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Class: Technology. Nation: USA.

Pilot launches were deep-black tests of the US Navy's 1950's reconnaissance satellite and ASAT designs.


Pilot Chronology
  • 1958 July 25 - Pilot 1 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. FAILURE: Radio contact lost; possibly reached orbit. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi).

  • 1958 August 22 - Pilot 3 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. FAILURE: Radio contact lost; possibly reached orbit. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

  • 1958 August 26 - Pilot 5 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. FAILURE: Stage failed to ignite, vehicle fell into Pacific. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi).

  • 1958 August 28 - Pilot 6 - Launch Site: Santa Barbara Channel DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Project Pilot. FAILURE: One first stage motor failed to ignite, causing structural failure. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi).


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© Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.