DARPA

Home - Search - Browse - Alphabetic Index: 0- 1- 2- 3- 4- 5- 6- 7- 8- 9
A- B- C- D- E- F- G- H- I- J- K- L- M- N- O- P- Q- R- S- T- U- V- W- X- Y- Z

DARPA

American agency overseeing development of rockets and spacecraft. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (formerly ARPA), USA.

AKA: ARPA;DoD.

Country: USA. Spacecraft: Explorer B, Explorer C, Score, KH-1, Transit, GLOMR, MACSAT, Microsat, HGV, MEMS, USA 185. Launch Vehicles: Copper Canyon, Timberwind, Timberwind Titan, Timberwind Centaur. Projects: Explorer, STS.

1958 July 26 - . 15:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC5. LV Family: Redstone. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter C.

Explorer 4 - . Payload: Explorer B. Mass: 8.00 kg (17.60 lb). Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Agency: DARPA. Program: Explorer. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Explorer. Spacecraft: Explorer B. Decay Date: 1959-10-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 9 . COSPAR: 1958-Epsilon-1. Apogee: 1,352 km (840 mi). Perigee: 257 km (159 mi). Inclination: 50.20 deg. Period: 100.90 min. Mapped project Argus radiation. .

1958 August 24 - . 06:17 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC5. LV Family: Redstone. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter C. FAILURE: First Stage collided with upper stages. Second Stage ignited in wrong direction.. Failed Stage: 2.

Explorer 5 - . Payload: Explorer C. Mass: 17 kg (37 lb). Nation: USA. Related Persons: von Braun. Agency: DARPA. Program: Explorer. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Explorer. Spacecraft: Explorer C. Decay Date: 1958-08-24 .

1958 December 18 - . 23:02 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC11. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas B.

Score - . Mass: 70 kg (154 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: Score. Decay Date: 1959-01-21 . USAF Sat Cat: 10 . COSPAR: 1958-Zeta-1. Apogee: 1,484 km (922 mi). Perigee: 185 km (114 mi). Inclination: 32.30 deg. Period: 101.50 min.
Signal Communication by Orbiting Relay Equipment; first commsat; transmitted taped messages for 13 days. Project Score, Atlas rocket placed in orbit carrying communications equipment which relayed President Eisenhower's Christmas message to the world from outer space. (AF Ballistic Missiles Program Status Report.)

1959 February 28 - . 21:49 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC1W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena A.

Discoverer 1 - . Payload: KH-1 prototype / Agena A 1022. Mass: 618 kg (1,362 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117. Spacecraft: KH-1. Decay Date: 1959-03-03 . USAF Sat Cat: 13 . COSPAR: 1959-Beta-1. Apogee: 968 km (601 mi). Perigee: 163 km (101 mi). Inclination: 89.70 deg. Period: 96.00 min.
In the first use of a Thor as a space booster, the world's first polar orbiting satellite, Discoverer I, was launched by a Thor/Agena (Thor 163) booster combination from Vandenberg AFB. The mission was also the first successful flight test of Lockheed's Agena A upper stage vehicle designed for orbiting U.S. satellite systems. First polar orbiting satellite; KH-1 prototype; did not carry camera or film capsule.

1959 April 13 - . 21:18 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC1W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena A.

Discoverer 2 - . Payload: KH-1 prototype / Agena A 1022. Mass: 743 kg (1,638 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117. Spacecraft: KH-1. Decay Date: 1959-04-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 14 . COSPAR: 1959-Gamma-1. Apogee: 346 km (214 mi). Perigee: 239 km (148 mi). Inclination: 89.90 deg. Period: 90.40 min.
An Air Force Thor/Agena A booster vehicle lifted Discoverer II into orbit from Vandenberg AFB. Discoverer II became the world's first satellite to be stabilized in orbit in all three axes, to be maneuvered on command from earth, to separate a reentry vehicle on command, and to send its reentry vehicle back to earth. The capsule ejector system malfunctioned, causing the capsule to impact near Spitsbergen on 14 April rather than near Hawaii as planned. KH-1 prototype; tested capsule recovery techniques; did not carry camera; capsule recovery failed. Because of a timing error, the US believed that the capsule landed somewhere on the island of Spitsbergen, north of Norway, instead of landing in the recovery zone near Hawaii. The capsule was never found; and CIA officials suspect it may have been snatched by the Soviets. The search for this capsule formed the basis of the book and film 'Ice Station Zebra'.
In the winter of 1960/1961, a US Discovery spy satellite capsule was found by loggers near Kalinin, 200 km north of Moscow. The loggers cracked it open with an axe. Sergei Khrushchev believed this to be the Discoverer 2 capsule. What was left was examined by Soviet engineers but didn't reveal much information - it was a polished aluminium sphere, 30 cm in diameter, gilded on the exterior. Some said it was found as early as the winter of 1959.

