Kiruna
Kiruna
Credit - © Mark Wade
Type: Suborbital Launch Site. Operator: Europe. Country: Sweden. Latitude: 67°53'38" N. Longitude: 21°06'25" E.

The sounding rocket launch site at Kiruna was officially opened in September 1966 under the auspices of ESRO (European Space Research Organisation). When ESA was created in 1972 and replaced ESRO, Kiruna came under the management of the Swedish Space Corporation, a state-owned limited liability company under the Swedish Ministry of Industry. The 'Esrange' is located 45 km from the town of Kiruna and has seven permanent pads able to launch the largest sounding rockets, including the Black Brant 9, Skylark 12, and Castor 4B-boosted vehicles.

The geographical location of the site, close to the pole, means that satellites flying in polar orbits can be monitored and contacted more frequently than from more southerly locations. Over the years, equipment for satellite operations has been put in the area: first for remote sensing satellites, then for scientific satellites and finally for telecommunication satellites. The addition of these facilities has made the Kiruna area into a major space centre in Europe.

The Esrange facility includes a complete satellite station for TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking and Command) and reception of data from various satellites, a control station for telecommunications satellites, and facilities for launching sounding rockets and stratospheric balloons.

Launching of rockets and balloons is carried out under the EASP agreement, which is a special project within the European Space Agency (ESA). Esrange's well-equipped launching facility is able to deal with most types of rockets, including large rockets such as Skylark 12, Terrier Black Brant and Castor 4B. More than 450 rockets have been launched from Esrange since its inauguration in 1966. As the impact area of 120x75 km is on land, payloads are speedily recovered by helicopter and it is extremely uncommon that a payload is lost. Most experiments carried are in the fields of microgravity, upper atmosphere chemistry and space physics.

Esrange is also used to launch stratospheric balloons. Balloons with a volume of up to 2 million m3 can be handled, allowing a payload of 2 metric tonnes to be carried to an altitude of 45 km. A vast area, comprising the whole of northern Scandinavia and European Russia, is available for impact. Payload recovery is a standard procedure carried out by helicopter. Balloons at Esrange are mainly used for upper atmospheric research, such as studies of the depletion of the ozone layer. Balloons are also used for validation of satellite payloads, astronomical experiments and testing of technical systems to be carried on board space probes for planetary missions.

Esrange offers services and ground systems to scientists, space organisations and the space industry to support scientific satellite operations. Radio communication can be established at almost every pass for satellites in polar circular orbits and for extended periods of time for satellites in elliptical orbits. This communication includes data reception and also telecommand transmission by means of flexible, high performance ground systems that can easily be adapted for special requirements. At Telecom Esrange there is a fully equipped Satellite Control Station from which the SIRIUS telecommunication satellite system is controlled.

Launch Pads
  • Name: Aries launcher. Latitude: 67.8934 N. Longitude: 21.1045 E. Launch Pads: 1. Aries.
  • Name: Centaure launcher. Latitude: 67.8933 N. Longitude: 21.1050 E. Launch Pads: 1. Centaure.
  • Name: MRL Launcher. Latitude: 67.8934 N. Longitude: 21.1053 E. Launch Pads: 1. Black Brant.
  • Name: Skylark Tower. Latitude: 67.8933 N. Longitude: 21.1070 E. Launch Pads: 1. Maxus, Skylark.
Kiruna Chronology and Launch Log
  • 1965 February 1 - Auroral mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Failure.

  • 1965 February 15 - Auroral mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Failure.

  • 1966 November 20 - ESRO C21/1 Auroral/Chemical release mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. LC: C. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1966 November 29 01:06 - ESRO C9/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-8 LC: C. Apogee: 147 km (91 mi).

  • 1966 November 30 22:04 - ESRO C9/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-7 LC: C. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi).

  • 1967 February 4 23:54 - ESRO C21/2 Auroral/Chemical release mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-22 LC: C. Apogee: 128 km (79 mi).

  • 1967 February 16 07:37 - ESRO C10/1 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-9 LC: C. Apogee: 148 km (91 mi).

  • 1967 February 22 07:12 - ESRO C10/2 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-10 LC: C. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi).

  • 1967 April 7 19:57 - DLR K-NA-1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.328IE Apogee: 231 km (143 mi).

  • 1967 April 8 20:03 - DLR K-NA-2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.329IE Apogee: 237 km (147 mi).

  • 1967 April 9 01:00 - DLR K-NA-3 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.330IE Apogee: 242 km (150 mi).

  • 1967 April 10 20:14 - DLR K-NA-4 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.331IE Apogee: 230 km (140 mi).

  • 1967 April 11 20:21 - DLR K-NA-5 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.332IE Apogee: 236 km (146 mi).

  • 1967 April 19 - ESRO C24/1 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure 2B CE-24/1 LC: C. Apogee: 128 km (79 mi).

  • 1967 July 31 00:58 - ESRO C32/1 Meteorite mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-31 LC: C. Apogee: 128 km (79 mi).

  • 1967 July 31 00:31 - ESRO C20/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-30 LC: C. Apogee: 127 km (78 mi).

  • 1967 August 5 21:04 - EXP-32 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Apogee: 258 km (160 mi).

  • 1967 October 23 16:04 - DLR K-NA-7 Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Fields mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache K-NA-7 Apogee: 235 km (146 mi).

  • 1967 November 24 10:37 - ESRO C13/P Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Failure. Centaure CE-36 LC: C. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi).

  • 1967 November 26 19:44 - ESRO C31/2 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-17 LC: C. Apogee: 125 km (77 mi).

  • 1967 December 5 20:34 - DLR K-NA-6 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache K-NA-6 Apogee: 206 km (128 mi).

  • 1967 December 6 21:21 - ESRO C31/1 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-2 LC: C. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi).

  • 1968 February 1 05:42 - ESRO C36/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-34 LC: C. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1968 February 4 05:33 - ESRO C36/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-35 LC: C. Apogee: 146 km (90 mi).

