Point Arguello
Point Arguello
Credit - © Mark Wade
Type: Suborbital Launch Site. Operator: USA. Country: USA. Latitude: 34°37' N. Longitude: 120°36' W.

The US Navy had established a Naval Air Facility at Point Mugu for cruise missile test in November 1945. After the Air Force had acquired the northern part of Camp Cooke from the Army for use as Vandenberg AFB, the surplus southern portion of the former camp, encompassing over 19,800 acres, was transferred to the U.S. Navy in May 1958. The Navy subsequently established a Pacific Missile Range with headquarters at Point Mugu and instrumentation sites along the California coast and at various islands in the Pacific. The land acquired from Camp Cooke became the Naval Missile Facility at Point Arguello, a major launch head and range safety centre for all ballistic missile and satellite launch operations conducted within the PMR.

On November 16, 1963, the Air Force was given central authority to coordinate planning of ICBM and space vehicle launching and tracking networks on a worldwide basis. This resulted in transfer to the Air Force of major portions of the Navy's Pacific Missile Range, including its facility at Point Arguello in July 1964.

Point Arguello was named in 1793 by English navigator Captain George Vancouver (1757-1798) in honor of Don José Dario Arguello, then Commandante at Monterey, California.

Launch Pads
  • Name: Launch Complex 1. Latitude: 34.6359 N. Longitude: 120.5878 W. Launch Pads: 1. Atlas LV-3A / Agena B.
  • Name: Launch Complex 2. Latitude: 34.6290 N. Longitude: 120.6139 W. Launch Pads: 1. Atlas LV-3A / Agena D.
Point Arguello Chronology and Launch Log
  • 1959 May 1 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier ASROC Cajun. Failure. Terrier ASROC Cajun Terasca

  • 1959 June 26 - Radar beacon Test mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier ASROC Cajun. Terrier ASROC Cajun Terasca Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1959 July 14 17:45 - Solar X-ray mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.65 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1959 July 17 17:40 - Solar mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Failure. Nike Asp NN8.66 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1959 July 24 16:34 - Solar mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.67 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 227 km (141 mi).

  • 1959 August 7 17:05 - Solar X-ray mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.68CF LC: LC-A. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi).

  • 1959 August 12 - UV Scanner Test mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier ASROC Cajun. Failure. Terrier ASROC Cajun Terasca

  • 1959 August 14 17:00 - Solar mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.69CF LC: LC-A. Apogee: 237 km (147 mi).

  • 1959 August 22 02:30 - Solar mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.70CF LC: LC-A. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1959 August 24 22:47 - Solar mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.71CF LC: LC-A. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1959 August 28 16:10 - Solar X-ray mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.72CF LC: LC-A. Apogee: 214 km (132 mi).

  • 1959 August 31 22:53 - Solar X-ray/Solar mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.73CF LC: LC-A. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1959 September 1 19:00 - Ionosphere/Plasma/Solar mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.75CF LC: LC-A. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

  • 1959 September 1 01:01 - Solar mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.74CF LC: LC-A. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1959 September 2 00:03 - Solar mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Nike Asp NN8.76CF LC: LC-A. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1959 September 30 - UV Scanner Test mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Asp. Terrier Asp Tarp Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1960 February 4 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike Viper I. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1960 April 29 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike Viper I. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1960 June 27 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike Viper I. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1960 July 1 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Deacon Arrow II. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1960 July 8 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Deacon Arrow II. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1960 July 14 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Deacon Arrow II. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1960 July 20 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun AEC probe LC: LC-B. Apogee: 120 km (70 mi).

  • 1960 July 28 - TV-1 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Caleb. Caleb NOTS EV-II Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). Research and Development Flight (TV-1)

  • 1960 August 12 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Kiva/Hopi. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

  • 1960 September 19 16:35 - NERV I Cosmic rays mission Launch Vehicle: Journeyman. Journeyman NASA 11.01GE LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,884 km (1,170 mi).

  • 1960 September 30 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike Viper I. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1960 October 11 20:33 - Samos 1 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena A. Second stage failure.. Atlas Agena A 57D / Agena A 2101 LC: LC1-1. First generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images; Satellite and Missile Observation Satellite.