1959 June 3 - . 20:09 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC1W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena A. FAILURE: No telemetry after Agena ignition.. Failed Stage: U.

Discoverer 3 - . Payload: KH-1 prototype / Agena A 1018. Mass: 753 kg (1,660 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117. Spacecraft: KH-1. Decay Date: 1959-06-03 . KH-1 prototype; did not carry camera; film capsule recovery failed..

1959 June 25 - . 22:47 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC1E. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena A. FAILURE: Insufficient stage 2 velocity.. Failed Stage: U.

Discoverer 4 - . Payload: KH-1 9001. Mass: 743 kg (1,638 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117. Spacecraft: KH-1. Decay Date: 1959-06-25 . COSPAR: F590625A. KH-1; 1st generation low resolution photo surveillance. Failed to achieve orbit..

1959 August 13 - . 19:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC1W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena A.

Discoverer 5 - . Payload: KH-1 9002 / Agena A 1029. Mass: 781 kg (1,721 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117. Spacecraft: KH-1. Decay Date: 1959-09-28 . USAF Sat Cat: 18 . COSPAR: 1959-Epsilon-1. Apogee: 731 km (454 mi). Perigee: 214 km (132 mi). Inclination: 79.90 deg. Period: 94.10 min. KH-1; 1st generation low resolution photo surveillance; film capsule boosted into higher orbit, decayed 2/11/61. Mission failed. Power supply failure. No recovery..

1959 August 19 - . 19:24 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC1E. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena A.

Discoverer 6 - . Payload: KH-1 9003 / Agena A 1028. Mass: 783 kg (1,726 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117. Spacecraft: KH-1. Decay Date: 1959-10-20 . USAF Sat Cat: 19 . COSPAR: 1959-Zeta-1. Apogee: 846 km (525 mi). Perigee: 207 km (128 mi). Inclination: 83.90 deg. Period: 95.10 min. KH-1; 1st generation low resolution photo surveillance; film capsule recovery failed. Mission failed. Retro rockets malfunctioned negating recovery..

1959 September 17 - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC17A. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Able II. FAILURE: Third stage failed.. Failed Stage: 3.

Transit 1A - . Payload: Transit 1A. Mass: 119 kg (262 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Program: Transit. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Transit. Decay Date: 1959-09-17 . A Thor/Able II booster carrying the Navy's Transit IA navigation satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral. A third stage malfunction prevented the satellite from achieving orbit. First Transit test satellite; failed to reach orbit..

1959 November 7 - . 20:28 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC1W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena A.

Discoverer 7 - . Payload: KH-1 9004 / Agena A 1051. Mass: 794 kg (1,750 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117. Spacecraft: KH-1. Decay Date: 1959-11-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 24 . COSPAR: 1959-Kappa-1. Apogee: 820 km (500 mi). Perigee: 158 km (98 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 94.40 min. KH-1; 1st generation low resolution photo surveillance; satellite tumbled; film capsule not recovered. Mission failed. Failed to achieve orbit..

1960 April 13 - . 12:02 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC17B. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Ablestar.

Transit 1B - . Mass: 121 kg (266 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Program: Transit. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Transit. Duration: 89.00 days. Decay Date: 1967-10-05 . USAF Sat Cat: 31 . COSPAR: 1960-Gamma-2. Apogee: 644 km (400 mi). Perigee: 363 km (225 mi). Inclination: 51.20 deg. Period: 94.60 min.
The first Thor/Ablestar launched from Cape Canaveral placed the Navy's Transit IB navigation satellite into orbit. This was the first navigation satellite to be placed in orbit. The Ablestar upper stage demonstrated the first engine restart in space. The Able-Star second stage demonstrated the first engine restart in space and the feasibility of using satellites as navigational aids. The first experimental Transit satellite to achieve orbit operated for 89 days. It transmitted on two frequency pairs to test the technique for refraction correction and to determine if the transmitted frequencies should be close together or far apart. It also tested a magnetic torque device for spacecraft attitude control - the first satellite to do so.