  • 1968 March 6 21:35 - ESRO C14/P Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-37 LC: C. Apogee: 155 km (96 mi).

  • 1968 March 20 18:33 - DLR K-NA-8 (EXP-34) Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache K-NA-8 Apogee: 207 km (128 mi).

  • 1968 March 23 18:35 - DLR K-NA-9 Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Fields mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache K-NA-9 Apogee: 211 km (131 mi).

  • 1968 March 26 23:41 - ESRO S16/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 1 S16/1 LC: S. Apogee: 171 km (106 mi).

  • 1968 April 6 01:15 - DLR K-NA-10 Auroral mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache K-NA-10 Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1968 May 20 16:20 - ESRO C42/1 Meteorites mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-38 LC: C. Apogee: 135 km (83 mi).

  • 1968 June 7 15:26 - ESRO C42/2 Meteorites mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-44 LC: C. Apogee: 131 km (81 mi).

  • 1968 June 8 21:01 - ESRO C32/2 Meteorites mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-32 LC: C. Apogee: 135 km (83 mi).

  • 1968 June 11 17:21 - DLR K-NA-13 Meteorites mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.355IA Apogee: 183 km (113 mi).

  • 1968 June 12 22:59 - DLR K-NA-12 Meteorites mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.354IA Apogee: 183 km (113 mi).

  • 1968 July 30 22:53 - ESRO C20/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-31 LC: C. Apogee: 135 km (83 mi).

  • 1968 August 12 12:04 - ESRO A50/1 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Boosted Arcas. Boosted Arcas AE007 Apogee: 96 km (59 mi).

  • 1968 August 25 16:41 - ESRO A50/2 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Boosted Arcas. Boosted Arcas AE008 Apogee: 109 km (67 mi).

  • 1968 October 8 11:43 - ESRO C35/1 X-ray Astronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C35 LC: C. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1968 October 15 16:32 - ESRO C45/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-39 LC: C. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi).

  • 1968 October 24 20:50 - Ionosphere/Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Boosted Arcas. Boosted Arcas 2 NASA 15.43II Apogee: 104 km (64 mi).

  • 1968 November 1 04:40 - ESRO C45/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure CE-50 LC: C. Apogee: 167 km (103 mi).

  • 1968 November 19 01:38 - DLR K-BB3-14 Ionosphere/Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant III K-BB/III-14 Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1968 November 19 01:39 - Ionosphere/Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant II BB-2 Apogee: 167 km (103 mi).

  • 1968 November 25 00:42 - ESRO S43/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S43/1 LC: S. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

  • 1968 December 3 21:59 - DLR K-BB3-16 Ionosphere/Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant III K-BB/III-16 Apogee: 166 km (103 mi).

  • 1968 December 4 22:26 - DLR K-BB3-15 Ionosphere/Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant III K-BB/III-15 Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

  • 1969 January 17 18:34 - SNC 2A/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun NASA 10.313IM Apogee: 117 km (72 mi).

  • 1969 January 19 19:05 - SNC 2B/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun NASA 10.314IM Apogee: 75 km (46 mi).

  • 1969 January 23 23:00 - SNC 2A/3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun NASA 10.315IM Apogee: 116 km (72 mi).

  • 1969 January 25 21:00 - SNC 2A/4 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun NASA 10.316IM Apogee: 118 km (73 mi).

  • 1969 February 3 21:05 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P24K Apogee: 157 km (97 mi).

  • 1969 February 11 21:10 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P23K Apogee: 157 km (97 mi).

  • 1969 February 14 22:15 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P27K Apogee: 149 km (92 mi).

  • 1969 February 15 21:20 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P28K Apogee: 153 km (95 mi).

  • 1969 March 15 20:54 - ESRO S43/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S43/2 LC: S. Apogee: 211 km (131 mi).

  • 1969 March 15 22:31 - ESRO C52/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C52/1 LC: C. Apogee: 136 km (84 mi).

  • 1969 March 15 17:55 - DLR K-NA-11 Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Fields mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache K-NA-11 Apogee: 226 km (140 mi).

  • 1969 March 16 18:05 - DLR K-NA-17 Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache K-NA-17 Apogee: 233 km (144 mi).

  • 1969 March 17 00:04 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P29K Apogee: 151 km (93 mi).

  • 1969 March 17 18:23 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P25K Apogee: 148 km (91 mi).

  • 1969 March 17 18:10 - DLR K-NA-18 Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Fields mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache K-NA-18 Apogee: 231 km (143 mi).

  • 1969 March 18 18:16 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P11K Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

  • 1969 March 29 20:00 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P26K Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1969 April 14 18:15 - ESRO C39/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Failure. Centaure C39/1 LC: C. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi).

  • 1969 April 15 11:03 - ESRO C39/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C39/2 LC: C. Apogee: 134 km (83 mi).

  • 1969 June 5 19:28 - ESRO C35/2 X-ray Astronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C35/2 LC: C. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 1969 August 11 01:30 - ESRO C51/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C51/1 LC: C. Apogee: 112 km (69 mi).

  • 1969 August 14 02:01 - ESRO C58/1 Meteorites mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C58/1 LC: C. Apogee: 112 km (69 mi).

  • 1969 October 5 22:28 - ESRO S29/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S29/1 LC: S. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi).

  • 1969 October 10 20:01 - ESRO C52/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C52/2 LC: C. Apogee: 135 km (83 mi).

  • 1969 October 17 22:27 - ESRO S29/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S29/2 LC: S. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi).

  • 1969 November 10 21:00 - ESRO S46/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S46/1 LC: S. Apogee: 214 km (132 mi).

  • 1969 November 27 05:29 - ESRO C62/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C62/1 LC: C. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi).

  • 1969 November 27 06:31 - ESRO C62/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C62/2 LC: C. Apogee: 164 km (101 mi).

  • 1970 January 5 14:23 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 01 Apogee: 77 km (47 mi).

  • 1970 January 7 14:25 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 02 Apogee: 75 km (46 mi).

