15 - 12:10 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 2343 Nation: Russia. Program: Orlets. Payload: Orlets-1 no. 6. Mass: 6,500 kg (14,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Orlets-1. Manufacturer: TsSKB-Progress, Samara. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 179 km (111 mi). Apogee: 343 km (213 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 24805. Duration: 123.00 days. Decay Date: 1997-09-15. Long duration film return military reconnaissance satellite. After returning multiple film capsules, the spacecraft was deorbited. This satellite provided Russia with the photo reconnaisance capability after a break of 7 1/2 months. This launch came on the 40th anniversary of the first successful launch of the R-7 rocket, from which the Soyuz-U was derived. It was the 250th launch of the Soyuz-U from Baikonur, the 350th launch from Launch Complex 31, and the 666th launch of a Soyuz-U.References: 4, 102, 106.
1997 May 15 - 19:16 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.135AE.
  • Black Brant NCAR/CU-6 Solar Ultraviolet mission? Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1997 May 20 - 07:07 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45. Launch Pad: LC45/1. Launch Vehicle: Zenit-2. Model: Zenit-2. FAILURE: Strut in first stage engine failed at T+48 seconds.
  • Heavy ELINT Nation: Russia. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-2 no. 21. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-2. Agency: VKS. COSPAR: F970520A. References: 4.
1997 May 20 - 22:39 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17. Launch Pad: LC17A. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7000. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D243.
  • Thor 2 Nation: Norway. Program: Thor Comsat. Payload: Thor 2A. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: Telenor. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 24808. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 0.8W Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 1 deg W in 1997-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 0.73 deg W drifting at 0.000 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 0.76W drifting at 0.002W degrees per day. References: 4.
1997 May 21 - 08:27 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 GT164GM.
  • Minuteman 3 FOT GT164GM/SHARP Re-entry Vehicle test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 1776.
1997 May 23 - 21:44 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. LV Configuration: Terrier Orion NASA 41.13DT.
  • Terrier Orion MSX? Target mission? Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/SMDC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1997 May 24 - 17:00 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 380-02.
  • Telstar 5 Nation: USA. Program: Telstar. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Agency: Loral Sk. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 24812. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 97.0W Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 97 deg W in 1997-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 96.99 deg W drifting at 0.006 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 97.04W drifting at 0.005W degrees per day. References: 4, 274.
1997 May 24 -
  • Landing of STS-84 Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Flight: STS-84, Mir NASA-4, Mir NASA-3, Mir EO-23. STS-84 landed at 13:27 GMT with the crew of Precourt, Collins Eileen, Clervoy, Lu, Noriega, Kondakova and Linenger aboard.
1997 May 29 - 04:56 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.163UR.
  • Black Brant Radio Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1997 May 30 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 DASO-15.
  • Trident D-5 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1878.
1997 June 3 - 23:20 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44L. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L V97.
  • Inmarsat 3 F4 Nation: International. Program: Inmarsat. Mass: 1,021 kg (2,250 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 4000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Inmarsat. Perigee: 35,770 km (22,220 mi). Apogee: 35,805 km (22,248 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 24819. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 54.0W Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 54 deg W in 1997-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 53.97 deg W drifting at 0.004 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 142.07W drifting at 0.000E degrees per day. References: 4.
  • Insat 2D Nation: India. Program: Insat. Payload: Insat 2D. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Insat 2. Manufacturer: Indian Space Research Organization. Agency: ISRO. Perigee: 35,713 km (22,190 mi). Apogee: 35,859 km (22,281 mi). Inclination: 0.40 deg. Period: 1,374.20 min. COSPAR: 1997-027B. USAF Sat Cat: 24820. Completed Operations Date: 1997-10-05. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 74.1E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 72 deg E in 1997 As of 2 September 2001 located at 85.52 deg W drifting at 16.266 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 49.88W drifting at 16.261E degrees per day. References: 4.
1997 June 6 - 16:56 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200. Launch Pad: LC200/39. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 17S40. Model: Proton-K/17S40. LV Configuration: Proton-K/17S40 380-01.
  • Cosmos 2344 Nation: Russia. Payload: Arkon-1 s/n 1. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Arkon-1. Manufacturer: NPO Lavochkin, Moskva. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,502 km (933 mi). Apogee: 2,739 km (1,701 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 130.00 min. COSPAR: 1997-028A. USAF Sat Cat: 24827. First launch in a new series of electro-optical military reconnaisance satellites. References: 4, 274.
1997 June 9 - 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: 1189.
1997 June 10 - 12:01 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: CZ-3. Model: Chang Zheng 3. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 3 CZ3-12 (45).