1960 August 18 - . 19:58 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC17B. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Ablestar. FAILURE: Exploded 2.5 minutes after launch.. Failed Stage: U.

Courier 1A - . Mass: 225 kg (496 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: Courier. Decay Date: 1960-08-18 . Discoverer XIV was launched from Vandenberg AFB aboard a Thor/Agena A booster.' Experimental communications sattelite..

1962 December 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1963 January 7 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

HS201 - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1963 June 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1963 June 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1963 July 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1963 July 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1963 July 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1963 October 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1963 November 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1963 November 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1963 November 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1964 January 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1964 June 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1964 June 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1964 July 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1964 July 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1964 July 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1964 October 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1964 November 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1964 November 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1964 November 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1965 January 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1965 February 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: ARPAT.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1965 February 25 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: HIBEX.

Test mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1965 May 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: HIBEX.

Test mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1965 July 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: HIBEX.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1965 September 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: HIBEX.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1965 November 30 - . Launch Site: San Nicolas. Launch Vehicle: Redstone.

DAT-371 Target mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).
Redstone launched as ballistic missile target for a US Navy Terrier surface-to-air missile launched from Point Mugu, California. It was reported that there were two Redstone launches as part of Project Defender from November 30 to December 13, 1965, but details of the second launch are not known.

1965 December 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: HIBEX.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1965 December 1 - . 01:28 GMT - . Launch Site: San Nicolas. Launch Vehicle: Redstone.

DAT-371 Target - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Type: ABM Target. Apogee: 8.00 km (4.90 mi).

1966 January 13 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: HIBEX.

10 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1968 June 2 - . 09:15 GMT - . Launch Site: Arecibo. Launch Complex: Arecibo VB. LV Family: Deacon. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache.

APPLE Aeronomy / Fields mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 196 km (121 mi).

1968 June 12 - . 09:08 GMT - . Launch Site: Arecibo. Launch Complex: Arecibo VB. LV Family: Deacon. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache.

DOGWOOD Aeronomy / Fields mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 188 km (116 mi).

1969 March 4 - . 04:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: Poker Flat LC1. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: Nike Hydac.

JUNIPER Barium release Aeronomy mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, USAF. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

1969 March 5 - . 04:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: Poker Flat LC1. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: Nike Hydac.

ELM Barium release Aeronomy mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, USAF. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

1969 March 11 - . 14:08 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: Poker Flat LC1. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: Nike Hydac.

IRONWOOD Ba Aeronomy / Fields mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

1969 March 15 - . 05:06 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac.

Far infrared barium release Aeronomy mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 165 km (102 mi).

1969 March 18 - . 05:17 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac.

GUM Barium release Aeronomy mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 168 km (104 mi).

1969 March 20 - . 05:37 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. LV Family: Sandhawk. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Sandhawk.

HEMLOCK Ba Aeronomy / Fields mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 176 km (109 mi).

1969 September 5 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: Nike Javelin.

Pre-Secede 1 Aeronomy mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1969 September 6 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: Nike Javelin.

Pre-Secede 2 Aeronomy mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1969 September 13 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: Nike Javelin.

Pre-Secede 3 Aeronomy mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1970 May 26 - . 05:50 GMT - . Launch Site: Barking Sands. LV Family: Sandhawk. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Sandhawk.

SAPSUCKER Aeronomy / Fields mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 204 km (126 mi).

1970 June 6 - . 05:50 GMT - . Launch Site: Barking Sands. LV Family: Sandhawk. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Sandhawk.

TITMOUSE Aeronomy / Fields mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

1971 November 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: Upstage.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1972 March 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: Upstage.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1972 May 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: Upstage.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1972 August 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: Upstage.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1972 August 1 - . Launch Site: White Sands. LV Family: Sprint ABM. Launch Vehicle: Upstage.

Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, US Army. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1975 March 11 - . 06:33 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Javelin.

ICECAP Aurora mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, DNA. Apogee: 183 km (113 mi).

