Chronology - Quarter 2 1999 home
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1999 April 1 - Launch Site: Barents Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 69.5 N x 34.2 E. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Volna.
  • Operational test Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1999 April 2 - 11:28 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Progress M-41 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 241. Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Manufacturer: RKK Energiya im. S.P. Korolyov, Kaliningrad-Korolyov. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 336 km (208 mi). Apogee: 361 km (224 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.51 min. COSPAR: 1999-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 25664. Duration: 105.99 days. Decay Date: 1999-07-17. Flight: Mir EO-27, Mir EO-26/-27. Resupply craft docked uneventfully with the Mir complex two days later. It also delivered the Sputnik-99 amateur radio satellite, launched into orbit by hand by the cosmonauts during an EVA on April 16. Still hopeful of finding a backer to pay to keep Mir in space, Progress M-41 began a series of engine burns in late April to raise the orbit of the station. It finally undocked from Mir at 11:20 GMT on July 17 and was deorbited over the Pacific later the same day. References: 2.
  • Sputnik-99 Nation: France. Program: OSCAR. Class: Communications. Type: Amateur Radio. Spacecraft: OSCAR. Manufacturer: AMSAT-Russia. Agency: AMSAT-F. Perigee: 400 km (240 mi). Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. COSPAR: 1999-015C. USAF Sat Cat: 25685. Decay Date: 1999-07-29. Subscale amateur radio model of Sputnik 1. Reentered July 29. References: 2.
1999 April 2 - 22:03 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 42P. LV Configuration: Ariane 42P-3 V117.
  • Insat 2E Nation: India. Program: Insat. Payload: Insat 2E. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Insat 2. Manufacturer: Indian Space Research Organization. Agency: ISRO. Perigee: 35,770 km (22,220 mi). Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 25666. ISRO's Insat 2E was placed in geostationary transfer orbit. The Indian-built satellite carried a C and S band communications package. Stationed at 83 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 83 deg E in 1999. As of 3 September 2001 located at 82.90 deg E drifting at 0.015 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 82.93E drifting at 0.008W degrees per day. References: 2.
1999 April 9 - 17:01 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 402B/IUS. LV Configuration: Titan 402B 4B-27 / IUS K-32. FAILURE: IUS first and second stages failed to separate.
  • USA 142 Nation: USA. Payload: DSP-1 Block 18 F19. Mass: 2,380 kg (5,240 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: DSP. Manufacturer: TRW, Redondo Beach. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 720 km (440 mi). Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Inclination: 28.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 25669. The Titan 4B placed the IUS upper stages and DSP-1 Block 14 ballistic missile launch detection satellite. payload into a 188 km x 718 km x 28.6 deg parking orbit. The first stage of the IUS burned at 18:14 GMT and put the second stage and payload into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The IUS second stage fired at 23:34 GMT in order to place the spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. However, at least one connector remained attached between the stages, and the second stage motor nozzle did not extend properly. When the stage fired, the vehicle tumbled wildly during the burn. Separation of the DSP was achieved. Although it could not perform its primary mission, it did provide a good test case in that the effects of radiation on its systems could be monitored as they underwent twice-daily passages of the Van Allen Radiation Belts. However after some weeks the hydrazine propellant aboard the satellite vented into space due to a broken fuel line. It was believed this had been induced by the wild ride aboard the IUS-2 stage. References: 2.
1999 April 11 - 04:17 GMT - Launch Site: Balasore. Launch Complex: IC4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Agni. Model: Agni 2.
  • Agni RV Mk 2 Research and development launch Nation: India. Agency: IDRDL. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1999 April 12 - 06:35 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9CM1. LV Configuration: Black Brant 9CM1 NASA 36.172UG.
  • WISP 4 Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 375 km (233 mi). References: 2.
1999 April 12 - 22:50 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36A. Launch Pad: SLC36A. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas IIAS. LV Configuration: Atlas IIAS AC-154.
