American technology satellite. 6 launches, 1958.07.25 (Pilot 1) to 1958.08.28 (Pilot 6). Pilot launches were deep-black tests of the US Navy's 1950's reconnaissance satellite and ASAT designs.
First Launch: 1958.07.25.
Last Launch: 1958.08.28.
Number: 6 .
More... - Chronology...
Associated Countries
See also
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Project Pilot The US Navy's satellite launcher project competed with the Army's Jupiter-C, the Air Force Atlas, and the civilian Vanguard. Air-launched satellite launch vehicle, and anti-satellite versions, tested by the US Navy shortly after Sputnik. One may have achieved orbit. More...
Associated Launch Vehicles
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Project Pilot American air-launched orbital launch vehicle. The US Navy's satellite launcher project competed with the Army's Jupiter-C, the Air Force Atlas, and the civilian Vanguard. Air-launched satellite launch vehicle, and anti-satellite versions, tested by the US Navy shortly after Sputnik. One may have achieved orbit. More...
Bibliography
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Krebs, Gunter, Gunter's Space Page, University of Frankfurt, 1996. Web Address when accessed: here.
Associated Launch Sites
Pilot Chronology
1958 July 25 - .
Launch Site:
Santa Barbara Channel DZ.
Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W.
Launch Platform: F4D-1 747.
LV Family:
Project Pilot.
Launch Vehicle:
Project Pilot.
LV Configuration: Project Pilot 1.
FAILURE: Radio contact lost; possibly reached orbit..
Failed Stage: U.
- Pilot 1 - .
Payload: Diagnostic Payload 1. Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Pilot. Decay Date: 1958-07-25 . COSPAR: F580725A. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi).
1958 August 12 - .
Launch Site:
Santa Barbara Channel DZ.
Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W.
Launch Platform: F4D-1 747.
LV Family:
Project Pilot.
Launch Vehicle:
Project Pilot.
LV Configuration: Project Pilot 2.
FAILURE: Vehicle exploded at ignition..
Failed Stage: 1.
- Pilot 2 - .
Payload: Diagnostic Payload 2. Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Pilot. Decay Date: 1958-08-12 . COSPAR: F580812A. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi).
1958 August 22 - .
Launch Site:
Santa Barbara Channel DZ.
Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W.
Launch Platform: F4D-1 747.
LV Family:
Project Pilot.
Launch Vehicle:
Project Pilot.
LV Configuration: Project Pilot 3.
FAILURE: Radio contact lost; possibly reached orbit..
Failed Stage: U.
- Pilot 3 - .
Payload: Diagnostic Payload 3. Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Pilot. Decay Date: 1958-08-22 . COSPAR: F580822A. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).
1958 August 25 - .
Launch Site:
Santa Barbara Channel DZ.
Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W.
Launch Platform: F4D-1 747.
LV Family:
Project Pilot.
Launch Vehicle:
Project Pilot.
LV Configuration: Project Pilot 4.
FAILURE: Vehicle exploded after 0.75sec..
Failed Stage: 1.
- Pilot 4 - .
Payload: Radiation Payload 1. Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Pilot. Decay Date: 1958-08-25 . COSPAR: F580825A. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi).
1958 August 26 - .
Launch Site:
Santa Barbara Channel DZ.
Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W.
Launch Platform: F4D-1 747.
LV Family:
Project Pilot.
Launch Vehicle:
Project Pilot.
LV Configuration: Project Pilot 5.
FAILURE: Stage failed to ignite, vehicle fell into Pacific..
Failed Stage: 1.
- Pilot 5 - .
Payload: Radiation Payload 2. Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Pilot. Decay Date: 1958-08-26 . COSPAR: F580826A. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi).
1958 August 28 - .
Launch Site:
Santa Barbara Channel DZ.
Launch Pad: 34.2 N x 120.0 W.
Launch Platform: F4D-1 747.
LV Family:
Project Pilot.
Launch Vehicle:
Project Pilot.
LV Configuration: Project Pilot 6.
FAILURE: One first stage motor failed to ignite, causing structural failure..
Failed Stage: 1.
- Pilot 6 - .
Payload: Radiation Payload 3. Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Pilot. Decay Date: 1958-08-28 . COSPAR: F580828A. Apogee: 12 km (7 mi).
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