1976 April 1 - . 09:28 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: HJ Hydac.

Ballistics test - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1976 November 13 - . 10:31 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac.

WIDEBAND Ionosphere mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1976 November 26 - . 10:25 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac.

WIDEBAND Ionosphere mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1977 November 15 - . 10:33 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: HJ Hydac.

WIDEBAND Ionosphere mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

1978 March 1 - . 19:06 GMT - . Launch Site: Poker Flat. LV Family: Hydac. Launch Vehicle: HJ Hydac.

WIDEBAND Ionosphere mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

1989 August 8 - . 12:37 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39B. Launch Platform: MLP2. LV Family: Shuttle. Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle.

USA 41 - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Surveillance. Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: P 11. Spacecraft: SSF. Decay Date: 1989-12-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 20172 . COSPAR: 1989-061C. Apogee: 307 km (190 mi). Perigee: 296 km (183 mi). Inclination: 57.00 deg. Period: 90.50 min. Deployed from STS-28 8/8/89. Believed to be one-off ferret satellite under COBRA BRASS measurement and signature intelligence experiment..

1990 April 5 - . 19:10 GMT - . Launch Site: Point Arguello. Launch Complex: Point Arguello WADZ. Launch Pad: Aircraft from Edwards.. Launch Platform: NB-52 008. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus.

USA 55 - . Payload: GLOMR 2 / TERCEL / SECS. Mass: 25 kg (55 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: GLOMR. USAF Sat Cat: 20547 . COSPAR: 1990-028B. Apogee: 642 km (398 mi). Perigee: 477 km (296 mi). Inclination: 94.10 deg. Period: 95.90 min. Store and forward. Air dropped in Point Arguello WADZ..

1990 May 9 - . 17:50 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC5. LV Family: Scout. Launch Vehicle: Scout G-1.

Macsat 1; M-1 - . Payload: MacSat 1. Mass: 68 kg (149 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: MAESTRO. Spacecraft: Macsat. USAF Sat Cat: 20607 . COSPAR: 1990-043A. Apogee: 753 km (467 mi). Perigee: 602 km (374 mi). Inclination: 89.90 deg. Period: 98.30 min. Multiple Access Communications Satellite; global store and forward communications. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B)..

Macsat 2; M-2 - . Payload: MacSat 2. Mass: 68 kg (149 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft Bus: MAESTRO. Spacecraft: Macsat. USAF Sat Cat: 20608 . COSPAR: 1990-043B. Apogee: 749 km (465 mi). Perigee: 600 km (370 mi). Inclination: 89.90 deg. Period: 98.30 min. Multiple Access Communications Satellite; global store and forward communications. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B)..

1991 April 28 - . 11:33 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC39A. Launch Platform: MLP2. LV Family: Shuttle. Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle.

USA 70 - . Payload: MPEC. Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Program: STS. Class: Technology. Type: Military technology satellite. Spacecraft: MPEC. USAF Sat Cat: 21262 . COSPAR: 1991-031C. Classified subsatellite released from shuttle..

1991 July 17 - . 17:33 GMT - . Launch Site: Point Arguello. Launch Complex: Point Arguello WADZ. Launch Pad: Aircraft from Edwards.. Launch Platform: NB-52 008. LV Family: Pegasus. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus/HAPS. Failed Stage: G.

Microsat 1 - . Payload: Microsat 1 / ... / Microsat 7. Mass: 22 kg (48 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: Microsat. Decay Date: 1992-01-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 21580 . COSPAR: 1991-051A. Apogee: 454 km (282 mi). Perigee: 356 km (221 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 92.70 min. Test of LEO network for global communications. Air dropped in Point Arguello WADZ..

Microsat 2 - . Mass: 22 kg (48 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: Microsat. Decay Date: 1992-01-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 21581 . COSPAR: 1991-051B. Apogee: 454 km (282 mi). Perigee: 355 km (220 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 92.70 min. Test of LEO network for global communications. Air dropped in Point Arguello WADZ..

Microsat 3 - . Mass: 22 kg (48 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: Microsat. Decay Date: 1992-01-24 . USAF Sat Cat: 21582 . COSPAR: 1991-051C. Apogee: 454 km (282 mi). Perigee: 355 km (220 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 92.70 min. Test of LEO network for global communications. Air dropped in Point Arguello WADZ..