  • 1970 January 9 14:43 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 03 Apogee: 74 km (45 mi).

  • 1970 January 12 14:39 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 04 Apogee: 68 km (42 mi).

  • 1970 January 14 04:05 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 05 Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1970 January 17 14:46 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 06 Apogee: 72 km (44 mi).

  • 1970 January 19 15:01 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 07 Apogee: 70 km (43 mi).

  • 1970 January 21 15:00 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 08 Apogee: 71 km (44 mi).

  • 1970 January 23 15:06 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 09 Apogee: 71 km (44 mi).

  • 1970 January 26 15:18 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 10 Apogee: 73 km (45 mi).

  • 1970 January 28 15:18 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 11 Apogee: 75 km (46 mi).

  • 1970 January 30 15:27 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua UCL 12 Apogee: 78 km (48 mi).

  • 1970 February 4 05:26 - ESRO C57/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C57/1 LC: C. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1970 February 14 16:16 - ESRO S66/2 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S66/2 LC: S. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

  • 1970 February 23 16:50 - ESRO C37/1 Ionosphere Barium release mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C37/1 LC: C. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

  • 1970 February 24 19:10 - ESRO S70/1 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S70/1 LC: S. Apogee: 186 km (115 mi).

  • 1970 February 25 16:33 - ESRO S61/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S61/1 LC: S. Apogee: 220 km (130 mi).

  • 1970 February 26 04:47 - ESRO S61/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S61/2 LC: S. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi).

  • 1970 March 19 05:18 - Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua 2 K 70/05? Apogee: 105 km (65 mi).

  • 1970 March 19 04:29 - Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua 2 K 70/04? Apogee: 105 km (65 mi).

  • 1970 March 19 02:30 - Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua 2 K 70/01 Apogee: 108 km (67 mi).

  • 1970 March 19 03:23 - Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua 2 K 70/02 Apogee: 108 km (67 mi).

  • 1970 March 19 03:56 - Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua 2 K 70/03? Apogee: 101 km (62 mi).

  • 1970 April 2 01:46 - ESRO S66/1 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S66/1 LC: S. Apogee: 198 km (123 mi).

  • 1970 April 3 01:22 - ESRO C57/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C57/2 LC: C. Apogee: 173 km (107 mi).

  • 1970 April 4 19:12 - ESRO S28/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S28/1 LC: S. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi).

  • 1970 June 7 07:26 - ESRO C48/1 Solar Ultraviolet mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C48/1 LC: C. Apogee: 162 km (100 mi).

  • 1970 August 8 00:48 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.455UA Apogee: 132 km (82 mi).

  • 1970 August 8 01:32 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.462DA Apogee: 95 km (59 mi).

  • 1970 August 8 00:12 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.454UA Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1970 August 8 02:54 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.463DA Apogee: 137 km (85 mi).

  • 1970 August 9 23:40 - ESRO C58/2 Ionosphere/Meteorites mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C58/2 LC: C. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi).

  • 1970 August 10 00:50 - ESRO C51/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C51/2 LC: C. Apogee: 154 km (95 mi).

  • 1970 August 19 11:03 - ESRO C48/2 Solar Ultraviolet mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C48/2 LC: C. Apogee: 163 km (101 mi).

  • 1970 October 27 20:34 - ESRO S67/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S67/1 LC: S. Apogee: 229 km (142 mi).

  • 1970 October 29 21:39 - ESRO S67/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S67/2 LC: S. Apogee: 234 km (145 mi).

  • 1971 January 8 15:02 - ESRO Sk83/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/1 Apogee: 67 km (41 mi).

  • 1971 January 15 15:25 - ESRO Sk83/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/2 Apogee: 69 km (42 mi).

  • 1971 January 17 16:00 - ESRO Sk83/3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/3 Apogee: 35 km (21 mi).

  • 1971 January 17 14:48 - ESRO C37/2 Ionosphere Barium release mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C37/2 LC: C. Apogee: 215 km (133 mi).

  • 1971 January 19 15:20 - ESRO Sk83/4 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/4 Apogee: 71 km (44 mi).

  • 1971 January 21 15:07 - ESRO Sk83/5 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/5 Apogee: 69 km (42 mi).

  • 1971 January 23 15:53 - ESRO Sk83/6 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/6 Apogee: 67 km (41 mi).

  • 1971 January 25 15:10 - ESRO Sk83/7 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/7 Apogee: 68 km (42 mi).

  • 1971 January 25 12:38 - ESRO C60/1 Chemical release/particles mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C60/1 LC: C. Apogee: 175 km (108 mi).

  • 1971 January 26 10:50 - ESRO C60/2 Chemical release/particles mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C60/2 LC: C. Apogee: 167 km (103 mi).

  • 1971 January 26 13:22 - ESRO P40/1 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P40/1 Apogee: 145 km (90 mi).

  • 1971 January 27 23:02 - ESRO C78/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C78/1 LC: C. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1971 January 27 15:25 - ESRO Sk83/8 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/8 Apogee: 47 km (29 mi).

  • 1971 January 28 18:33 - ESRO S46/2 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S46/2 LC: S. Apogee: 218 km (135 mi).

  • 1971 January 29 17:21 - ESRO Sk83/9 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/9 Apogee: 71 km (44 mi).

  • 1971 January 31 16:45 - ESRO Sk83/10 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/10 Apogee: 70 km (43 mi).

  • 1971 February 3 18:12 - ESRO Sk83/11 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/11 Apogee: 68 km (42 mi).

  • 1971 February 8 20:48 - ESRO Sk83/12 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/12 Apogee: 48 km (29 mi).

  • 1971 February 9 18:00 - ESRO Sk83/13 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/13 Apogee: 67 km (41 mi).

  • 1971 February 11 17:50 - ESRO Sk83/14 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/14 Apogee: 65 km (40 mi).

  • 1971 February 12 17:30 - ESRO Sk83/15 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua Sk83/15 Apogee: 67 km (41 mi).

