Chronology - Quarter 4 1997
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1997 October 1 - 1997 October 3 - 07:07 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: 1783.
1997 October 4 - 18:30 GMT - Launch Site: Nevada Test Site. Launch Complex: Area 26. Launch Vehicle: Castor-Orbus. LV Configuration: Castor-Orbus Fusing Test. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Castor-Orbus Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 1669.
1997 October 5 - 15:08 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Progress M-36 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 237. Mass: 7,195 kg (15,862 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Manufacturer: RKK Energiya im. S.P. Korolyov, Kaliningrad-Korolyov. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 378 km (234 mi). Apogee: 390 km (240 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 92.20 min. COSPAR: 1997-058A. USAF Sat Cat: 25002. Duration: 74.92 days. Decay Date: 1997-12-19. Flight: STS-86, Mir NASA-5, Mir NASA-4, Mir EO-24. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Docked with Mir on 8 Oct 1997 17:07:09 GMT. Undocked on 17 Dec 1997 06:01:53 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 19 Dec 1997 13:20:01 GMT. Total free-flight time 5.39 days. Total docked time 69.54 days. References: 4, 275, 276.
  • Sputnik-40 Nation: Russia. Program: Oscar. Payload: Spoutnik 40 Ans / RS-17. Class: Communications. Type: Amateur Radio. Spacecraft: PS Model. Manufacturer: Astronautical Federation of Russia, Kabardin-Balakarsk chapter. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 369 km (229 mi). Apogee: 378 km (234 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 87.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-058C. USAF Sat Cat: 24958. Decay Date: 1998-05-21. Subscale model of the first Spuntik, hand-launched by Mir crew during an EVA. Transmitted radio signals. References: 4, 276.
  • X-Mir Inspector Nation: Germany. Program: Mir. Payload: Inspector. Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Inspector. Manufacturer: Daimler-Benz Aerospace, Bremen (formerly ERNO). Agency: DASA. Perigee: 377 km (234 mi). Apogee: 387 km (240 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 91.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-058D. USAF Sat Cat: 25100. Decay Date: 1998-11-02. Flight: STS-86, Mir NASA-5, Mir NASA-4, Mir EO-24. References: 4.
1997 October 5 - 21:01 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: LC36B. Launch Vehicle: Atlas IIAS. Model: Atlas IIAS. LV Configuration: Atlas IIAS AC-135.
  • Echostar 3 Nation: USA. Program: Echostar. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 7000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Echostar. Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-059A. USAF Sat Cat: 25004. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 61.4W Launch vehicle put payload into supersynchronous earth orbit with IFR/MRS trajectory option. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 61 deg W in 1997-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 61.53 deg W drifting at 0.017 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 61.50W drifting at 0.007W degrees per day.References: 4, 278.
1997 October 6 -
  • Landing of STS-86 Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Flight: STS-86, Mir NASA-5, Mir NASA-4, Mir EO-24. STS-86 landed at 21:55 GMT with the crew of Wetherbee, Bloomfield, Titov Vladimir, Parazynski, Chretien, Lawrence and Foale aboard.
1997 October 9 - 17:59 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43. Launch Pad: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Foton 11 Nation: Russia. Payload: Foton s/n 11. Class: Materials. Spacecraft: Foton. Manufacturer: Kayser-Threde, Munchen. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 218 km (135 mi). Apogee: 363 km (225 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1997-060A. USAF Sat Cat: 25006. Duration: 13.63 days. Decay Date: 1997-10-23. Microgravity experiments. Landed in Kazakhstan Oct 23. References: 4, 69, 276.
  • Mirka Nation: Germany. Class: Technology. Type: RV. Spacecraft: Mirka. Manufacturer: Kayser-Threde, Munchen. Agency: Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt, Koln. Perigee: 218 km (135 mi). Apogee: 363 km (225 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1997-060xx. USAF Sat Cat: 25006. Decay Date: 1997-10-23. Landed in Kazakstan Oct 23 References: 4, 276.