  • Eutelsat W3 Nation: Europe. Program: Eutelsat. Payload: Spacebus 3000B2. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. Manufacturer: Alcatel, Cannes. Agency: Eutelsat. Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 25673. Communications satellite is for the European Telecommunications Satellite Organization. The vehicle entered a 153 km x 385 km x 27.4 deg parking orbit nine minutes after launch. The second Centaur stage burn delivered the satellite to a 166 km x 46,076 km x 19.7 deg super-synchronous transfer orbit. The satellite was stationed at 7 deg E and carried 24 Ku-band transponders with a wide beam covering Europe, North Africa and Asia, and a spot beam for digital TV to Turkey. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 7 deg E in 1999. As of 26 August 2001 located at 7.01 deg E drifting at 0.004 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 7 located at 21.59E drifting at 0.003E degrees per day. References: 2.
1999 April 14 - 05:35 GMT - Launch Site: Tilla. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ghauri. LV Configuration: Ghauri Ghauri-2/Hatf-6.
  • Test mission Nation: Pakistan. Agency: Pakistan. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1999 April 15 - 00:46 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U/Ikar S15000-060 ST03.
  • Globalstar M019 Nation: USA. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 25676. The Ikar upper stage entered a 234 km x 900 km transfer orbit, then maneuvered to dispense the four spacecraft into 900 km x 950 km x 52.0 deg parking orbits. The satellite's own thrusters would be used to place them into their 1410 km circular operational orbits. The Ikar stage deorbited itself after one day. The Globalstar satellites, built by Alenia and Loral, are L-band comsats which provide satellite phone service. References: 2.
  • Globalstar M042 Nation: USA. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1999-019B. USAF Sat Cat: 25677. References: 2.
  • Globalstar M044 Nation: USA. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1999-019C. USAF Sat Cat: 25678. References: 2.
  • Globalstar M045 Nation: USA. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-019D. USAF Sat Cat: 25679. References: 2.
1999 April 15 - 18:32 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7920-10. LV Configuration: Delta 7920-10 D268.
  • Landsat 7 Nation: USA. Program: Landsat. Mass: 1,969 kg (4,340 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Landsat 7. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Valley Forge. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 702 km (436 mi). Apogee: 703 km (436 mi). Inclination: 98.20 deg. Period: 98.80 min. COSPAR: 1999-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 25682. The vehicle entered a 175 km x 706 km x 98.2 deg initial orbit. 57 minutes after launch the Delta stage burned again to circularize the orbit at 668 km x 698 km and Landsat 7 separated from the stage. The Delta stage then burned to depletion of its propellant, into a 184 km x 710 km x 107.5 deg orbit that would decay quickly. The Landsat 7 remote sensing satellite was to be operated by NASA/Goddard until October 2000, when operations would be transferred to the US Geological Survey. References: 2.
1999 April 16 - 04:37 GMT - 1999 April 21 - 04:59 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC109. Launch Pad: LC109/95. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: Dnepr. LV Configuration: Dnepr 6703542509.
  • UoSAT-12 Nation: UK. Mass: 325 kg (716 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: MiniSat-400. Manufacturer: Surrey. Agency: SSTL. Perigee: 639 km (397 mi). Apogee: 654 km (406 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 97.70 min. COSPAR: 1999-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 25693. First launch of Russia's Dnepr launch vehicle, a converted R-36M2 ICBM. The Dnepr was launched from a silo. The third stage maneuvring bus (used on the ICBM for dispensing multiple warheads) placed UoSAT-12 into a 638 km x 652 km x 64.6 deg orbit. The third stage separated from the payload at 05:13 GMT and then made a burn into a 599 km x 1403 km x 64.6 deg orbit. UoSAT-12 was the first test of the Minibus platform, at 325 kg a larger spacecraft than earlier 50 kg Surrey UoSATs. It carried a mobile radio experiment (MERLION), a GPS receiver, and imaging cameras. References: 2.
1999 April 26 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-21.
  • Trident D-5 84? operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1999 April 26 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-21.
  • 84? Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1999 April 27 - 18:22 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Athena. Model: Athena-2. LV Configuration: Athena-2 LM-005. FAILURE: Payload shroud failed to separate four minutes after launch.
  • Ikonos 1 Nation: USA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Civilian. Spacecraft: Ikonos. Agency: LMA/Denver. COSPAR: F990427A. Tracking stations downrange did not pick up the spacecraft. It was later determined that the rocket nose fairing failed to separate four minutes after launch. The extra mass caused the vehicle to reenter over the South Pacific on the first partial orbit. Space Imaging's Ikonos 1 was to have been the first commercial imaging satellite with a high a resolution camera. References: 2.