Microsat 4 - . Mass: 22 kg (48 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: Microsat. Decay Date: 1992-01-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 21583 . COSPAR: 1991-051D. Apogee: 454 km (282 mi). Perigee: 355 km (220 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 92.70 min. Test of LEO network for global communications. Air dropped in Point Arguello WADZ..

Microsat 5 - . Mass: 22 kg (48 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: Microsat. Decay Date: 1992-01-24 . USAF Sat Cat: 21584 . COSPAR: 1991-051E. Apogee: 455 km (282 mi). Perigee: 355 km (220 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 92.70 min. Test of LEO network for global communications. Air dropped in Point Arguello WADZ..

Microsat 6 - . Mass: 22 kg (48 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: Microsat. Decay Date: 1992-01-25 . USAF Sat Cat: 21585 . COSPAR: 1991-051F. Apogee: 454 km (282 mi). Perigee: 355 km (220 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 92.70 min. Test of LEO network for global communications. Air dropped in Point Arguello WADZ..

Microsat 7 - . Mass: 22 kg (48 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: Microsat. Decay Date: 1992-01-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 21586 . COSPAR: 1991-051G. Apogee: 452 km (280 mi). Perigee: 358 km (222 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 92.70 min. Test of LEO network for global communications. Air dropped in Point Arguello WADZ..

1994 March 13 - . 22:32 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg 576E. LV Family: Taurus. Launch Vehicle: ARPA Taurus.

USA 102 - . Payload: DarpaSat. Mass: 203 kg (447 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: DARPASAT. USAF Sat Cat: 23031 . COSPAR: 1994-017B. Apogee: 556 km (345 mi). Perigee: 532 km (330 mi). Inclination: 105.00 deg. Period: 95.50 min. GPS receiver and data processor technology tests. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B)..

2000 January 27 - . 03:03 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC8. LV Family: Minuteman. Launch Vehicle: Minotaur 1.

Picosat 1 - . Mass: 0 kg (0 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Aerospace. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: MEMS. USAF Sat Cat: 26080 . COSPAR: 2000-004H. Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Perigee: 733 km (455 mi). Inclination: 100.20 deg. Period: 100.00 min.
Deployed by the OPAL satellite on February 7 at 0334:16 GMT. Picosat 1 and 2 were each 0.25 kg DARPA/Aerospace Corp. MEMS (Micro Electro-mechanical Systems) picosatellites, each carrying intersatellite communications experiment and connected by a 30-m tether.

Picosat 2 - . Mass: 0 kg (0 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Aerospace. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: MEMS. USAF Sat Cat: 26080 . COSPAR: 2000-004H. Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Perigee: 733 km (455 mi). Inclination: 100.20 deg. Period: 100.00 min.
Deployed by the OPAL satellite on February 7 at 0334:16 GMT. Picosat 1 and 2 were each 0.25 kg DARPA/Aerospace Corp. MEMS (Micro Electro-mechanical Systems) picosatellites, each carrying intersatellite communications experiment and connected by a 30-m tether.

2003 October 18 - . 19:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Wallops Island. LV Family: Hawk. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Mk 70 Orion.

Dummy Scramjet test - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

2004 April 16 - . 16:56 GMT - . Launch Site: Wallops Island. LV Family: Hawk. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion.

Dummy Scramjet - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

2005 September 23 - . 02:24 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC8. LV Family: Minuteman. Launch Vehicle: Minotaur 1.

USA 185 - . Payload: Streak STP-R1. Mass: 417 kg (919 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: C4. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft Bus: SA-200. Spacecraft: Streak. Decay Date: 2006-06-28 . USAF Sat Cat: 28871 . COSPAR: 2005-037A. Apogee: 318 km (197 mi). Perigee: 295 km (183 mi). Inclination: 96.30 deg. Period: 90.70 min. Delayed from May, June, July, 2005. Classified research satellite, said to carry instruments to characterise the space environment in a sun-synchronous orbit..

2005 December 10 - . 11:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Wallops Island. LV Family: Hawk. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion.

FASTT Scramjet mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA, NASA. Apogee: 19 km (11 mi).

2006 June 21 - . 22:15 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC17A. Launch Pad: SLC17A. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7925-9.5.