  • 1960 October 12 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Kiva/Hopi. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

  • 1960 October 24 - TV-2 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Caleb. Second stage failed.. Caleb NOTS EV-II Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). Research and Development Flight (TV-2)

  • 1960 October 27 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Kiva/Hopi. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

  • 1960 November 21 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun LC: LC-B. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1960 November 22 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun LC: LC-B. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1960 December 6 18:44 - PHOENIX I Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Kiva/Hopi. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 367 km (228 mi).

  • 1960 December 14 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Kiva/Hopi. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

  • 1960 December 14 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Kiva/Hopi. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

  • 1960 December 16 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Kiva/Hopi. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

  • 1961 January 31 20:21 - Samos 2 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena A. Atlas Agena A 70D / Agena A 2102 LC: LC1-1. Apogee: 557 km (346 mi). First generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images; micrometeoroid impact data. Poor results.

  • 1961 March 27 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Deacon Arrow II. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 80 km (49 mi).

  • 1961 July 12 15:11 - Midas 3 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 97D / Agena B 1201 LC: LC1-2. Apogee: 3,540 km (2,190 mi). Missile Defense Alarm System.

  • 1961 August 1 20:18 - Geodetic mission Launch Vehicle: Astrobee 1500. Failure. Astrobee 1500 AA16.304 LC: LC-A.

  • 1961 September 9 19:28 - Samos 3 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Exploded on launch pad.. Atlas Agena B 106D / Agena B 2120 LC: LC1-1. First generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images.

  • 1961 October 5 19:10 - Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Caleb. Failure - unknown cause.. Caleb NC17.116 Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1961 October 21 13:53 - Midas 4 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 105D / Agena B LC: LC1-2. Apogee: 3,763 km (2,338 mi). Missile Defense Alarm System. Deployed subsatellites.

  • 1961 November 15 13:42 - BIOS I biological mission Launch Vehicle: Journeyman. Journeyman NASA 11.04GB LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,057 km (656 mi).

  • 1961 November 18 13:42 - BIOS I biological mission Launch Vehicle: Journeyman. Journeyman NASA 11.05GB LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,057 km (656 mi).

  • 1961 November 22 20:45 - Samos 4 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Failure.. Atlas Agena B 108D / Agena B 2202 LC: LC1-1. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). First generation photo surveillance; return of camera and film by capsule; SAMOS type satellite.

  • 1961 December 4 04:00 - Radiation Probe Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Blue Scout Jr O-2 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 44,400 km (27,500 mi).

  • 1961 December 8 - Project CAMBRIDGE Geodetic mission Launch Vehicle: Astrobee 1500. LC: LC-A. Apogee: 2,190 km (1,360 mi).

  • 1961 December 22 19:12 - Samos 5 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 114D / Agena B 2203 LC: LC1-2. Apogee: 310 km (190 mi). First generation photo surveillance; return of camera and film by capsule; SAMOS type satellite. Reached orbit but failed to deorbit and be recovered. In his memoirs Sergei Khrushchev recounts recovery of what he believed to be a recoverable Samos, except the date given is the winter before tests of this configuration actually started. He relates that a second American capsule was recovered in the spring of 1961. It was equipped with a 30 cm lens and 100’s of metres of 10 cm wide film. Also recovered were a pear-shaped module made of fibreglass, and an inertial orientation system powered by electric motors. It may have been a SAMOS prototype. The capsule was found by tractor drivers, who disassembled it and used the film to wrap around the frame of their outhouse to provide some privacy in the treeless area. Unfortunately this ruined the film, preventing the Russians from developing it and discovering the technical capabilities of the system.

  • 1962 March 7 22:10 - Samos 6 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 112D / Agena B 2204 LC: LC1-2. Apogee: 686 km (426 mi). First generation photo surveillance; return of camera and film by capsule; SAMOS type satellite. Failed to return camera and film. Samos film return project cancelled; remaining 4 cameras placed in warehouse and later used on KH-6 Lanyard.

  • 1962 March 14 - Vista-300 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Asp. Terrier Asp IV LC: LC-B. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1962 March 26 19:03 - Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Caleb. Structural failure.. Caleb NC17.121 Apogee: 21 km (13 mi).