1999 April 28 - 20:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC107/1. Launch Pad: LC107/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65036-413.
  • ABRIXAS Nation: Germany. Mass: 470 kg (1,030 lb). Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: ABRIXAS. Manufacturer: OHB System, Bremen. Agency: DLR. Perigee: 550 km (340 mi). Apogee: 599 km (372 mi). Inclination: 48.50 deg. COSPAR: 1999-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 25721. X-ray astronomy satellite with the mission to carry out an all-sky survey in the 1-10 keV band. The satellite's battery failed and contact was lost on May 1. References: 2.
  • Megsat-0 Nation: Italy. Mass: 35 kg (77 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Communications. Spacecraft: Megsat. Manufacturer: MegSat, Gruppo Meggiorin, Brescia. Agency: MegSat. Perigee: 544 km (338 mi). Apogee: 597 km (370 mi). Inclination: 48.50 deg. COSPAR: 1999-022B. USAF Sat Cat: 25722. Decay Date: 2003-11-04. A small technology satellite which carried an experimental high rate data transmission payload. References: 2.
1999 April 30 - 16:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 401B/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401B/Centaur 4B-32/TC-14 (K-26). FAILURE: Centaur software programming error.
  • USA 143 Nation: USA. Payload: Milstar-2 F1 / DFS 3. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Milstar. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Sunnyvale. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 1,097 km (681 mi). Apogee: 5,149 km (3,199 mi). Inclination: 28.20 deg. COSPAR: 1999-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 25724. The Titan core vehicle operated correctly, but a software error in the Centaur stage resulted in all three planned burns being made at the wrong times, during the first orbit instead of over a six hour period. The three burns planned to place Milstar successively in a 170 x 190 km parking orbit, a geostationary transfer orbit, and finally geosynchronous orbit. Instead, at 19:00 GMT, several hours before the scheduled third burn, Milstar separated into a useless 740 km x 5000 km orbit. Milstar-2 F1 was the first upgraded Milstar with an extra Medium Data Rate payload with a higher throughput. The payload included EHF (44 GHz), SHF (20 GHz) and UHF communications transponders and satellite-to-satellite crosslinks, with narrow beams to avoid jamming. References: 2.
1999 May 1 - Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2F.
  • Manned Program Delayed Nation: China. Spacecraft: Shenzhou. Far eastern newspapers reported an accident at Jiuquan Launch Center late May 1999. It was said that a fuel depot exploded, resulting in casualties and delaying the first manned vehicle launch originally scheduled for October. References: 424.
1999 May 4 - Launch Site: Sea-launched. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: BRET. Launch Vehicle: MSBS. Model: MSBS M45. LV Configuration: MSBS M45 3.
  • Test mission Nation: France. Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Launched from Zone de lancement SNLE, Golfe de Gascogne, Bretagne - Latitude: 47.50 N, Longitude:4.50 W. References: 2.
1999 May 4 - Launch Site: Sea-launched. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: BRET. Launch Vehicle: MSBS. Model: MSBS M45. LV Configuration: MSBS M45 2.
  • Test mission Nation: France. Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Launched from Zone de lancement SNLE, Golfe de Gascogne, Bretagne - Latitude: 47.50 N, Longitude:4.50 W. References: 2.
1999 May 5 -
  • Galileo, Callisto 20 Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Galileo.
1999 May 5 - 01:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: SLC17B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 3. LV Configuration: Delta 8930 D269. FAILURE: Engine failure at ignition for second burn of Centaur stage.
  • Orion 3 Nation: USA. Program: Orion. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: Loral Or. Perigee: 2,456 km (1,526 mi). Apogee: 2,529 km (1,571 mi). Inclination: 19.80 deg. Period: 138.60 min. COSPAR: 1999-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 25727. The Centaur RL-10B-2 second stage engine's combustion chamber ruptured at the beginning of the second burn. The hot gases already in the chamber vented, putting the stage/spacecraft assembly into an uncontrollable tumble. The Orion 3 communications satellite ended up in a useless parking orbit of 162 km x 1378 km x 29.5 deg. It was to have served the Asia-Pacific region for Loral Orion with 33 Ku-band and 10 C-band transponders. References: 2.