  • 1971 March 12 23:30 - Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P69K Apogee: 153 km (95 mi).

  • 1971 March 12 21:14 - ESRO S16/2 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S16/2 LC: S. Apogee: 143 km (88 mi).

  • 1971 March 15 17:55 - ESRO S87/1 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S87/1 LC: S. Apogee: 188 km (116 mi).

  • 1971 March 24 18:32 - ESRO S87/2 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S87/2 LC: S. Apogee: 190 km (110 mi).

  • 1971 April 5 23:53 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P68K Apogee: 134 km (83 mi).

  • 1971 April 14 22:27 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P61K Apogee: 154 km (95 mi).

  • 1971 April 15 00:30 - Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P66K Apogee: 131 km (81 mi).

  • 1971 April 16 05:25 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P62K Apogee: 138 km (85 mi).

  • 1971 April 21 18:59 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P64K Apogee: 143 km (88 mi).

  • 1971 April 21 21:42 - Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P67K Apogee: 128 km (79 mi).

  • 1971 April 21 23:30 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P63K Apogee: 165 km (102 mi).

  • 1971 April 24 23:35 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P54K Apogee: 162 km (100 mi).

  • 1971 May 1 23:36 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P65K Apogee: 146 km (90 mi).

  • 1971 July 31 23:34 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.469UA Apogee: 106 km (65 mi).

  • 1971 July 31 00:45 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.468UA Apogee: 114 km (70 mi).

  • 1971 July 31 00:21 - ESRO C59/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C59/1 LC: C. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1971 August 1 00:29 - ESRO C59/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C59/2 LC: C. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1971 November 22 21:08 - ESRO C78/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure 2A CE-67 LC: C. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1971 November 25 17:13 - ESRO S70/2 Ionosphere/VLF Radio mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S70/2 LC: S. Apogee: 190 km (110 mi).

  • 1971 December 3 22:42 - Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P92K Apogee: 60 km (37 mi).

  • 1972 January 21 19:02 - ESRO C76/1 Particles/Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C76/1 LC: C. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1972 January 22 00:58 - ESRO C76/2 Particles/Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure C76/2 LC: C. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1972 February 7 23:33 - SSC S7 SNT 7/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.131IA Apogee: 180 km (110 mi).

  • 1972 March 2 22:27 - ESRO S77/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 4 S77/1 LC: S. Apogee: 237 km (147 mi).

  • 1972 September 24 21:50 - ESRO S77/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 4 S77/2 LC: S. Apogee: 227 km (141 mi).

  • 1972 October 8 16:10 - SSC NNA 3 Meteorites mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.499UA Apogee: 109 km (67 mi).

  • 1972 October 9 15:30 - SSC NNA 4 Meteorites mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.501UA Apogee: 109 km (67 mi).

  • 1972 October 12 15:33 - SSC NNA 5 Meteorites mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.502UA Apogee: 109 km (67 mi).

  • 1972 October 13 00:26 - ESRO S105 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 S105 LC: S. Apogee: 207 km (128 mi).

  • 1973 February 9 00:54 - SSC S7 SNT 7/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.132IA Apogee: 182 km (113 mi).

  • 1973 August 1 22:18 - SSC NNA 6 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.515UA Apogee: 109 km (67 mi).

  • 1973 August 1 22:49 - SSC NNA 7 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.516UA Apogee: 111 km (68 mi).

  • 1973 August 2 05:36 - SSC NNC 10 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun NASA 10.414GM Apogee: 88 km (54 mi).

  • 1973 August 4 08:10 - UK/SSC ER1 Earth imaging mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Failure. Skylark 4 AC ER1 LC: S. Apogee: 240 km (140 mi).

  • 1973 August 5 23:43 - SSC NNA 8 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.507GI Apogee: 134 km (83 mi).

  • 1973 August 6 00:08 - SSC NNA 9 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache NASA 14.517UA Apogee: 103 km (64 mi).

  • 1974 February 20 19:07 - SSC S10/1 (Substorm) Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.133IE Apogee: 235 km (146 mi).

  • 1974 February 20 18:22 - SSC C111/2 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure 2A (ESRO) C111/2 LC: C. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi).

  • 1974 February 20 17:01 - SSC C111/1 Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure 2A (ESRO) C111/1 LC: C. Apogee: 155 km (96 mi).

  • 1974 February 20 18:07 - SSC S10/2 (Substorm) Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.134IE Apogee: 235 km (146 mi).

  • 1974 August 18 08:59 - Ferdinand 36 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 106 km (65 mi).

  • 1975 March 5 16:36 - SSC S16/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache SSC S16/2 Apogee: 102 km (63 mi).

  • 1975 March 7 00:22 - SSC S13 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Centaure 2C SSC S13 LC: C. Apogee: 109 km (67 mi).

  • 1975 March 13 17:02 - SSC S16/1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache SSC S16/1 Apogee: 106 km (65 mi).

  • 1975 November 21 16:37 - SSC Range test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache SSC S01 Apogee: 131 km (81 mi).

  • 1976 January 22 18:58 - SSC S17/1 M/Dtr Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. Nike Tomahawk S17-1 Apogee: 208 km (129 mi).

  • 1976 January 27 17:30 - DLR K-GR-73 Technology mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Failure. Skylark 4 AC Heatpipe I LC: S. Apogee: 2.00 km (1.20 mi).

  • 1976 February 21 19:42 - SSC S18/1 D-Layer Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache S18-1 Apogee: 105 km (65 mi).

  • 1976 March 2 23:49 - SSC S21/1 Trigger Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache S21-1 Apogee: 160 km (90 mi).

  • 1976 March 6 21:00 - SSC S17/2 M/Dtr Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. Nike Tomahawk S17-2 Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

  • 1976 March 30 20:27 - DLR K-AR-75 Porc. F1 Magnetospheric mission Launch Vehicle: Aries. Failure. Aries NASA 24.01IE LC: A. Apogee: 360 km (220 mi).