  • 1962 April 9 15:04 - Midas 5 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 110D / Agena B LC: LC1-2. Apogee: 3,405 km (2,115 mi). Missile Defense Alarm System.

  • 1962 April 26 18:56 - Samos 7 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 118D / Agena B SPS 2401 LC: LC1-1. Second generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images; Satellite and Missile Observation Satellite. Poor results.

  • 1962 April 26 - Solrad 4B Launch Vehicle: Scout X-2. Failure.. Scout X-2 S111 LC: LC-D. Solar radiation monitor.

  • 1962 May 24 - P 35-1 Launch Vehicle: Scout X-2. Failure.. Scout X-2M S112 LC: LC-D. Military weather satellite to provide targetting information for reconnaisance satellites.

  • 1962 May 31 17:08 - ERCS/279L 1 Communications mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C 102 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

  • 1962 June 17 18:14 - Samos 8 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 115D / Agena B SPS 2402 LC: LC1-1. Apogee: 198 km (123 mi). First generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images; Satellite and Missile Observation Satellite. Poor results.

  • 1962 July 9 - Magnetospheric mission? Launch Vehicle: Journeyman. LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi).

  • 1962 July 9 - Magnetospheric mission? Launch Vehicle: Astrobee 1500. Failure. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi).

  • 1962 July 18 20:51 - Samos 9 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 120D / Agena B LC: LC1-1. Apogee: 234 km (145 mi). First generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images; Satellite and Missile Observation Satellite. Poor results.

  • 1962 July 24 17:29 - ERCS/279L 2 Communications mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C 101 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

  • 1962 July 25 15:41 - Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Caleb. Caleb NC17.117 Apogee: 1,166 km (724 mi).

  • 1962 August 5 17:58 - FTV 2404 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 124D / Agena B SPS 2404 LC: LC1-1.

  • 1962 August 5 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Kiva/Hopi. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

  • 1962 August 23 11:44 - P 35-2 Launch Vehicle: Scout X-2. Scout X-2M S117 LC: LC-D. Apogee: 752 km (467 mi). Military weather satellite to provide targetting information for reconnaisance satellites.

  • 1962 November 11 20:17 - Samos 11 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 128D / Agena B SPS 2405 LC: LC1-1. Apogee: 292 km (181 mi). Second generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images; Satellite and Missile Observation Satellite. Poor results. SAMOS project cancelled.

  • 1962 November 21 18:20 - ERCS/279L 3 Communications mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C 201 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

  • 1962 December 13 - Vista-300 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Asp. Terrier Asp IV LC: LC-B. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1962 December 17 20:36 - Midas 6 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Failure. Atlas Agena B 131D / Agena B 1205 LC: LC1-2. Missile Defense Alarm System. Carried ERS-3, ERS-4 subsatellites.

  • 1962 December 19 - Ion Engine Test A Technology mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Blue Scout Jr SLV-1B(m) 21-1 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 2,000 km (1,200 mi). When the high-voltage power supplies were first turned-on, intermittent high-voltage breakdowns occurred, and the beam power supply became inoperative. Post-flight examination of the power supply indicated the high-voltage breakdowns were probably caused by pressure buildup in the primary propulsion unit due to gas vented from the spacecraft batteries. The primary propulsion unit high voltage section was not adequately vented to keep the pressure low enough. Engine thrusting was not accomplished in this test.

  • 1962 December 19 01:25 - Transit 5A Launch Vehicle: Scout X-3. Scout X-3 S118 LC: LC-D. Apogee: 347 km (215 mi). First operational solar-powered prototype; failed first day. The satellite verified a new technique for deploying the solar panels and for separating from the rocket, but otherwise it was not successful because of trouble with the power system.

  • 1963 February 2 06:56 - ERCS 279L Communications mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C 202 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

  • 1963 February 12 01:47 - Electron Spectrometer Magnetospheric mission Launch Vehicle: Journeyman. Journeyman NASA 11.06UE LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,675 km (1,040 mi).

  • 1963 February 19 16:33 - P 35-3 Launch Vehicle: Scout X-3. Scout X-3M S126 LC: LC-D. Apogee: 810 km (500 mi). Military weather satellite to provide targetting information for reconnaisance satellites.