1997 October 10 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 DASO-6.
  • Trident D-5 Operational Test mission Nation: UK. Agency: RN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1878.
1997 October 10 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 DASO-5.
  • Trident D-5 Operational Test mission Nation: UK. Agency: RN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1878.
1997 October 12 - 01:19 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: VS-30. LV Configuration: VS-30 XV-02 RONALD.
  • VS-30 DLR AL-VS30-226 Aeronomy mission Nation: Germany. Agency: INPE/DLR. Apogee: 120 km (70 mi). References: 1582.
1997 October 15 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: LC40. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4B. Model: Titan 401B/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401B B-33 /Centaur (45E-13).
  • Huygens Nation: Europe. Class: Planetary. Type: Outer Planets. Spacecraft: Huygens. Manufacturer: Aerospatiale, Cannes, France. Agency: NASA LeR. COSPAR: 1997-061B. USAF Sat Cat: 25009. Attached to Cassini References: 4.
  • Cassini Nation: USA. Class: Planetary. Type: Outer Planets. Spacecraft: Cassini. Manufacturer: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena. Agency: NASA/JPL. COSPAR: 1997-061A. USAF Sat Cat: 25008. En route Venus References: 4.
  • Huygens Nation: Europe. Spacecraft: Cassini. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-061xx. USAF Sat Cat: 25008. References: 279.
1997 October 16 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.129DS.
  • Black Brant Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1997 October 16 - 19:13 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC2. Launch Pad: LC2. Launch Vehicle: CZ-3B. Model: Chang Zheng 3B. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 3B CZ3B-3 (48).
  • Apstar 2R Nation: China. Program: Apstar. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Manufacturer: Space Systems/Loral, Palo Alto. Agency: APT. Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Apogee: 35,798 km (22,243 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 25010. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 76.5E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 76 deg E in 1997-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 76.48 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 76.46E drifting at 0.002W degrees per day. References: 4.
1997 October 20 - 1997 October 22 - 13:13 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: L-1011. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL. Model: Pegasus XL. LV Configuration: Pegasus XL F18.
  • STEP-4 Nation: USA. Program: STEP. Payload: STEP M4. Class: Military. Type: SDI. Spacecraft: Eagle. Agency: USAF STP. Perigee: 432 km (268 mi). Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Inclination: 45.00 deg. Period: 93.80 min. COSPAR: 1997-063A. USAF Sat Cat: 25013. Decay Date: 2001-03-31. References: 4.
1997 October 24 - 02:32 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 403A. LV Configuration: Titan 403A 4A-18 (K-18, 45F-3).
  • USA 133 Nation: USA. Payload: Lacrosse 3. Class: Surveillance. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Lacrosse. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver (formerly Martin). Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 666 km (413 mi). Apogee: 679 km (421 mi). Inclination: 57.00 deg. COSPAR: 1997-064A. USAF Sat Cat: 25017. Still operating December 1997. References: 4, 69.
1997 October 25 - 00:46 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: LC36A. Launch Vehicle: Atlas IIA. Model: Atlas IIA. LV Configuration: Atlas IIA AC-131.
  • USA 135 Nation: USA. Program: DSCS. Payload: DSCS III B-13. Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: DSCS III. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Valley Forge (formerly GE). Agency: USAF. Perigee: 35,770 km (22,220 mi). Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. COSPAR: 1997-065A. USAF Sat Cat: 25019. Geosynchronous. Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit with GCS trajectory option. References: 4, 278.
  • Falcon Gold Nation: USA. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Falcon Gold. Manufacturer: USAF Academy, Colorado Springs. Agency: LMA. Perigee: 151 km (93 mi). Apogee: 34,457 km (21,410 mi). Inclination: 26.20 deg. Period: 185.80 min. COSPAR: 1997-065B. USAF Sat Cat: 25020. Decay Date: 1998-09-27. US Air Force Academy experiment to demonstrate use of GPS navigation in geosynchronous orbit. References: 4, 278.