  • 1977 January 15 00:50 - SSC S18/1 D Layer Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache SSC S18-1 Apogee: 104 km (64 mi).

  • 1977 February 8 17:58 - SSC S22 Auroral Arc Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 3 S22 LC: S. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi).

  • 1977 February 11 20:49 - SSC S21/3 TRIGGER Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.213IE Apogee: 220 km (130 mi).

  • 1977 February 11 - SSC AR-1 TRIGGER Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Super Arcas NASA 15.154UE Apogee: 90 km (55 mi).

  • 1977 February 15 18:48 - SSC S21/2 Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache SSC S21/2 Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

  • 1977 February 15 - SSC AR-2 TRIGGER Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Super Arcas NASA 15.155UE Apogee: 90 km (55 mi).

  • 1977 March 14 17:38 - DLR K-NA-83 Auroral mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. Nike Apache DFVLR Firefly Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1977 March 20 19:22 - DLR K-AR-82 Porc. F2 Magnetospheric mission Launch Vehicle: Aries. Aries NASA 24.02IE LC: A. Apogee: 460 km (280 mi).

  • 1977 October 21 08:49 - S19 Guidance test mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant 8C SSC S19-B Apogee: 374 km (232 mi).

  • 1977 December 13 08:46 - TEXUS 1 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-90 LC: S. Apogee: 265 km (164 mi).

  • 1978 April 13 19:22 - SSC S27 TWILIGHT Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion NASA 31.06UE Apogee: 153 km (95 mi).

  • 1978 July 30 23:33 - SSC S26A Noctilucent Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 1 SSC S26A LC: S. Apogee: 86 km (53 mi).

  • 1978 July 30 - SSC S32 NLC-OBS Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1978 July 30 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P205K Apogee: 149 km (92 mi).

  • 1978 August 13 00:58 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P206K Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1978 August 13 23:38 - SSC S26B Ion Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 1 SSC S26B LC: S. Apogee: 72 km (44 mi).

  • 1978 September 13 19:36 - K-OR-91 Range Test mission Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-91 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1978 November 16 07:49 - TEXUS 2 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-94 LC: S. Apogee: 265 km (164 mi).

  • 1979 January 25 21:07 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel 2 P216K Apogee: 179 km (111 mi).

  • 1979 January 27 21:52 - Substorm-GEOS Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VC SSC S23-L2 Apogee: 266 km (165 mi).

  • 1979 January 27 17:12 - Substorm-GEOS Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VC SSC S23-L1 Apogee: 267 km (165 mi).

  • 1979 January 27 21:01 - Substorm-GEOS Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant 8C S23-H Apogee: 414 km (257 mi).

  • 1979 January 27 20:04 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel 2 P215K Apogee: 180 km (110 mi).

  • 1979 March 19 22:57 - DLR K-AR-92 Porc. F3 Magnetospheric mission Launch Vehicle: Aries. Aries NASA 24.05IE LC: A. Apogee: 460 km (280 mi).

  • 1979 March 31 22:29 - DLR K-AR-93 Porc. F4 Magnetospheric mission Launch Vehicle: Aries. Aries NASA 24.06IE LC: A. Apogee: 452 km (280 mi).

  • 1979 August 14 - SSC test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1979 August 21 - SSC S27/2 Twilight B Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion NASA 31.16UE Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1979 September 24 20:20 - SSC S29 Barium-GEOS Auroral/release mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant 8C NASA 27.39UE Apogee: 397 km (246 mi).

  • 1980 April 28 07:10 - TEXUS 3A Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-100 LC: S. Apogee: 253 km (157 mi).

  • 1980 July 26 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel 2 P223K Apogee: 168 km (104 mi).

  • 1980 November 11 - EBC-C Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel 2 P221K Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

  • 1980 November 11 00:27 - Energiebilanz Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO-105 Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1980 November 15 - EBC? Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P220K Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1980 November 16 03:49 - EBC-B E11a Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Taurus Orion. Taurus Orion NASA 33.10UE Apogee: 180 km (110 mi).

  • 1980 November 16 03:13 - ENERGY EB1 EBC-B E2 Ionosphere/Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-104 LC: S. Apogee: 231 km (143 mi).

  • 1980 November 16 04:15 - EBC-B E11b Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Taurus Orion. Taurus Orion NASA 33.11UE Apogee: 181 km (112 mi).

  • 1980 November 16 04:47 - S10.12-1? EBC-B E6a Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO-106 Apogee: 165 km (102 mi).

  • 1980 November 30 23:44 - EBC-A2 E11a Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Taurus Orion. Taurus Orion NASA 33.09UE Apogee: 171 km (106 mi).

  • 1980 November 30 - EBC-A2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P222K Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1980 December 1 00:09 - EBC-A2 E6a Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO-107 Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1980 December 1 01:23 - EBC-A2 E6b Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO-108 Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1981 February 7 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P219K Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1981 February 7 20:30 - OXYGEN Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion SSC S35 Apogee: 120 km (70 mi).

  • 1981 April 30 06:00 - TEXUS 3B Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-109 LC: S. Apogee: 253 km (157 mi).

  • 1981 May 8 05:27 - TEXUS 4 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-110 LC: S. Apogee: 258 km (160 mi).

  • 1981 September 30 - PIRAT Auroral mission? Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant 8C SSC S33 Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

  • 1981 November 14 09:15 - DFVLR Strafam Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-111 Apogee: 60 km (37 mi).

  • 1981 December 1 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P224K Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1981 December 9 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua E7 Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1981 December 9 21:25 - ENERGY EB2 EBC E2 Ionosphere/Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-112 LC: S. Apogee: 237 km (147 mi).

  • 1981 December 9 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel 2 P225K Apogee: 190 km (110 mi).

  • 1981 December 9 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Skua. Skua E7 Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1981 December 16 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P226K Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1982 January 20 - Auroral mission? Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant IX SSC S36 Apogee: 496 km (308 mi).

  • 1982 April 29 05:20 - TEXUS 5 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-113 LC: S. Apogee: 256 km (159 mi).

