Chronology - Quarter 1 2004 home
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2004 January 2 -
  • Stardust, Comet Wild 2 Encounter, Successful Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Stardust.
2004 January 3 -
  • Spirit Rover Mars Landing Nation: USA. Spacecraft: MER.
2004 January 4 -
  • Mars Exploration Rover A (Spirit), Mars Landing, Succesful Nation: USA. Spacecraft: MER.
2004 January 9 - 18:40 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF21. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Orbus. LV Configuration: GBI BV-5.
  • GMDS BVT-5 'BV+' test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC?. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). Dummy EKV payload. Launch delayed from August, September, and December 18, 2003. Booster Verification Test -5 tested a three-stage booster configuration for use with the Missile Defense Agency's Ground-based Midcourse Defense System. Built by Lockheed Martin Corp., the booster was one of two slated for use with the GMD system. The system was designed to intercept and destroy long-range ballistic missiles. References: 2.
2004 January 11 - 04:13 GMT - Launch Site: Kiritimati. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 0.0 N x 154.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-3SL. LV Configuration: Zenit-3SL 12.
  • Estrela do Sul 1 (Skynet Brazil 1, Telstar 14) Nation: Brazil. Mass: 4,694 kg (10,348 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Agency: Loral Skynet do Brasil. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2004-001A. USAF Sat Cat: 28137. Initially planned for launch on Delta 4M+ (4,2). Launch delayed from January 10. Placed in geosynchronous orbit but reports indicated there were problems deploying one of the solar panels. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 63.07W drifting at 0.006W degrees per day. References: 2, 552, 554.
2004 January 15 -
  • Spirit Rover Drives Onto Martian Surface Nation: USA. Spacecraft: MER.
2004 January 16 - 12:29 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.210UL.
  • BDPR / VULCAM Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 263 km (163 mi). References: 2.
2004 January 17 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: L. Launch Pad: K. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310-33.
  • WAVE2004 Aeronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 141 km (87 mi). References: 2.
2004 January 22 - 08:57 GMT - Launch Site: SvalRak. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 10CM1. LV Configuration: Black Brant 10CM1 NASA 35.035UE.
  • SERSIO Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 790 km (490 mi). References: 2.
2004 January 23 - Launch Site: Balasore. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Prithvi.
  • Test mission Nation: India. Agency: IDRDL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
2004 January 25 -
  • Mars Exploration Rover B (Opportunity), Mars Landing, Successful Nation: USA. Spacecraft: MER.
2004 January 25 -
  • Opportunity Rover Mars Landing Nation: USA. Spacecraft: MER.
2004 January 27 - 02:23 GMT - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: Meck. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: OBV. Model: OBV. LV Configuration: OBV 3.
  • IFT-13B [EKV Mock-up] test Nation: USA. Agency: OSC. Apogee: 272 km (169 mi). Launch delayed from October 2003. This system-level test of the Orbital Sciences’ boost vehicle launched the rocket carrying a simulated EKV from Kwajalein Atoll against a simulated target coming from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. IFT-13B was not an intercept attempt. Included in this test was the latest version of the GMD program’s fire control software, which was being built by Northrop Grumman and which performed as expected in this test. References: 2.
2004 January 28 - 2004 January 29 - 11:58 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz-U. LV Configuration: Soyuz-U D15000-683.
  • Progress M1-11 Nation: Russia. Program: ISS. Payload: Progress M1 s/n 260. Mass: 7,250 kg (15,980 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M1. Manufacturer: Energia. Agency: Rosaviakosmos. Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Apogee: 263 km (163 mi). Inclination: 51.65 deg. Period: 88.73 min. COSPAR: 2004-002A. USAF Sat Cat: 28142. Duration: 116.00 days. Decay Date: 2004-06-03. Flight: ISS EO-8. ISS resupply, to dock at the Zvezda module of the station 13:15 GMT on 31 January. Launch delayed from November 20, 2003. Payload delivered amounted to 2345 kg and included a new flex hose for the Destiny module's leaky window, replacement parts for the Russian Elektron oxygen-generating unit, a spare Elektron, new Russian Solid Fuel Oxygen Generator candles, batteries for the Zarya and Zvezda modules, gas analyser equipment, updated fire suppression and detection equipment, a new Russian Orlan spacesuit, film, cameras, data cassettes and the Matreshka experiment package for installation on Zvezda's exterior during a spacewalk.

    A few days prior to its departure from the ISS, ground controllers fired the Progress M1-11's engines for 11 minutes, boosting the Station's altitude by 3.7 km and adjusting its inclination by one one-hundredth of a degree. Progress M1-11 undocked from the Station at 11:19 GMT on 24 May 2005, clearing the way for the arrival of Progress M-49. It was thereafter commanded to a destructive re-entry over the Pacific Ocean. References: 2, 552, 554.