1999 May 7 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.141DS.
  • VAULT Demo Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1999 May 10 - 01:33 GMT - Launch Site: Taiyuan. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-4B. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 4B CZ4B-1 (56).
  • FY-1C Nation: China. Payload: Feng Yun 1C. Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: FY-1. Manufacturer: Shanghai Inst. of Satellite Engineering. Agency: CASC. Perigee: 847 km (526 mi). Apogee: 869 km (539 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. COSPAR: 1999-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 25730. Operational weather satellite. First launch of stretched CZ-4B booster. After retirement the satellite was destroyed in the first test of the Chinese ASAT weapon on 11 January 2007. References: 2.
  • SJ-5 Nation: China. Payload: Shi Jian 5. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: SJ. Manufacturer: Shanghai Inst. of Satellite Engineering. Agency: CASC. Perigee: 843 km (523 mi). Apogee: 869 km (539 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. COSPAR: 1999-025B. USAF Sat Cat: 25731. Research satellite carried as a secondary payload to study the radiation belts. References: 2.
1999 May 14 - 11:33 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: S. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7. LV Configuration: Skylark 7 MASER 8.
  • MASER 8 Microgravity mission Nation: Sweden. Agency: SSC. Apogee: 260 km (160 mi). References: 2.
1999 May 18 - 05:09 GMT - Launch Site: Point Arguello WADZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 36.0 N x 123.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Model: Pegasus XL/HAPS. LV Configuration: Pegasus XL/HAPS F27.
  • TERRIERS Nation: USA. Class: Technology. Type: Military. Spacecraft: TERRIERS. Manufacturer: AeroAstro Inc. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 537 km (333 mi). Apogee: 552 km (342 mi). Inclination: 97.80 deg. COSPAR: 1999-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 25735. TERRIERS was part of NASA's Student Explorer Demonstration Initiative (STEDI), which was a precursor program to the UNEX (University Explorer) series. STEDI was managed by USRA (the Universities Space Research Association) for NASA, while UNEX was to be more directly managed by NASA-GSFC. TERRIERS was to be operated by the space physics group at Boston University for ionosphere studies, and carried TESS, a set of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectrographs to get electron density and thermosphere emission profiles. The GISSMO instrument measured the solar EUV flux. The spacecraft was built by AeroAstro and based on HETE. TERRIERS was placed in the correct orbit, but it failed to orient its solar panel to the Sun and ran out of battery power by May 20. Controllers were optimistic that when its orbit processes to a better sun angle the satellite could be revived. Additional Details: TERRIERS. References: 2.
  • MUBLCOM Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown. Agency: USA. Perigee: 770 km (470 mi). Apogee: 775 km (481 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. COSPAR: 1999-026B. USAF Sat Cat: 25736. After deploying the TERRIERS satellite, the conical Payload Adapter Fitting (1998-26E) was jettisoned at 05:21 GMT, leaving the disk-shaped MUBLCOM satellite attached to the Pegasus XL PRIMEX HAPS-Lite stage. The second HAPS burn at 05:22 GMT raised apogee to 775 km, followed by a third, apogee burn at 06:10 GMT which circularised the orbit. MUBLCOM was deployed to a 769 km x 776 km x 97.7 degree orbit. The final HAPS burn then placed the depleted HAPS stage in a lower 388 km x 722 km x 97.1 degree disposal orbit. MUBLCOM (Multiple beam Beyond Line-of-sight Communications) was an experimental satellite funded by DARPA and managed by the US Army's Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) at Ft Monmouth, New Jersey. It was built by Orbital Sciences using the Microstar (Orbcomm type) bus and carries a payload testing hand-held radio satellite communications for the armed forces.

    Six years later MUBLCOM was the target for the DART Autonomous Rendezvous Technology mission. On April 16, 2005, DART closed within 100 m of MUBLCOM satellite, then evidently began a series of out-of-control maneuvers resulting in an in-space collission and MUBLCOM being bumped into a 3 to 5 km higher orbit. DART was deorbited while MUBLCOM, still functioned, continued on in space. References: 2.

1999 May 20 - 22:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2M. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2M (DM3) 396-02.