  • 1982 May 8 05:30 - TEXUS 6 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-114 LC: S. Apogee: 256 km (159 mi).

  • 1982 August 3 - CAMP-P Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1982 August 3 23:32 - CAMP/Strafam Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1982 August 3 23:19 - Strafam 2 Technology mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO-115 Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1982 August 3 23:49 - CAMP/SOAP-1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1982 August 3 23:32 - CAMP-N Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion Cold Arc. Mesopause Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1982 August 4 00:30 - CAMP Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P235K Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1982 August 11 - CAMP/SOAP-2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1982 August 11 23:30 - CAMP Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Petrel P214K Apogee: 129 km (80 mi).

  • 1982 August 11 - CAMP Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1983 January 19 23:12 - AURELD-HIGH Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant IX Apogee: 494 km (306 mi).

  • 1983 April 27 05:30 - DFVLR Strafam 3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-117 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1983 May 5 05:05 - TEXUS 7 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-118 LC: S. Apogee: 227 km (141 mi).

  • 1983 May 13 11:37 - TEXUS 8 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-119 LC: S. Apogee: 264 km (164 mi).

  • 1983 September 19 05:59 - Otrag Flight 18 Launch Vehicle: Otrag. Failure. OTRAG DLR K-OL-120 Apogee: 50 km (31 mi). 1-3-B 4x9m Test mission

  • 1984 - SSC SOAP/WINE Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1984 - SSC SOAP/WINE Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1984 January 31 21:05 - DFVLR Strafam 4 Auroral mission? Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-129 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1984 February 10 04:12 - MAP/WINE M-I 1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 6 DLR K-GR-130 LC: S. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi).

  • 1984 May 3 04:13 - TEXUS 9 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-132 LC: S. Apogee: 258 km (160 mi).

  • 1984 May 15 07:46 - TEXUS 10 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-133 LC: S. Apogee: 216 km (134 mi).

  • 1984 October 24 - TOR Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VC SSC S38 Apogee: 188 km (116 mi).

  • 1985 April 27 04:15 - TEXUS 11 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-138 LC: S. Apogee: 266 km (165 mi).

  • 1985 May 6 04:35 - TEXUS 12 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-139 LC: S. Apogee: 253 km (157 mi).

  • 1985 May 14 04:00 - DFVLR Strafam 1/5 Auroral mission? Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-140 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1986 April 30 04:40 - TEXUS 13 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-141 LC: S. Apogee: 246 km (152 mi).

  • 1986 May 12 04:55 - TEXUS 14A Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-142 LC: S. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

  • 1986 July 26 23:44 - MAED Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion NASA 31.61UE Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1986 July 26 22:34 - MAED Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion NASA 31.57GE Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1986 July 26 23:03 - MAED Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion NASA 31.60UE Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1986 November 4 20:44 - Aureld-VIP-HIGH Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Taurus Orion. Apogee: 206 km (128 mi).

  • 1986 December 12 20:21 - Aureld-VIP-LOW Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Taurus Orion. Apogee: 185 km (114 mi).

  • 1987 February 17 10:43 - Strafam Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-143 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1987 March 19 - Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant IXB MASER 1 Apogee: 295 km (183 mi).

  • 1987 May 3 03:59 - TEXUS 14B Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-144 LC: S. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

  • 1987 May 6 05:08 - RASMUS Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-145 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1987 May 9 04:00 - TEXUS 15 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Failure. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-146 LC: S. Apogee: 252 km (156 mi).

  • 1987 November 23 09:10 - TEXUS 16 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Failure. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-153 LC: S.

  • 1988 February 29 08:34 - Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant IX MASER 2 Apogee: 318 km (197 mi).

  • 1988 April 9 00:40 - Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VB NASA 21.97GE Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

  • 1988 May 2 04:00 - TEXUS 17 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant 8B DLR K-NBB5-155 Apogee: 285 km (177 mi).

  • 1988 May 6 04:30 - TEXUS 18 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant 8B DLR K-NBB5-156 Apogee: 265 km (164 mi).

  • 1988 May 9 09:05 - Testflug Test mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-157 LC: S. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

  • 1988 November 28 08:20 - TEXUS 19 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-161 LC: S. Apogee: 244 km (151 mi).

  • 1988 December 2 10:05 - TEXUS 20 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GT-162 LC: S. Apogee: 238 km (147 mi).

  • 1988 December 6 10:02 - RASMUS 2 Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-163 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1989 January 30 08:30 - Strafam 2/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-166 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1989 February 7 23:36 - ROSE III Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 DLR K-CR-164 LC: S. Apogee: 124 km (77 mi).

  • 1989 February 9 23:42 - ROSE IV Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 2 DLR K-CR-165 LC: S. Apogee: 125 km (77 mi).

  • 1989 March 3 18:17 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VB NASA 21.100UU Apogee: 124 km (77 mi).

  • 1989 March 4 01:02 - Auroral mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VC NASA 21.96GE Apogee: 175 km (108 mi).

  • 1989 April 10 08:21 - MASER 3 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant IX MASER 3 LC: MRL. Apogee: 297 km (184 mi).

  • 1989 April 30 03:48 - TEXUS 21 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-167 LC: S. Apogee: 268 km (166 mi).

  • 1989 May 3 03:30 - TEXUS 22 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-168 LC: S. Apogee: 223 km (138 mi).

  • 1989 November 25 08:05 - TEXUS 23 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-170 LC: S. Apogee: 249 km (154 mi).

  • 1989 December 6 08:11 - TEXUS 24 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-171 LC: S. Apogee: 244 km (151 mi).

  • 1990 January 25 08:50 - Strafam 2/3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-172 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1990 March 6 09:30 - RASMUS 3 Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-174 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1990 March 6 05:41 - SISSI 1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 6 DLR K-GRVI-173 LC: S. Apogee: 178 km (110 mi).

  • 1990 March 29 09:07 - Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant IX MASER 4 LC: MRL. Apogee: 317 km (196 mi).

  • 1990 May 13 03:52 - TEXUS 25 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-178 LC: S. Apogee: 234 km (145 mi).