2004 January 31 -
  • Opportunity Rover Drives Onto Martian Surface Nation: USA. Spacecraft: MER.
2004 February 4 -
  • Ulysses Closest Approach To Jupiter (0.8 AU) Nation: Germany. Spacecraft: Ulysses.
2004 February 5 - 23:46 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36A. Launch Pad: SLC36A. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas IIAS. LV Configuration: Atlas IIAS AC-165.
  • AMC-10 (GE-10) Nation: USA. Program: Americom. Mass: 2,340 kg (5,150 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 2100. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Commercial Space. Agency: SES Americom. Perigee: 361 km (224 mi). Apogee: 376 km (233 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.90 min. COSPAR: 2004-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 28154. Americom 10 (AMC-10) was a replacement satellite for Satcom C3. It was to be located at 135 deg W. The C-band satellite, to be accompanied by AMC-11 later in 2004, were designed to support SES Americom's cable network in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico. The satellite had a design life of 15 years and carried 24 x 36 MHz C-band transponders. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 134.97W drifting at 0.005E degrees per day. References: 2, 552, 554.
2004 February 14 - 18:50 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: SLC40. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 402B/IUS. LV Configuration: Titan 402B 4B-39 / IUS.
  • USA 176 Nation: USA. Payload: DSP-1 Block 18 F22. Mass: 2,380 kg (5,240 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: DSP. Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Space Technology. Agency: National Security Agency. Perigee: 35,852 km (22,277 mi). Apogee: 36,105 km (22,434 mi). Inclination: 0.68 deg. Period: 1,445.94 min. COSPAR: 2004-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 28158. DSP-1 Block 14 ballistic missile launch detection satellite. Last flight of the IUS upper stage. Launch delayed from November 4, 2003, and January 17, 2003. Planned IMEX piggyback payload cancelled. Still in service as of March 2007, expected to remain operational until 2017-2022. As of 2004 Feb 15 located at 96.66W drifting at 2.464W degrees per day. References: 2, 552, 554.
2004 February 18 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 44 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 1.7 Hours. White Knight Pilot: Melvill. White Knight Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice References: 392.
2004 February 18 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 45 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 1.6 Hours. White Knight Pilot: Siebold. White Knight Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice References: 392.
2004 February 18 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 46 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 0.7 Hours. White Knight Pilot: Binnie. White Knight Copilot: Melvill. Objectives: Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice References: 392.
2004 February 18 - 07:05 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML.
  • Molniya-1T Nation: Russia. Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Manufacturer: Lavochkin. Agency: VKS. Perigee: 650 km (400 mi). Apogee: 39,708 km (24,673 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 717.90 min. COSPAR: 2004-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 28163. Launched during a nationwide military exercise. Original name Cosmos 2405. References: 2, 552, 554.
2004 February 18 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: UR-100N. Model: UR-100NU.
  • Operational missile test Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Launched during a nationwide military exercise. References: 2.
2004 February 18 - 09:30 GMT - Launch Site: Barents Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 69.5 N x 34.2 E. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Sineva. LV Configuration: Sineva VMF RF. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Sineva operational test Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). Failure - destroyed 98 seconds after launch. Launched during a nationwide military exercise. References: 2.
2004 February 18 - 10:38 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol.
  • Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Launched during a nationwide military exercise. References: 2.
2004 February 27 - 21:17 GMT -
  • EVA ISS EO-8-1 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Crew: Foale, Kaleri. Flight: ISS EO-8. EVA Duration: 0.16 days. The astronauts retrieved and replaced and replaced science instruments on the ISS Pirs and Zvezda modules. These included sample materials that had been exposed to space for two years and a radiation phantom that measured doses a human would have received. The spacewalk, planned for 5 hours 45 minutes duration, was cut short when the cooling circuit in Kaleri's suit malfunctioned and he reported seeing drops of water on his helmet visor. This was the first time NASA had dared to send the entire crew of the station out on an EVA in the ISS program (though common Russian practice during their Mir project).
2004 March 2 - 07:17 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5. Model: Ariane 5G+. LV Configuration: Ariane 5G+ V158 (518).
  • Rosetta Nation: Europe. Mass: 3,065 kg (6,757 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Comet. Spacecraft: Rosetta. Manufacturer: Astrium. Agency: ESA. COSPAR: 2004-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 28169. Launch delayed from January 13, 2003, February 26 and 27, 2004. References: 2, 552, 554.
2004 March 4 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 47 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 1.3 Hours. White Knight Pilot: Binnie. White Knight Copilot: Bird. Objectives: SpaceShipOne flight 12G launch release rehearsal and avionics software evaluation References: 392.
2004 March 8 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 48 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 1.4 Hours. White Knight Pilot: Binnie. White Knight Copilot: Stinemetz. Objectives: SpaceShipOne flight 12G launch release rehearsal and avionics software evaluation References: 392.