  • Nimiq 1 Nation: Canada. Program: Anik. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 2100. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Sunnyvale. Agency: Telesat. Perigee: 35,785 km (22,235 mi). Apogee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 25740. Telesat Canada's Nimiq television broadcasting satellite was placed into a 7050 km x 35790 km x 15.9 degree transfer orbit. The Nimiq was to use its liquid apogee engine (Royal Ordnance Leros 1) to reach geosynchronous orbit. Telesat Canada also operated the Anik Canadian domestic communications satellites, the first of which was launched in 1972. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 91 deg W in 1999. As of 4 September 2001 located at 91.11 deg W drifting at 0.002 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 91.18W drifting at 0.012W degrees per day. References: 2.
1999 May 22 - 09:36 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 404B. LV Configuration: Titan 404B 4B-12.
  • USA 144 Nation: USA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Misty. Agency: NRO. Perigee: 2,700 km (1,600 mi). Apogee: 3,100 km (1,900 mi). Inclination: 63.50 deg. COSPAR: 1999-028A. USAF Sat Cat: 25744. This classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite represented the first successful Titan launch in four attempts. The payload had been reported to be a Lacrosse radar imaging reconnaissance satellite. However the short 50 foot Titan fairing was used instead of the 66 foot fairing used by Lacrosse. This only seems to be used previously for an Improved Crystal photo-reconnaissance satellite in November 1992. The payload therefore could be related to the ocean surveillance triplets, or be an Improved CRYSTAL derivative. Veteran amateur satellite-watchers believed it was the second launch of 'Misty', a stealthy optical reconnaisance satellite (the first launch being USA 53 in February 1990). References: 2.
1999 May 26 - 06:22 GMT - Launch Site: Sriharikota. Launch Complex: PSLV. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: PSLV. Model: PSLV. LV Configuration: PSLV-C2.
  • Kitsat-3 Nation: Korea South. Class: Earth. Spacecraft: Kitsat. Manufacturer: Korea Advanced Institute for Space Technology. Agency: KAIST. Perigee: 716 km (444 mi). Apogee: 738 km (458 mi). Inclination: 98.40 deg. COSPAR: 1999-029A. USAF Sat Cat: 25756. References: 2.
  • DLR-Tubsat Nation: Germany. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Class: Earth. Spacecraft: Tubsat. Agency: DLR. Perigee: 722 km (448 mi). Apogee: 723 km (449 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. COSPAR: 1999-029B. USAF Sat Cat: 25757. DLR-Tubsat carried on the experimental work of Tubsat-A and -B. The satellite measured 32x32x32 cm and had a mass of 44.8 kg. The dechnology demonstrator conducted earth observation with 6 m resolution and conducted attitude control experiments. It was still in operation as of 2003. References: 2.
  • OceanSat 1 (IRS-P4) Nation: India. Payload: IRS-P4. Mass: 1,036 kg (2,283 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Seasat. Spacecraft: IRS. Manufacturer: Indian Space Research Organization. Agency: ISRO. Perigee: 721 km (448 mi). Apogee: 724 km (449 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 99.30 min. COSPAR: 1999-029C. USAF Sat Cat: 25758. Remote sensing satellite with Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) and a Multi-frequency Scanning Microwave Radiometer (MSMR) References: 2.
1999 May 27 - 10:49 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-96.
  • STS-96 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Payload: Discovery F26 / Spacehab-DM. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery. Manufacturer: Boeing Reusable Space Systems, Palmdale. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 379 km (235 mi). Apogee: 385 km (239 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. COSPAR: 1999-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 25760. Duration: 9.80 days. Decay Date: 1999-06-06. Crew: Rominger, Husband, Jernigan, Ochoa, Barry, Payette, Tokarev. Flight: STS-96. Discovery docked at the PMA-2 end of the International Space Station PMA-2/Unity/PMA-1/Zarya stack. The crew transferred equipment from the Spacehab Logistics Double Module in the payload bay to the interior of the station. Tammy Jernigan and Dan Barry made a space walk to transfer equipment from the payload bay to the exterior of the station. The ODS/EAL docking/airlock truss carried two TSA (Tool Stowage Assembly) packets with space walk tools. The Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC), built by Energia and DASA-Bremen, carried parts of the Strela crane and the US OTD crane as well as the SHOSS box which contains three bags of tools and equipment to be stored on ISS's exterior.