  • 1990 May 15 02:45 - TEXUS 26 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-179 LC: S. Apogee: 235 km (146 mi).

  • 1990 July 26 23:05 - SISSI 2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 6 DLR K-GRVI-181 LC: S. Apogee: 168 km (104 mi).

  • 1990 August 2 22:40 - SISSI 3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-182 LC: S. Apogee: 239 km (148 mi).

  • 1990 November 15 07:05 - TEXUS 27 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-183 LC: S. Apogee: 249 km (154 mi).

  • 1990 November 25 05:27 - Maxus test mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 12 DLR K-GRC-184 LC: S. Apogee: 534 km (331 mi).

  • 1991 February 3 11:30 - Strafam 3/2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-185 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1991 April 9 03:41 - RASMUS 4 Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-186 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1991 April 9 18:50 - SISSI 4 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-187 LC: S. Apogee: 245 km (152 mi).

  • 1991 May 8 - Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Maxus. Failed.. Maxus MAXUS 1 Apogee: 157 km (97 mi). Microgravity experiments. Recovered, although it reached only a fraction of the planned altitude. The MAXUS sounding rocket program began in 1989 and the first launch took place in 1991.The program was a joint venture between the Swedish Space Corporation and the German space company EADS-ST. The Maxus program was financed by ESA. The scientific objective was to perform experiments during 12-13 minutes of microgravity (10-4 g) using a single stage sounding rocket motor. The motor, a Castor 4B, had a maximum acceleration of 13 g, a top speed of 3500 m/sec and reached an apogee of around 750 km depending on the payload mass.

  • 1991 August 1 01:40 - DLR K-NO-188 Dec. A Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion NASA 31.77UE Apogee: 89 km (55 mi).

  • 1991 August 1 01:28 - PMSE Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Super Arcas NASA 15.249UU Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1991 August 1 01:28 - NLC-91/PMSE E Field ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VB NASA 21.103GE Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

  • 1991 August 5 23:21 - NLC/PMSE MISTI plasma mission? Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Super Arcas NASA 15.250UE Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1991 August 9 23:30 - NLC-91/PMSE E Field ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VB NASA 21.104GE Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

  • 1991 August 9 23:30 - NLC/PMSE MISTI plasma mission? Launch Vehicle: Arcas. Super Arcas NASA 15.251UE Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1991 August 9 23:15 - DLR K-NO-189 Dec. B Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion NASA 31.78UE Apogee: 117 km (72 mi).

  • 1991 November 23 09:40 - TEXUS 28 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-196 LC: S. Apogee: 239 km (148 mi).

  • 1992 April 9 11:07 - MASER 5 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant 9BM1 MASER 5 Apogee: 317 km (196 mi).

  • 1992 August 18 09:20 - Testflug Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO2-198 Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1992 November 8 10:25 - Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Maxus. Maxus MAXUS 1B Apogee: 717 km (445 mi). Microgravity experiments. Relaunch of the Maxu 1 mission.

  • 1992 November 22 09:22 - TEXUS 29 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-199 LC: S. Apogee: 230 km (140 mi).

  • 1993 February 27 - Strafam 3/21 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-200 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1993 May 1 05:35 - TEXUS 30 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-201 LC: S. Apogee: 234 km (145 mi).

  • 1993 August 2 01:02 - Decimals B Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO-204 Apogee: 105 km (65 mi).

  • 1993 August 2 00:23 - Decimals A Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO-203 Apogee: 98 km (60 mi).

  • 1993 November 4 07:07 - MASER 6 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 MASER 6 LC: S. Apogee: 243 km (150 mi).

  • 1993 November 26 11:00 - TEXUS 31 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-205 LC: S. Apogee: 257 km (159 mi).

  • 1993 November 29 09:30 - Mini-Texus 1 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO2-206 Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1994 February 19 09:27 - RASMUS 5 Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-207 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1994 May 3 07:40 - Mini-Texus 2 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO2-208 Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1994 May 5 04:15 - TEXUS 32 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-209 LC: S. Apogee: 235 km (146 mi).

  • 1994 November 30 10:30 - TEXUS 33 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-213 LC: S. Apogee: 267 km (165 mi).

  • 1994 December 5 00:48 - Hygrosonde Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Improved Orion. Improved Orion HYGROSOND Apogee: 77 km (47 mi).

  • 1995 April 29 05:55 - Mini-Texus 4 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO2-214 Apogee: 149 km (92 mi).

  • 1995 May 2 05:35 - Mini-Texus 3 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO2-215 Apogee: 125 km (77 mi).

  • 1995 July 14 07:50 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Improved Orion. Improved Orion DLR K-O/I-216 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1995 October 8 10:36 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Improved Orion. Improved Orion DLR K-O/I-217 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1995 November 28 09:42 - Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Maxus. Maxus MAXUS 2 Apogee: 705 km (438 mi). Microgravity experiments.

  • 1995 December 4 10:23 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Improved Orion. Improved Orion REXUS Apogee: 89 km (55 mi).

  • 1996 March 2 10:00 - TEXUS 34 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-220 LC: S. Apogee: 232 km (144 mi).

  • 1996 May 3 04:16 - MASER 7 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-221 LC: S. Apogee: 252 km (156 mi).

  • 1996 November 24 11:05 - TEXUS 35 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-222 LC: S. Apogee: 267 km (165 mi).

  • 1997 June 4 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Improved Orion. Improved Orion GYROTEST Apogee: 94 km (58 mi).

  • 1998 January 26 12:26 - MERMAID Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO2-230 Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1998 February 7 07:40 - TEXUS 36 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-231 LC: S. Apogee: 238 km (147 mi).

  • 1998 February 11 09:42 - Mini-Texus 5 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO2-232 Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1998 March 3 22:33 - NLTE-1 Atomic 2A Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO2-233 Apogee: 134 km (83 mi).

  • 1998 March 6 21:26 - NLTE-2 Atomic 2B Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO2-234 Apogee: 134 km (83 mi).