  • 1963 March 14 01:01 - ERCS 279L Communications mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C 203 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

  • 1963 April 5 03:01 - Transit 5A-2 Launch Vehicle: Scout X-3. Failure.. Scout X-3 S119 LC: LC-D. Replacement for the failed Transit 5A; failed to reach orbit.

  • 1963 April 26 - P 35-4 Launch Vehicle: Scout X-2. Failure.. Scout X-2M S121 LC: LC-D. Military weather satellite to provide targetting information for reconnaisance satellites.

  • 1963 May 9 20:06 - Midas 7 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 119D / Agena B S01 1206 LC: LC1-2. Apogee: 3,680 km (2,280 mi). MIDAS 7 was the first operational MIDAS mission and the first equipped with the W-37 sensor. During its six weeks of operation, MIDAS 7 recorded nine US ICBM launches, including the first missile launch ever detected from space.

  • 1963 May 11 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Kiva/Hopi. LC: LC-B. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

  • 1963 May 17 23:00 - ERCS 279L Communications mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C 301 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

  • 1963 June 12 - Midas 8 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Failure. Atlas Agena B 139D / Agena B SPS 1204 LC: LC1-2. Missile Defense Alarm System. Carried ERS-7, ERS-8 subsatellites.

  • 1963 June 16 01:49 - Transit 5A-3 Launch Vehicle: Scout X-3. Scout X-3 S120 LC: LC-D. Apogee: 360 km (220 mi). First operational prototype with a redesigned power supply. A malfunction of the memory occurred during powered flight that kept it from accepting and storing navigation messages, and the oscillator stability was degraded during launch. The satellite could not be used for navigation, but it was the first to achieve gravity-gradient stabilization, and its other subsystems performed well.

  • 1963 July 1 - Test mission? Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant III AA-3-7? LC: LC-A. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1963 July 12 20:45 - KH 7-01 (Gambit) Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena D. Atlas Agena D 201D / Agena D S01A 4702 LC: LC2-3. Apogee: 212 km (131 mi). KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1963 July 19 03:51 - Midas 9 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena B. Atlas Agena B 75D / Agena B S01 1207 LC: LC1-2. Apogee: 3,726 km (2,315 mi). Missile Defense Alarm System. Did not eject ERS 10 subsatellite.

  • 1963 September 6 19:30 - KH 7-02 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena D. Atlas Agena D 212D / Agena D S01A 4701 LC: LC2-3. Apogee: 243 km (150 mi). KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1963 September 27 11:17 - P 35-5 Launch Vehicle: Scout X-2. Failure.. Scout X-2B S132 LC: LC-D. Military weather satellite to provide targetting information for reconnaisance satellites.

  • 1963 October 24 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Dac Roc. LC: LC-A. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

  • 1963 October 25 18:59 - KH 7-03 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena D. Atlas Agena D 224D / Agena D S01A 4703 LC: LC2-3. Apogee: 312 km (193 mi). KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1963 November 7 - Test mission? Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant III AA-3-8? LC: LC-A. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi).

  • 1963 November 18 - LRL HAD-1 Test mission Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Nike. HJ Nike Nike HAD-1 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 163 km (101 mi).

  • 1963 November 27 21:15 - KH-4 9061 Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena D. Thor SLV-2 Agena D 406 / Agena D 1172 LC: LC1-1. Apogee: 368 km (228 mi). KH-4. Mission failed. Return capsule separated from satellite but remained in orbit.

  • 1963 December 10 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Dac Roc. LC: LC-A. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

  • 1963 December 18 21:45 - KH 7-04 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena D. Atlas Agena D 227D / Agena D S01A 4802 LC: LC2-3. Apogee: 266 km (165 mi). KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1963 December 19 18:49 - Explorer 19 Launch Vehicle: Scout X-4. Scout X-4 S122R LC: LC-D. Apogee: 2,391 km (1,485 mi). 12 foot dia. balloon; identical to Explorer 9; atmospheric density studies. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

  • 1963 December 20 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Seagull. LC: LC-A. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

  • 1964 February 6 - LRL HAD-2 Solar X-ray mission Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Nike. Failure. HJ Nike Nike HAD-2 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi).