1997 October 29 -
  • Iraq expels all U.S. members of UN arms-inspection team Nation: International.
1997 October 30 - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA3. Launch Pad: ELA3. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5G. Model: Ariane 5G. LV Configuration: Ariane 5G V101 (502).
  • MAQSAT-H/TEAMSAT Nation: Europe. Payload: MAQSAT-H. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: MAQSAT. Manufacturer: Kayser-Threde, Munchen. Agency: ESA. Perigee: 545 km (338 mi). Apogee: 26,504 km (16,468 mi). Inclination: 7.60 deg. Period: 465.70 min. COSPAR: 1997-066A. USAF Sat Cat: 25023. Dummy communications satellite instrumented to report the actual payload bay environment during launch. It included the TEAMSAT technology experiment payload, developed by ESTEC References: 4.
  • MAQSAT-B/EPS Nation: Europe. Payload: MAQSAT-B. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: MAQSAT. Manufacturer: Kayser-Threde, Munchen. Agency: ESA. Perigee: 541 km (336 mi). Apogee: 26,549 km (16,496 mi). Inclination: 7.60 deg. Period: 466.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-066B. USAF Sat Cat: 25024. Dummy satellite in the lower bay of the SPELTRA dual launch adapter. References: 4.
  • YES Nation: Europe. Payload: Young Engineers Satellite. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: YES. Manufacturer: European Space Tech. Centre, Noordwijk. Agency: ESA. Perigee: 558 km (346 mi). Apogee: 26,604 km (16,530 mi). Inclination: 7.60 deg. Period: 467.70 min. COSPAR: 1997-066C. USAF Sat Cat: 25025. Young Engineers Satellite with several technology experiments. Ejected from MAQSAT-H/TEAMSAT. References: 4.
1997 November 1 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.
  • Atlantis OMDP-2 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Spacecraft: Atlantis. Atlantis is overhauled at Palmdale, returning to service in mid-1998. This was the last OMDP accomplished at Palmdale; future work would be done at the Kennedy Space Center. References: 44.
1997 Nov - Launch Site: Taiyuan. Launch Vehicle: CZ-1D. Model: Chang Zheng 1D.
  • CZ-1D Test mission Nation: China. Agency: PRC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1809.
1997 November 2 - 12:25 GMT - Launch Site: Alcantara. Launch Complex: VLS. Launch Pad: VLS. Launch Vehicle: VLS. Model: VLS-1. LV Configuration: VLS-1 V01. FAILURE: Destroyed during launch.
  • SCD-2A Nation: Brazil. Mass: 115 kg (253 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: SCD. Manufacturer: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espacias, Sao Jose dos Campos. Agency: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espacias, Sao Jose dos Campos. Apogee: 3.00 km (1.80 mi). COSPAR: F971102A. The SCD-2A (Data Collection Satellite 2A) was a Brazilian satellite designed for the collection of meteorological data relayed by data collection platforms spread throughout the Brazilian territory. References: 4.
1997 November 3 - 1997 November 5 - 20:02 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Model: Terrier Improved Orion. LV Configuration: Terrier Improved Orion NASA 41.04IE.
  • Terrier Orion KANE Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 120 km (70 mi). References: 1925.
1997 November 5 - 21:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF02. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper 26PA.
  • Peacekeeper 8 RVs operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 90SW. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1823.
1997 November 6 - 1997 November 6 - 00:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17. Launch Pad: LC17A. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7000. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D249.
  • USA 134 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS 2A-28 / GPS SVN 38. Mass: 1,816 kg (4,003 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2 and 2A. Manufacturer: Boeing North American, Seal Beach (formerly Rockwell). Agency: USAF. Perigee: 19,970 km (12,400 mi). Apogee: 20,394 km (12,672 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg. Period: 718.00 min. COSPAR: 1997-067A. USAF Sat Cat: 25030. Final GPS Block 2A satellite. Placed in Plane A Slot 3. References: 4.