  • 1998 October 7 11:35 - Maxus test mission Launch Vehicle: Orion. Orion DLR K-O-236 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi).

  • 1998 November 24 09:53 - Biological/Physics mission Launch Vehicle: Maxus. Maxus MAXUS 3 Apogee: 713 km (443 mi). Microgravity experiments.

  • 1998 December 3 11:04 - Mini-Texus 6 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. Nike Orion DLR K-NO2-237 Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

  • 1999 May 14 11:33 - MASER 8 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 MASER 8 LC: S. Apogee: 260 km (160 mi).

  • 1999 July 27 22:48 - ICON Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VB NASA 21.122GE Apogee: 104 km (64 mi).

  • 2000 March 27 11:17 - TEXUS 37 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 TEXUS 37 LC: S. Apogee: 243 km (150 mi).

  • 2000 April 2 07:34 - TEXUS 38 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 TEXUS 38 LC: S. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

  • 2001 February 19 06:02 - Maxus test mission Launch Vehicle: Improved Orion. Improved Orion DLR K-O-? Apogee: 81 km (50 mi).

  • 2001 April 29 11:28 - Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Maxus. Maxus MAXUS 4 Apogee: 705 km (438 mi). Microgravity experiments.

  • 2001 May 8 09:55 - TEXUS 39 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 TEXUS 39 LC: S. Apogee: 248 km (154 mi).

  • 2001 Dec 14? - Hygrosonde II Meteorological mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi).

  • 2001 December 16 06:18 - Hygrosonde II Meteorological mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi).

  • 2001 December 16 05:12 - Hygrosonde II Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Improved Orion. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi).

  • 2001 Dec 16 0545? 05:45 - Hygrosonde II Meteorological mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi).

  • 2001 December 16 03:11 - Hygrosonde II Meteorological mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi).

  • 2002 March 16 09:37 - MASER 9 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 MASER 9 LC: S. Apogee: 260 km (160 mi).

  • 2003 January 15 13:02 - SAGE-3 1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 109 km (67 mi).

  • 2003 January 16 13:00 - SAGE-3 2 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 17 13:00 - SAGE-3 3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 20 13:00 - MM-LFS- SAGE III Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 20:50 - MacWAVE Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Terrier Orion NASA 41.030GE Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 24 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 18:32 - MacWAVE Plasma/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Terrier Orion NASA 41.031GE Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 28 - MM-LFS- aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

  • 2003 January 30 - SAGE-3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 95 km (59 mi).

  • 2003 January 30 - SAGE-3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 95 km (59 mi).

  • 2003 January 30 - SAGE-3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 95 km (59 mi).

  • 2003 January 30 - SAGE-3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 95 km (59 mi).

  • 2003 January 30 22:03 - SAGE-3 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Super Loki. Apogee: 96 km (59 mi).

  • 2003 April 1 06:00 - Maxus 5 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Maxus. Maxus MAXUS 5 Apogee: 701 km (435 mi). Suborbital microgravity payload. Launch delayed from 31 March.

  • 2003 April 8 08:20 - TEXUS 40 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 TEXUS 40 LC: S. Apogee: 246 km (152 mi).

  • 2004 October 28 20:53 - REXUS-2/ECOMA Education/Meteor mission Launch Vehicle: Improved Orion. Improved Orion REXUS II Apogee: 91 km (56 mi). The REXUS program was a joint project between the Swedish Space Corporation SSC, ESRANGE, and the Mobile Rocket Base (Moraba) of the German Aerospace Center DLR, conducted by newly founded EUROLAUNCH. The scientific payload capacity was shared between Swedish and German student experimenters. REXUS was considered as an annual sounding rocket program.

  • 2004 November 22 08:35 - Maxus 6 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Maxus. Maxus MAXUS 6 Apogee: 706 km (438 mi). Microgravity experiments.

  • 2004 December 2 10:30 - TEXUS 41 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 TEXUS 41 LC: S. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

  • 2005 May 2 05:00 - MASER 10 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Skylark 7 MASER 10 LC: S. Apogee: 252 km (156 mi). Final flight of Skylark suborbital rocket. MASER 10 carried two biology experiments and three fluid physics experiments. The payload spent six minutes in microgravity and worked perfectly during the flight.

  • 2005 December 1 09:04 - TEXUS EML-1/TEXUS 42 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: VSB-30. VSB-30 V02 LC: S. Apogee: 263 km (163 mi). This was the first launch of the Brazilian sounding rocket VSB-30, replacing the British Skylark, from Esrange. The speed when leaving the launcher was about 60 m/s and after 45 seconds of acceleration the max speed was over 200 m/s. During the flight the experiments onboard spent approximately 6 minutes of microgravity and all experiments worked successfully. The payload was brought back for analysis at Esrange by helicopter within one hour after landing.

  • 2006 April 5 05:56 - Launch Vehicle: Improved Orion. Improved Orion s/n REXUS 3 Apogee: 95 km (59 mi). Education

  • 2006 May 2 06:16 - Maxus 7 Launch Vehicle: Maxus. Maxus MAXUS 7 Apogee: 750 km (460 mi). Suborbital microgravity mission. Kaiser-Threde developed a new payload service system for MAXUS 7, providing 2 independent TV-links with 2 high power HF transmitters and GPS. The recovery system was a BAL ORSA system, modified by Kaiser-Threde, including parachute from DLR.

  • 2006 May 4 - REXUS 3 Launch Vehicle: Improved Orion. Improved Orion REXUS II Apogee: 110 km (60 mi).

  • 2006 May 10 08:12 - TEXUS 43 Microgravity mission Launch Vehicle: VSB-30. VSB-30 V03 LC: S. Apogee: 238 km (147 mi). The TEXUS 43 mission gave around six minutes of microgravity to the 407 kg payload contributed by five investigators from three different institutes

Bibliography and Further Reading
  • McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page, Harvard University, 1997-present. Jonathan McDowell's complete on-line listing of all objects orbited and over 20,000 rocket launches Accessed at: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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