2004 March 9 - Launch Site: Sonmiani. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shaheen. Model: Shaheen 2.
  • Shaheen 2 test Nation: Pakistan. Agency: Pakistan. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Some sources give missile as Shaheen 3. References: 2.
2004 March 11 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: RW12/30. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight/SpaceShipOne Flight 49L / 12G Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Crew: Siebold. Objectives: The twelfth flight of SpaceShipOne. Objectives included: pilot proficiency, reaction control system functionality check and stability and control and performance of the vehicle with the airframe thermal protection system installed. This was an unpowered glide test. Results: Launch conditions were 48,500 feet and 125 knots. All systems performed as expected and the vehicle landed successfully while demonstrating the maximum cross wind landing capability.

    Flight Time: 1.3 hours / 18 mins 30 secs White Knight Pilot: Binnie White Knight Copilot: Stinemetze White Knight Flt Engineer: SpaceShipOne Pilot: Siebold High Chase-Starship Pilot: Karkow Low Chase-Extra Pilot: Melvill / Coleman References: 2, 392.

2004 March 13 - 05:40 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36B. Launch Pad: SLC36B. Launch Vehicle: Atlas V. Model: Atlas IIIA. LV Configuration: Atlas 3A AC-202.
  • MBSAT Nation: Japan. Mass: 4,143 kg (9,133 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Manufacturer: Space Systems/Loral. Agency: Mobile Broadcasting Corp. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2004-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 28184. Mobile S-band digital broadcasting services for home and automobile users in Japan. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 144.03E drifting at 0.009W degrees per day. References: 2, 552, 554.
2004 March 15 - 23:06 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/24. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-M/Briz-M. LV Configuration: Proton-M/Briz-M 535-03.
  • W3A Nation: Europe. Program: Eutelsat. Payload: Eurostar 3000S. Mass: 4,250 kg (9,360 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. Manufacturer: EADS Astrium. Agency: Eutelsat. Perigee: 35,761 km (22,220 mi). Apogee: 35,811 km (22,251 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2004-008A. USAF Sat Cat: 28187. Moved from Ariane 5. The satellite was to provide a full range of telecommunications applications including digital DVB broadcasting, multimedia, broadband access and pay-per-use bandwidth for corporate networks over a large zone covering Europe and Africa, for a minimum of 12 years. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 6.95E drifting at 0.006W degrees per day. References: 2, 552, 554.
2004 March 17 - Launch Site: Barents Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 69.5 N x 34.2 E. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Sineva. LV Configuration: Sineva VMF RF.
  • Operational test Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
2004 March 17 - Launch Site: Barents Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 69.5 N x 34.2 E. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Sineva. LV Configuration: Sineva VMF RF.
  • Operational test Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
2004 March 20 - 17:53 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: SLC17B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7925-9.5. LV Configuration: Delta 7925-9.5 D303.
  • USA 177 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS 2R-11 / Navstar 54. Mass: 2,032 kg (4,479 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2R. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 20,100 km (12,400 mi). Apogee: 20,268 km (12,593 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg. Period: 718.00 min. COSPAR: 2004-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 28190. Launch delayed from December 19, 2003, March 8, 2004. References: 2, 552, 554.
2004 March 27 - 03:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 410-05.
  • Raduga-1 Nation: Russia. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Raduga-1. Perigee: 35,768 km (22,225 mi). Apogee: 35,806 km (22,248 mi). Inclination: 1.30 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2004-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 28194. Military communications satellite. Parked in geostationary orbit at 85.0 deg E, after being placed in unusual subsynchronous drift orbit. Original name Cosmos 2406. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 85.19E drifting at 0.029W degrees per day. References: 2, 552, 554.
2004 March 27 - 21:59 GMT - Launch Site: Point Arguello WADZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 36.0 N x 123.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Model: Hyper X. LV Configuration: Hyper X 2.
  • X-43A-2 (Hyper X) Nation: USA. Agency: OSC. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). The second X-43 launch incorporated modifications to the first flight vehicle, including an upgraded control system, redesigned autopilot, off-loaded rocket motor, and improved analytical models. The second flight was launched at 12,200 m instead of the 7600 m altitude of the failed first launch to reduce transonic aerodynamic loads and improve structural and control system margins. An offloaded Orion 50S solid rocket motor reduced maximum dynamic pressure during the flight. References: 2.
2004 March 30 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 50 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 2.0 Hours. White Knight Pilot: Melvill. White Knight Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Avionics software evaluation, launch release rehearsal and landing pattern practice. References: 392.
2004 March 31 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 51 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 2.0 Hours. White Knight Pilot: Binnie. White Knight Copilot: Melvill. Objectives: SpaceShipOne Flight 13P launch rehearsal, avionics checkout and landing practice References: 392.
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