1997 November 8 - 02:05 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur 4A-17 (K-20, 45E-?).
  • USA 136 Nation: USA. Payload: Trumpet 3. Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Trumpet. Manufacturer: Boeing, Kent/Seattle. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 1,100 km (600 mi). Apogee: 39,059 km (24,270 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. COSPAR: 1997-068A. USAF Sat Cat: 25034. References: 4.
1997 November 9 - 01:34 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2. Launch Pad: SLC2W. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7000. Model: Delta 7920-10C. LV Configuration: Delta 7920-10C D250.
  • Iridium 43 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV043. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Inclination: 86.39 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-069A. USAF Sat Cat: 25039. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.8 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 41 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV041. 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: 1997-069B. USAF Sat Cat: 25040. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.8 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 40 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV040. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Inclination: 86.39 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-069C. USAF Sat Cat: 25041. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.8 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 39 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV039. 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: 1997-069D. USAF Sat Cat: 25042. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.8 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 38 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV038. 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: 1997-069E. USAF Sat Cat: 25043. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.6 degrees. References: 4.
1997 November 10 -
  • Sputnik-40 Nation: Russia. Spacecraft: PS Model. Two subscale models of Sputnik 1, were built by students for hand-launch from Mir on fortieth anniversary of Sputnik 1. Progress M-40 delivered a more advanced version, Sputnik 41. On a spacewalk from Mir on November 10, Padalka and Avdeyev hand-launched the amateur-radio minisatellite. The PS models carried a small transmitter and were sponsored by Aero Club de France, AMSAT-France, and the Astronautical Federation of Russia.
1997 November 12 - 17:00 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 382-01.
  • Kupon Nation: Russia. Payload: Kupon K95K. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Kupon. Manufacturer: NPO Lavochkin, Moskva. Agency: TsBank. Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,435.50 min. COSPAR: 1997-070A. USAF Sat Cat: 25045. Completed Operations Date: 1998-03-01. Geosynchronous. Kupon is the first communications satellite for the Russian banking system, and the first commercial communications satellite sold by the Lavochkin, who have in the past been more commonly associated with planetary probes and early warning satellites. Kupon, owned by the Russian Federation Central Bank (and possibly Global Information Systems of Moscow), relays financial data for the Bankir network. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 55 deg E in 1997-1998 As of 1 September 2001 located at 86.25 deg E drifting at 0.142 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 78.29E drifting at 0.156E degrees per day.References: 4, 274.
1997 November 12 - 21:48 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44L. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L V102.
  • Sirius 2 Nation: Sweden. Program: Sirius. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. Manufacturer: Aerospatiale, Cannes, France. Agency: NSAB. Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Apogee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-071A. USAF Sat Cat: 25049. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 4.8E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 5 deg E in 1997-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 4.81 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 8 located at 4.77E drifting at 0.004W degrees per day. References: 4.
  • Cakrawarta 1 Nation: Indonesia. Payload: Indostar 1. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Star bus. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., McLean (formerly DSI and CTA). Agency: Indostar. Perigee: 35,761 km (22,220 mi). Apogee: 35,812 km (22,252 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-071B. USAF Sat Cat: 25050. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 100.6E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 107 deg E in 1997-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 107.71 deg E drifting at 0.006 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 107.62E drifting at 0.005W degrees per day. References: 4.
1997 November 14 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.080UG.
  • Black Brant SCARI Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1997 November 17 - Launch Site: Fort Wingate. Launch Complex: LC96. Launch Vehicle: Hera. LV Configuration: Hera 8. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Hera MTV Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 1030.