    The STS-96 payload bay manifest:

    • Bay 1-2: Orbiter Docking System/External Airlock
    • Bay 3-4: Tunnel Adapter S/N 001
    • Bay 5-7: Spacehab Tunnel
    • Bay 5: Keel Yoke Device (KYD) and Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC)
    • Bay 8-12: Spacehab Logistics Double Module
    • Bay 13 Port: Adapter Beam (ABA) with IVHM
    • Bay 13 Stbd: Adapter Beam (ABA) with SVF/Starshine
    • Sill: RMS Arm S/N 303

    The STS-96 stack, on mobile launcher 2, was rolled back out to pad 39B after hail damage to the external tank had been repaired. On the launch day, solid rocket booster separation was at 10:51 GMT, main engine cut-off of external tank ET-100 at 10:57 GMT. Discovery was in an initial 74 km x 320 km x 51.6 degree transfer orbit. After the OMS-2 burn at 11:32 GMT, the orbit was 324 km x 341 km x 51.6 degree. Discovery docked with the International Space Station's PMA-2 docking port at 04:24 GMT on May 29. ISS was in a 379 km x 385 km x 51.6 degree orbit. In its configuration at that time it consisted of the PMA-2 docking port, NASA's Unity node, the NASA-owned, Russian-built Zarya module, and the PMA-1 docking unit connecting Unity and Zarya.

    On May 30 at 02:56 GMT Tammy Jernigan and Dan Barry entered the payload bay of Discovery from the tunnel adapter hatch, and made a 7 hr 55 min space walk, transferring equipment to the exterior of the station.

    On May 31 at 01:15 GMT the hatch to Unity was opened and the crew began several days of cargo transfers to the station. Battery units and communications equipment were replaced and sound insulation was added to Zarya. Discovery undocked from ISS at 22:39 GMT on June 3 into a 385 x 399 km x 51.6 degree orbit, leaving the station without a crew aboard. On June 5 the Starshine satellite was ejected from the payload bay. The payload bay doors were closed at around 02:15 GMT on June 6 and the deorbit burn was at 04:54 GMT. Discovery landed on runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center at 06:02 GMT. References: 2, 7.

  • Starshine Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Starshine. Manufacturer: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 311 km (193 mi). Apogee: 324 km (201 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. COSPAR: 1999-030B. USAF Sat Cat: 25769. Decay Date: 2000-02-18. At 0:721 GMT on June 5 the Starshine satellite was ejected into a 379 x 396 km x 51.6 degree orbit from a canister at the rear of STS-96 Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay. The small Starshine satellite, built by NRL, was to be observed by students as part of an educational exercise. References: 2.
  • Spacehab-DM Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Payload: Spacehab-DM. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacehab. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1999-030x. References: 2.
1999 May 28 -
  • Cox Report Released Nation: China. US Congressional panel under Christopher Cox released a 700-page report claiming China had stolen American secrets in the fields of nuclear weapons, rocket and space technology, and supercomputers. China angrily denied the allegations. References: 424.
1999 May 30 - 02:56 GMT -
  • EVA STS-96-1 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: International Space Station. Crew: Jernigan, Barry. Flight: STS-96. EVA Duration: 0.33 days. On May 30 at 02:56 GMT Tammy Jernigan and Dan Barry entered the payload bay of space shuttle Discovery from the tunnel adapter hatch. During the space walk they transferred equipment to the exterior of the station.
1999 June 3 - 14:20 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol M. LV Configuration: Topol-M 7.
  • Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1999 June 6 -
  • Landing of STS-96 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Flight: STS-96. STS-96 landed at 06:02 GMT.
1999 June 9 - Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2F.
  • CZ-2F Photograph Appears on the Internet Nation: China. Spacecraft: Shenzhou. A photograph of the CZ-2F manned spacecraft launch vehicle and its vertical assembly building was posted anonymously on the Internet. It was said to have been taken in May 1998 at the Jiuquan launch site by a contruction contractor. Some believed the photograph to be a phony but events later proved it to be real and a deliberate leak. References: 424.
1999 June 10 - 11:07 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC94. Launch Pad: FIX. Launch Vehicle: Hera. LV Configuration: Hera 15.