USA 187 - . Payload: MiTEx-A. Mass: 225 kg (496 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: OSC. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft Bus: GEOStar-1. Spacecraft: Mitex. USAF Sat Cat: 29240 . COSPAR: 2006-024A. Apogee: 36,222 km (22,507 mi). Perigee: 184 km (114 mi). Inclination: 25.25 deg. Period: 639.26 min.
The Microsatellite Technology Experiment was a classified mission, believed to be a test of prototype inspect-and-disable satellites that would control the constellation of geostationary satellites on which the world depends for television reception and communications. Each microsatellite, one built by Orbital Sciences, and the other by Lockheed Martin, had a mass of about 250 kg. They were believed to be solar-powered and equipped with propulsion systems that would allow them to rendezvous with geosynchronous satellites. Once they had reached the satellite, they would presumably be capable of destroying, disabling, or jamming them. To deliver the two satellites to near-synchronous orbit, a Naval Research Laboratory liquid propellant bus equipped with a 400 N main engine and solar panels was used.

USA 188 - . Payload: MiTEx-B. Mass: 225 kg (496 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Lockheed. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft Bus: GEOStar-1. Spacecraft: Mitex. USAF Sat Cat: 29241 . COSPAR: 2006-024B.

2007 March 9 - . 03:10 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC41. Launch Pad: SLC41. LV Family: Atlas V. Launch Vehicle: Atlas V 401.

Astro - . Mass: 1,090 kg (2,400 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Boeing. Class: Technology. Type: Rendezvous technology satellite. Spacecraft: Orbital Express Astro. Decay Date: 2013-10-25 . USAF Sat Cat: 30772 . COSPAR: 2007-006A. Apogee: 498 km (309 mi). Perigee: 491 km (305 mi). Inclination: 46.00 deg. Period: 94.50 min.
The active satellite portion of DARPA's Orbital Express satellite servicing experiment. Following operational tests while still joined or grappled together, the first 10-m distance Nextsat free flight and redocking by Astro was conducted on 5 May. On the second free-flight test on 11 May a serious computer failure left the two spacecraft 6 km apart. The problem was solved, revised software was uploaded to Astro, and it redocked with Nextsat on 19 May.

NextSat - . Mass: 250 kg (550 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Ball. Class: Technology. Type: Rendezvous technology satellite. Spacecraft: RS-300. USAF Sat Cat: 30774 . COSPAR: 2007-006C. Apogee: 498 km (309 mi). Perigee: 491 km (305 mi). Inclination: 46.00 deg. Period: 94.50 min. The passive satellite portion of DARPA's Orbital Express satellite servicing experiment. NextSat carried hydrazine for fluid transfer experiments, but no propulsion system. Attitude was controlled by momentum wheels supplemented by magnetic torquer rods..

MEPSI Picosat - . Mass: 1.00 kg (2.20 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Aerospace. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Cubesat. COSPAR: 2007-006x. Apogee: 563 km (349 mi). Perigee: 558 km (346 mi). Inclination: 35.40 deg. Released from STPSat..

MEPSI Picosat - . Mass: 1.00 kg (2.20 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Aerospace. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Cubesat. COSPAR: 2007-006x. Apogee: 563 km (349 mi). Perigee: 558 km (346 mi). Inclination: 35.40 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Released from STPSat..

2007 March 21 - . 01:10 GMT - . Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: Kwajalein OM. LV Family: Falcon. Launch Vehicle: Falcon 1. FAILURE: Liquid oxygen slosh in the second stage created an oscillation, putting the stage in an uncontrollable roll, starving the engine from propellant.. Failed Stage: 2.

DemoFlight 2 - . Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite.
An oscillation appeared in the upper stage control system 90 seconds into the burn. This instability grew and after 30 seconds induced a roll torque that exceeded the control capability of the second stage roll control thrusters. The propellants were centrifuged away from the outlets, causing flame-out of the Kestrel engine. LOX slosh was believed to be the primary contributor to this instability. Second stage slosh baffles would be included in future boosters to prevent reoccurence of the problem.

Home - Search - Browse - Alphabetic Index: 0- 1- 2- 3- 4- 5- 6- 7- 8- 9
A- B- C- D- E- F- G- H- I- J- K- L- M- N- O- P- Q- R- S- T- U- V- W- X- Y- Z