1997 November 18 - 11:14 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Resurs F-1M Nation: Russia. Program: Resurs. Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F1M. Manufacturer: TsSKB-Progress, Samara. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 211 km (131 mi). Apogee: 238 km (147 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 89.00 min. COSPAR: 1997-072A. USAF Sat Cat: 25059. Decay Date: 1997-12-13. Landed in Kazakstan Dec 13. References: 4, 276.
1997 November 18 - 19:35 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.167GS.
  • Black Brant SERTS-97 Solar Extreme ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 1925.
1997 November 19 - Launch Site: Nenoksa. Launch Vehicle: RT-23. Model: Grom. FAILURE: Failure.
  • RT-23 Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN/VMF. References: 1857.
1997 November 19 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39. Launch Pad: LC39B. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Model: Space Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-87.
  • AERCam-Sprint Nation: USA. Payload: AERCam/SAFER. Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: AERCam. Manufacturer: NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston. Agency: NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston. COSPAR: 1997-073C. Retrieved by OV-102 Dec 3. References: 4.
  • STS-87 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Columbia F24 / Spartan / USMP-4 Aft. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Manufacturer: Boeing North American, Palmdale (formerly Rockwell). Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 273 km (169 mi). Apogee: 279 km (173 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 90.00 min. COSPAR: 1997-073A. USAF Sat Cat: 25061. Duration: 15.69 days. Decay Date: 1997-12-05. Crew: Kregel, Lindsey, Chawla, Scott Winston, Doi, Kadenyuk. Flight: STS-87. OV-102 Columbia was launched on a microgravity science mission. Spartan 201 was released a day late on November 21. However the satellite did not start its automatic orientation maneuver because the crew failed to send it the correct commands prior to release.

    Spartan was recaptured by hand, during a spacewalk by Takao Doi and Winston Scott on November 25. Tests of space station tools went well, but the free-flying Sprint camera subsatellite was not deployed due to lack of time.

    NASA decided not to redeploy Spartan on this mission. During an EVA on Dec 3, Doi and Scott carried out more tests of the Space Station crane. They also deployed the AERCam/Sprint 'football' remote-controlled camera for a free flight in the payload bay.

    Columbia landed on December 5, with a deorbit burn at 11:21 GMT. Touchdown was at 12:20 GMT at Kennedy Space Center.References: 4, 7, 276.

  • Spartan 201 Nation: USA. Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: Spartan. Manufacturer: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 278 km (172 mi). Apogee: 284 km (176 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 90.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-073B. USAF Sat Cat: 25062. Decay Date: 1997-12-05. Retrieved by OV-102 Nov 25 References: 4, 276.
  • USMP-4 Forward Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-073xx. USAF Sat Cat: 25061. Decay Date: 1997-12-05. References: 279.
  • USMP-4 Aft Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-073xx. USAF Sat Cat: 25061. Decay Date: 1997-12-05. References: 279.
  • EDO Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-073xx. USAF Sat Cat: 25061. Decay Date: 1997-12-05. References: 279.
  • AERCam/Sprint Nation: USA. Payload: AERCam/Sprint. Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: AERCam. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-073xx. References: 279.
1997 November 24 -
  • EVA STS-87-1 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Crew: Scott Winston, Doi. Flight: STS-87. EVA Duration: 0.32 days. Retrieved Spartan free-flier. Tested EVA tools and techniques. References: 66.
1997 November 27 - 21:27 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: Y. Launch Pad: Y. Launch Vehicle: H-2. Model: H-II. LV Configuration: H-II-6F.
  • TRMM Nation: USA. Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: TRMM. Manufacturer: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 395 km (245 mi). Apogee: 403 km (250 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 92.50 min. COSPAR: 1997-074A. USAF Sat Cat: 25063. TRMM was an international mission dedicated to measuring tropical and subtropical rainfall. The spacecraft and four instruments were provided by the USA, while Japan provided one instrument and launch services. References: 4.