  • BRV/THAAD Target 6 Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 314 km (195 mi). References: 2.
1999 June 10 - 11:14 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: THAAD. LV Configuration: THAAD FT-10.
  • ABM test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1999 June 10 - 13:48 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: SLC17B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7420-10C. LV Configuration: Delta 7420-10C D270.
  • Globalstar 52 Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1999-031A. USAF Sat Cat: 25770. References: 2.
  • Globalstar 49 Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-031B. USAF Sat Cat: 25771. References: 2.
  • Globalstar 25 Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1999-031C. USAF Sat Cat: 25772. References: 2.
  • Globalstar 47 Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-031D. USAF Sat Cat: 25773. References: 2.
1999 June 11 - 17:15 GMT - Launch Site: Taiyuan. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2C/SD. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD CZ2C-21 (57).
  • Iridium 14A Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 708 km (439 mi). Apogee: 711 km (441 mi). Inclination: 86.50 deg. Period: 99.00 min. COSPAR: 1999-032A. USAF Sat Cat: 25777. References: 2.
  • Iridium 21A Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 708 km (439 mi). Apogee: 711 km (441 mi). Inclination: 86.50 deg. Period: 99.00 min. COSPAR: 1999-032B. USAF Sat Cat: 25778. References: 2.
1999 June 12 - Launch Vehicle: Angara. Model: Angara 1.1.
  • Angara cold flow test article exhibited at the Paris Air Show Nation: Russia.
1999 June 14 - 07:40 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9CM1. LV Configuration: Black Brant 9CM1 NASA 36.136UG.
  • JHU FOT 14 Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1999 June 18 - 1999 June 18 - 01:49 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2M. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2M (DM3) 397-02.
  • Astra 1H Nation: Europe. Program: Astra. Payload: HS-601HP. 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: 1999-033A. USAF Sat Cat: 25785. Geosynchronous communications satellite. Stationed at 19 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 19 deg E in 1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 19.12 deg E drifting at 0.002 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 19.23E drifting at 0.019W degrees per day. References: 2.
1999 June 20 - 02:15 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2G. LV Configuration: Titan II SLV 23G-7 / M68B-75 / 63-7730.
  • QuikScat Nation: USA. Class: Earth. Type: Oceansat. Spacecraft: QuikScat. Manufacturer: Ball Aerospace, Boulder. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 804 km (499 mi). Apogee: 806 km (500 mi). Inclination: 98.60 deg. COSPAR: 1999-034A. USAF Sat Cat: 25789. NASA's QuikScat carried the SeaWinds scatterometer for remote sensing of ocean winds. The Titan 2’s second stage shut down at 02:20 GMT and then coasted to apogee still attached to the QuikScat. The Titan second stage vernier thrusters ignited at apogee to raise perigee, leaving QuikScat in a 280 km x 813 km x 98.7 degree parking orbit. The QuikScat's own hydrazine propulsion system then fired to raise the perigee over a period of weeks. References: 2.
1999 June 24 -
  • Cassini, second Venus Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Cassini.
1999 June 24 - 15:44 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: SLC17A. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7320-10. LV Configuration: Delta 7320-10 D271.
  • FUSE Nation: USA. Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: FUSE. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 753 km (467 mi). Apogee: 769 km (477 mi). Inclination: 25.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-035A. USAF Sat Cat: 25791. The Delta 3-m payload fairing was successfully jettisoned and the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer was placed in a 754 km x 769 km x 25.0 degree initial orbit. After separation the Delta second stage then a depletion burn and was left in a 182 x 915 km x 19.1 degree orbit from which it would quickly decay out of orbit. Checkout of FUSE in orbit was proceeding well as of July 1. References: 2.
1999 June 24 - 17:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.182GS.
  • SERTS-99 (09) Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1999 June 28 -
  • Hainan Commercial Space Port Proposed Nation: China. A Chinese company proposed a project to build a space port in Hainan. The $500 million project would include a launch complex, a tourist center and an industrial park. Hainan was already used as a sounding rocket launch site. It provided the most southern possible launch site on Chinese territory, which would maximise payload when launching geosynchronous satellites. References: 424.
1999 June 30 -
  • Galileo, Callisto 21 Encounter Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Galileo.

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