  • 1964 February 25 18:59 - KH 7-05 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena D. Atlas Agena D 285D / Agena D S01A 4803 LC: LC2-3. Apogee: 135 km (83 mi). KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1964 March 11 20:14 - KH 7-06 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena D. Atlas Agena D 296D / Agena D S01A 4804 LC: LC2-3. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi). KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1964 March 14 - LRL HAD-3 Solar X-ray mission Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Nike. HJ Nike Nike HAD-3 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 143 km (88 mi).

  • 1964 March 24 22:22 - KH-4A 1003 Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena D. Failure. Thor SLV-2A Agena D 396 / Agena D 1175 LC: LC1-1. KH-4A. Mission failed.

  • 1964 April 23 16:19 - KH 7-07 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena D. Atlas Agena D 351D / Agena D S01A 4805 LC: LC2-3. Apogee: 336 km (208 mi). KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1964 May 19 19:21 - KH 7-08 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena D. Atlas Agena D 350D / Agena D S01A 4806 LC: LC2-3. Apogee: 380 km (230 mi). KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1964 June 4 22:59 - KH-4A 1006 Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena D. Thor SLV-2A Agena D 403 / Agena D 1176 LC: LC1-1. Apogee: 429 km (266 mi). KH-4A. Highest quality imagery attained to date from the KH-4 system.

  • 1964 June 4 03:50 - Transit 5C-1 Launch Vehicle: Scout X-4. Scout X-4 S125R LC: LC-D. Apogee: 898 km (557 mi). Operational prototype similar to the 5A series but with some redesign to improve performance. Operated successfully until 23 August 1965.

  • 1964 June 10 05:03 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Astrobee 200. Astrobee 200 CRL AC15.373 Apogee: 343 km (213 mi).

  • 1964 June 25 01:40 - ESRS Launch Vehicle: Scout X-4. Second stage exploded.. Scout X-4 S128R LC: LC-D. Environmental Sciences Research Satellite.

  • 1964 July 6 18:51 - KH 7-09 Launch Vehicle: Atlas LV-3A / Agena D. Atlas Agena D 352D / Agena D S01A 4807 LC: LC2-3. Apogee: 345 km (214 mi). KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1964 July 10 23:15 - KH-4A 1008 Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena D. Thor SLV-2A Agena D 404 / Agena D 1177 LC: LC1-1. Apogee: 346 km (214 mi). KH-4A. Cameras operated satisfactorily, some light leaks.

  • 1964 August 29 09:36 - Ion Engine Test B Technology mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Blue Scout Jr SLV-1B(m) 21-2 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 2,000 km (1,200 mi). The launch was designed to provide about 30 minutes of flight above an altitude of 370 km. At seven minutes into the flight the engine was operated with ion beam extraction. Full beam current of 94 mA was achieved about 10 minutes later. During the course of engine operation, an electric field strength meter was used to infer payload floating potential relative to space. Spacecraft potential was about 1000 V negative during most of the engine operation with the filament neutralizer. The absolute value of payload potential was about ten times higher than anticipated, and it was suspected that there was inadequate neutralization of the ion beam. The contact ion engine operated for 19 minutes until spacecraft reentry into the atmosphere. In addition to withstanding the environmental rigors of space flight, the ion propulsion system demonstrated electromagnetic compatibility with other spacecraft subsystems and the ability to regulate and control a desired thrust level.

  • 1964 December 21 - Ion Engine Test C Technology mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Third stage cut off early.. Blue Scout Jr 21-3 LC: LC-A. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). In this test, an additional wire neutralizer was incorporated and was immersed in the ion beam to provide a higher probability of adequate neutralization. The contact ion engine only achieved about 20% of full-thrust before reentry into the atmosphere. The short test time was due to a very short burn of the Scout vehicle's third stage. The high voltage was applied to the engine 7 minutes into the flight when the altitude was 490 km. Engine operation ended after 4 minutes when the altitude was only 80 km.

  • 1966 Mar 19 1231? 12:31 - Technology mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Javelin. LC: LC-A. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 1966 March 25 - HITAB Technology mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Javelin. LC: LC-A. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

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.
  • Official Site of the Topic, Information obtained from the manufacturer or operator's official web site.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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