  • Hikoboshi Nation: Japan. Payload: ETS-7. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: ETS-7. Manufacturer: Toshiba Corp., Tokyo. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 545 km (338 mi). Apogee: 548 km (340 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 95.50 min. COSPAR: 1997-074B. USAF Sat Cat: 25064. The Orihime and Hikoboshi satellites undocked and redocked on July 7 1998 in the FP-1 test of automated docking systems. Despite claims of the NASDA space agency that this is a first, automated Russian craft have docked on many occasions since the Kosmos-186/188 docking in 1968.References: 4.
  • Orihime Nation: Japan. Payload: ETS-7 Target. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: ETS-7 Target. Manufacturer: Toshiba Corp., Tokyo. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 346 km (214 mi). Apogee: 458 km (284 mi). Inclination: 34.50 deg. Period: 92.60 min. COSPAR: 1997-074E. USAF Sat Cat: 25424. Decay Date: 1999-01-27. Attached to Hikoboshi. It would later separate and serve as a passive docking target for the Hikobishi active automatic docking technology spacecraft. References: 4, 276.
1997 December 1 -
  • Chinese Astronauts Complete Training in Russia Nation: China. Spacecraft: Shenzhou. Two Chinese astronauts completed their training in Russia and returned to China. They would act as instructors for China's own astronaut training program. At the same time the largest thermal vacum test equipment in Asia finished construction. References: 424.
1997 December 2 - 08:42 GMT - Launch Site: SvalRak. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.153IE.
  • Black Brant Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 433 km (269 mi). References: 1925.
1997 December 2 - 22:52 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44P. Model: Ariane 44P. LV Configuration: Ariane 44P V103.
  • JCSAT 5 Nation: Japan. Program: JCSAT. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: JSAT. Perigee: 35,784 km (22,235 mi). Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-075A. USAF Sat Cat: 25067. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 139.4E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 150 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 150.00 deg E drifting at 0.012 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 8 located at 127.98E drifting at 0.014W degrees per day. References: 4.
  • Equator-S Nation: Germany. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Equator-S. Manufacturer: Max-Planck-Institut fur Extraterrestrische Physik, Garching. Agency: MPE. Perigee: 591 km (367 mi). Apogee: 67,065 km (41,672 mi). Inclination: 6.20 deg. Period: 1,337.20 min. COSPAR: 1997-075B. USAF Sat Cat: 25068. References: 4.
1997 December 2 - 23:10 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 382-02.
  • Astra 1G Nation: Europe. Program: Astra. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. 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: 1997-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 25071. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 23.9E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 19 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 19.18 deg E drifting at 0.002 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 19.17E drifting at 0.012W degrees per day. References: 4, 274.
1997 December 3 -
  • EVA STS-87-2 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Crew: Scott Winston, Doi. Flight: STS-87. EVA Duration: 0.21 days. Tested tools and techniques for extravehicular activity. References: 66.
1997 December 3 - 09:06 GMT - Launch Site: SvalRak. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.152IE.
  • Black Brant Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 446 km (277 mi). References: 1925.
1997 December 5 -
  • Landing of STS-87 Nation: USA. Flight: STS-87. STS-87 landed at 12:20 GMT.
1997 December 8 - 07:16 GMT - Launch Site: Taiyuan. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: CZ-2C/SD. Model: Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD CZ2C-16 (49).
  • Iridium 42 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV042. 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: 1997-077A. USAF Sat Cat: 25077. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.8 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 44 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV044. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 774 km (480 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.39 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-077B. USAF Sat Cat: 25078. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.8 degrees. Not in service. References: 4.
1997 December 8 - 23:52 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: LC36B. Launch Vehicle: Atlas IIAS. Model: Atlas IIAS. LV Configuration: Atlas IIAS AC-149.
  • Galaxy 8i Nation: USA. Program: Galaxy. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: Panamsat. Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Apogee: 35,799 km (22,244 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-078A. USAF Sat Cat: 25086. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 79.2W Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit with MRS trajectory option. Used HS-601 XIPS ion engine for station keeping. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 95 deg W in 1998-1999 As of 3 September 2001 located at 94.92 deg W drifting at 0.000 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 37.58W drifting at 2.053W degrees per day.References: 4, 278.