  • FY-2A Nation: China. Payload: Fengyun 2A. Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: FY-2. Manufacturer: Shanghai Aerospace Research Tech. Inst. Agency: CASC. Perigee: 35,783 km (22,234 mi). Apogee: 35,784 km (22,235 mi). Inclination: 0.80 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-029A. USAF Sat Cat: 24834. Geosynchronous weather satellite; also known as FY-2B. Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 105 deg E in 1997-2000; 85 deg E in 2000.. The FY-2A stopped transmission in April 1998 but was put back into partial operation in December 1998. Its imager then failed completely on 30 September 1998 and it was retired in April 2000. As of 4 September 2001 located at 83.55 deg E drifting at 0.074 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 58.96E drifting at 0.025W degrees per day.References: 4.
1997 June 14 - 1997 June 18 - 10:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF10. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 GT165GM.
  • Minuteman 3 FOT GT165GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 1912.
1997 June 18 - 14:02 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81. Launch Pad: LC81/23. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 17S40. Model: Proton-K/17S40. LV Configuration: Proton-K/17S40 390-02.
  • Iridium 14 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV014. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 778 km (483 mi). Inclination: 86.39 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 24836. Plane 5. Ascending node 294.2 degrees. Not in service. References: 4, 274.
  • Iridium 12 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV012. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-030B. USAF Sat Cat: 24837. Plane 5. Ascending node 294.2 degrees. References: 4, 274.
  • Iridium 9 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV009. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 775 km (481 mi). Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-030C. USAF Sat Cat: 24838. Decay Date: 2003-03-11. Plane 5. Ascending node 294.2 degrees. References: 4, 274.
  • Iridium 10 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV010. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-030D. USAF Sat Cat: 24839. Plane 5. Ascending node 294 degrees. References: 4, 274.
  • Iridium 13 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV013. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-030E. USAF Sat Cat: 24840. Plane 5. Ascending node 294.2 degrees. References: 4, 274.
  • Iridium 16 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV016. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-030F. USAF Sat Cat: 24841. Plane 5. Ascending node 294.2 degrees. References: 4, 274.
  • Iridium 11 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV011. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 749 km (465 mi). Apogee: 774 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.44 deg. Period: 100.07 min. COSPAR: 1997-030G. USAF Sat Cat: 24842. Plane 5. Ascending node 294.6 degrees. Not in service. References: 4, 274.
1997 June 24 - 03:39 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-1A.
  • Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-1A Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). RSLP (MSLS) IFT-1A. The target cluster consisted of 10 objects: one mock warhead, one bus (the stage of the missile which releases the warhead and decoys), and eight decoys. Three decoys were conical in shape, like the warhead, and five were spherical balloons. One balloon was large – 2.2 meters in diameter – and had a brighter IR signature than the mock warhead. The two medium-sized balloons were about as bright as the mock warhead; they did not deploy as expected and were not reliable parts of the testing program. The two small balloons were released via a canister and were much dimmer than the mock warhead.References: 1545.
1997 June 24 - 04:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: Meck. Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Model: Minuteman 2 PLV. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 PLV PLV.
  • Payload Launch Vehicle IFT-1A EKV ABM Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA SSDC. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). Non-intercept fly-by to assess the performance of the Boeing-built EKV seeker, collect target phenomenological data, and evaluate (post-test) target-modeling and discrimination algorithms. Boeing was not chosen as the NMD EKV contractor, partly as a result of its system's performance on this test.References: 1823.
1997 June 25 -
  • Galileo, Callisto 9 Encounter Spacecraft: Galileo.
1997 June 25 - 23:44 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44P. Model: Ariane 44P. LV Configuration: Ariane 44P V96.
  • Intelsat 802 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 7000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-031A. USAF Sat Cat: 24846. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 174.1E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 174 deg E in 1997-2000; 177 deg E in 2000. As of 1 September 2001 located at 174.00 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 32.91E drifting at 0.000W degrees per day.References: 4.
1997 June 27 -
  • NEAR, Asteroid Mathilde Flyby Spacecraft: NEAR. Prior to its first flyby of the Earth on the way to Eros, NEAR flew within 1200 km of the C-class asteroid Mathilde.
1997 June 30 -
  • ADEOS spacecraft fails Nation: Japan. Spacecraft: ADEOS. The polar orbiting ADEOS spacecraft performed Earth, atmospheric, and oceanographic remote sensing. Initially put on August 20 1996 into a wrong orbit, it achieved an acceptable orbit in September 1996.
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