1997 December 9 - 07:17 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90. Launch Pad: LC90. Launch Vehicle: Tsyklon 2. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 2347 Nation: Russia. Program: EORSAT. Payload: US-PM s/n 9. Mass: 3,150 kg (6,940 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-PU. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 403 km (250 mi). Apogee: 417 km (259 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 92.80 min. COSPAR: 1997-079A. USAF Sat Cat: 25088. Decay Date: 1999-12-11. EORSAT, in the 217 degree ascending node slot. Still in operation as of December 1997. References: 4, 69.
1997 December 15 - 15:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 2348 Nation: Russia. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Manufacturer: TsSKB-Progress, Samara. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 175 km (108 mi). Apogee: 361 km (224 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-080A. USAF Sat Cat: 25095. Duration: 120.00 days. Decay Date: 1998-04-14. High resolution photo reconnaissance; returned film in two small SpK capsules during the mission and with the main capsule at completion of the mission. Landed 14 April 1998. References: 4, 179, 276.
1997 December 18 - Launch Vehicle: Beal BA-2.
  • Beal signs agreement for use of Sombrero Island as launch site Nation: USA. The island was 56 km north-west of Anguilla, well located for due-east, north and north-east launches for all orbit inclinations of commercial interest. The agreement provided for exclusive use of Sombrero Island for up to 98 years.
1997 December 18 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 DASO-16.
  • Trident D-5 (77ss) operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1878.
1997 December 20 - 08:45 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Progress M-37 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 236. Mass: 7,040 kg (15,520 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Manufacturer: RKK Energiya im. S.P. Korolyov, Kaliningrad-Korolyov. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 363 km (225 mi). Apogee: 403 km (250 mi). Inclination: 51.80 deg. Period: 92.20 min. COSPAR: 1997-081A. USAF Sat Cat: 25102. Duration: 61.69 days. Decay Date: 1998-03-16. Flight: Mir NASA-5, Mir EO-24. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Docked with Mir at the rear Kvant port on 22 Dec 1997 10:22:20 GMT. Undocked on 30 Jan 1998 12:00:00 GMT. Redocked with Mir on 23 Feb 1998 09:42:28 GMT. Final undocking 15 Mar 1998 19:16:01 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 15 Mar 1998 23:04:00 GMT. Total free-flight time 2.23 days. Total docked time 59.47 days.References: 4, 275, 276.
1997 December 20 - 13:16 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2. Launch Pad: SLC2W. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7000. Model: Delta 7920-10C. LV Configuration: Delta 7920-10C D251.
  • Iridium 45 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV045. 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: 1997-082A. USAF Sat Cat: 25104. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.4 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 46 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV046. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Inclination: 86.41 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-082B. USAF Sat Cat: 25105. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.4 degrees. Should be 25105. References: 4.
  • Iridium 47 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV047. 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: 1997-082C. USAF Sat Cat: 25106. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.4 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 48 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV048. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 775 km (481 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1997-082D. USAF Sat Cat: 25107. Decay Date: 2001-05-05. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.4 degrees. References: 4.
  • Iridium 49 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV049. 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: 1997-082E. USAF Sat Cat: 25108. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.4 degrees. References: 4.
1997 December 22 - 00:16 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 42L. Model: Ariane 42L. LV Configuration: Ariane 42L V104.
  • Intelsat 804 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 7000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,802 km (22,246 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-083A. USAF Sat Cat: 25110. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 47.0E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 64 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 64.18 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 9.51W drifting at 0.107E degrees per day. References: 4.
1997 December 23 - 19:11 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: L-1011. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL. Model: Pegasus XL/HAPS. LV Configuration: Pegasus XL/HAPS F19.
  • Orbcomm A1 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM5. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 812 km (504 mi). Apogee: 823 km (511 mi). Inclination: 45.03 deg. Period: 101.26 min. COSPAR: 1997-084A. USAF Sat Cat: 25112. Plane A. Ascending node 297.7 degrees. References: 4.
  • Orbcomm A2 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM6. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 813 km (505 mi). Apogee: 822 km (510 mi). Inclination: 45.03 deg. Period: 101.26 min. COSPAR: 1997-084B. USAF Sat Cat: 25113. Plane A. Ascending node 300.7 degrees. References: 4.
  • Orbcomm A3 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM7. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 813 km (505 mi). Apogee: 822 km (510 mi). Inclination: 45.03 deg. Period: 101.26 min. COSPAR: 1997-084C. USAF Sat Cat: 25114. Plane A. Ascending node 301 degrees. References: 4.
  • Orbcomm A4 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM8. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 813 km (505 mi). Apogee: 823 km (511 mi). Inclination: 45.02 deg. Period: 101.26 min. COSPAR: 1997-084D. USAF Sat Cat: 25115. Plane A. Ascending node 300.5 degrees. References: 4.
  • Orbcomm A5 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM9. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 814 km (505 mi). Apogee: 822 km (510 mi). Inclination: 45.02 deg. Period: 101.26 min. COSPAR: 1997-084E. USAF Sat Cat: 25116. Plane A. Ascending node 301 degrees. References: 4.
  • Orbcomm A6 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM10. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 812 km (504 mi). Apogee: 823 km (511 mi). Inclination: 45.02 deg. Period: 101.26 min. COSPAR: 1997-084F. USAF Sat Cat: 25117. Plane A. Ascending node 301.2 degrees. References: 4.
  • Orbcomm A7 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM11. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 813 km (505 mi). Apogee: 823 km (511 mi). Inclination: 45.02 deg. Period: 101.26 min. COSPAR: 1997-084G. USAF Sat Cat: 25118. Plane A. Ascending node 301.2 degrees. References: 4.
  • Orbcomm A8 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM12. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 812 km (504 mi). Apogee: 823 km (511 mi). Inclination: 45.02 deg. Period: 101.26 min. COSPAR: 1997-084H. USAF Sat Cat: 25119. Plane A. Ascending node 301.2 degrees. References: 4.
1997 December 24 -
  • U.S. company launches first commercial spy satellite Nation: USA.
1997 December 24 - 13:32 GMT - Launch Site: Svobodniy. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: LC5. Launch Vehicle: Start-1. Model: Start-1.
  • Early Bird Nation: USA. Payload: EarlyBird. Class: Surveillance. Type: Civilian. Spacecraft: Early Bird. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., McLean (formerly DSI and CTA). Agency: EarthWat. Perigee: 479 km (297 mi). Apogee: 488 km (303 mi). Inclination: 97.30 deg. Period: 94.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-085A. USAF Sat Cat: 25123. Decay Date: 2000-07-27. References: 4.
1997 December 24 - 23:19 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 394-01. FAILURE: DM-3 Stage failed, leaving spacecraft in geosynchronous transfer orbit.
  • Asiasat 3 Nation: China. Program: Asiasat. Payload: HGS-1. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: Asiasat. Perigee: 35,612 km (22,128 mi). Apogee: 35,964 km (22,346 mi). Inclination: 5.50 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1997-086A. USAF Sat Cat: 25126. The spacecraft was left in a high inclination useless orbit by a failure of the DM-3 stage and became an insurance writeoff. Two trips around the Moon to remove the inclination under its new owner (Hughes) saw it back into very limited service (as HGS-1) by August 1998 over the Indian Ocean and available for sale at bargain rates. Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 150-154 deg W in 1998; 60 deg W in 1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 59.68 deg W drifting at 0.024 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 8 located at 169.58W drifting at 0.011W degrees per day.References: 4, 274.
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