April 3

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On this day in:

1926 - Launch Vehicle: Goddard 1.

  • Second flight of a Goddard liquid-propellant rocket Nation: USA. Apogee: 0.0150 km (0.0093 mi).

    Goddard achieves the second flight of a liquid-propellant rocket. In air 4.2 sec; landed 50 ft from testing stand.

1945 - Launch Site: V-2 Gruppe Nord. Launch Vehicle: V-2.
  • Dornberger's group evacuated to Bavaria. Nation: Germany.

    Kammler has the 450 scientists moved from Berlin to Oberammergau.

1945 - Launch Site: V-2 Gruppe Nord. Launch Vehicle: V-2.
  • V-2 training and test batteries dissolved. Nation: Germany.

    Kammler ordered further training of troops and test launches discontinued.

1956 -
  • X-1E Flight 4 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1E flight 4. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1E. Crew: Walker Joseph.

    NACA flight 3. Mach 0.85 at 9150 m. Damping characteristics good; number 1 cylinder failed to fire.

1958 -
  • Branch of OKB-1 formed in Samara. Nation: USSR.

    Decree 'On creation of OKB-1 branch at Progress Plant' was issued.

1959 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC15. Launch Vehicle: Titan 1. Model: Titan I. LV Configuration: Titan I A-4.
  • Titan 1 Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1962 - 04:57 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Trailblazer 1. LV Configuration: Trailblazer 1 TB Ij.
  • Trailblazer 1 Re-entry Vehicle Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 260 km (160 mi).

1963 -
  • Charles W Frick resigned as Apollo ASPO Manager Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.

    Charles W. Frick resigned as ASPO Manager and Robert O. Piland was named Acting ASPO Manager.

1963 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17. Launch Pad: LC17A. Launch Vehicle: Delta B. Model: Thor Delta B. LV Configuration: Thor Delta B 357/D17.
  • Explorer 17 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: AE A (S-6). Mass: 185 kg (407 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: AE. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 254 km (157 mi). Apogee: 891 km (553 mi). Inclination: 57.60 deg. Period: 96.10 min. COSPAR: 1963-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 564. Decay Date: 1966-11-24.

    Atmospheric research. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

1963 - 16:46 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 150. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.58UI.
  • Aerobee 150 Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 237 km (147 mi).

1964 - 03:48 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 150. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.15GG.
  • Aerobee 150 Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 190 km (110 mi).

1964 - 20:26 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576. Launch Pad: 576G. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F. LV Configuration: Atlas F 3F. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Atlas F Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC.

1965 - 06:38 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.207UE.
  • Nike Apache Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 205 km (127 mi).

1965 - 12:54 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. LV Configuration: Skylark S03/2.
  • Skylark ESRO S03/2 Ionosphere mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 155 km (96 mi).

1965 - 21:24 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: PALC. Launch Pad: PALC2-4. Launch Vehicle: SLV-3 Atlas / Agena D. Model: SLV-3 Agena D. LV Configuration: SLV-3 Agena D 7401 / Agena D.
  • Snapshot Nation: USA. Payload: SNAP 10A / Agena D. Mass: 440 kg (970 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Ion engine. Spacecraft: Snapshot. Agency: USAF/AEC. Perigee: 1,270 km (780 mi). Apogee: 1,314 km (816 mi). Inclination: 90.30 deg. Period: 111.40 min. COSPAR: 1965-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 1314.

    Only nuclear reactor ever orbited by the United States. The SNAP-10A reactor provided electrical power for an 8.5 mN ion engine using cesium propellant. The engine was shut off after one hour of operation when high-voltage spikes created electromagnetic interference with the satellite's attitude control system sensors. The reactor continued in operation, generating 39 kWt and more than 500 watts of electrical power for 43 days before the spacecraft telemetry failed.

  • SECOR 4 Nation: USA. Payload: EGRS 4. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Geodetic. Spacecraft: SECOR. Agency: USA ACE. Perigee: 1,267 km (787 mi). Apogee: 1,316 km (817 mi). Inclination: 90.20 deg. Period: 111.40 min. COSPAR: 1965-027B. USAF Sat Cat: 1315.

    Failed. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

1967 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3 A3P-401.
  • Polaris A3 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1968 -
  • HL-10 Flight 3 Nation: USA. Program: NASA Lifting Body. Payload: HL-10 flight 3. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: HL-10. Crew: Gentry.

    Maximum Speed - 732 kph. Maximum Altitude - 13720 m. Flight Time - 242 sec.

1968 - 05:38 GMT - Launch Site: Sonmiani. Launch Vehicle: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure Rehbar 18.
  • Centaure Aeronomy mission Nation: Pakistan. Agency: SUPARCO. Apogee: 146 km (90 mi).

1968 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 210 Nation: USSR. Payload: Zenit-2 11F61 s/n 60. Mass: 4,720 kg (10,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 200 km (120 mi). Apogee: 373 km (231 mi). Inclination: 81.40 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1968-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 3168. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1968-04-11.

    Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite.

1968 - 13:48 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant VB. LV Configuration: Black Brant VB AAF-VB-05.
  • Black Brant Auroral/Ionosphere/Plasma mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 316 km (196 mi).

1969 - 00:35 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 6 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 6 AC SL502.
  • Skylark UK SL502 Ionosphere-solar mission Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 273 km (169 mi).

1970 - 01:22 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: C. Launch Vehicle: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C57/2.
  • Centaure ESRO C57/2 Aeronomy mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 173 km (107 mi).

1970 - 04:59 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.56UE.
  • Javelin Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 557 km (346 mi).

1970 - 08:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 329 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 228 km (141 mi). Inclination: 81.30 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1970-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 4357. Duration: 12.00 days. Decay Date: 1970-04-15.

    Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule.

1970 - 09:03 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Nike Hydac. LV Configuration: Nike Hydac GI-SF6.
  • Nike Hydac Auroral mission? Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1970 - 20:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32B. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 FTM-213.
  • Minuteman 3 Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 - Launch Site: Green River. Launch Vehicle: Athena H. LV Configuration: Athena H H001.
  • Athena H ROCS re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1971 - Launch Site: Green River. Launch Vehicle: Athena. LV Configuration: Athena H-1JD.
  • Athena Re-entry Vehicle Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1971 - 09:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 170. Model: Aerobee 170. LV Configuration: Aerobee 170 CRL A04.004-2.
  • Aerobee 170 HISTAR 1 Infrared Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 158 km (98 mi).

1972 - 10:04 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Javelin. Model: Nike Javelin 3.
  • Nike Javelin Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1972 - 10:06 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Javelin. Model: Nike Javelin 3.
  • Nike Javelin Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1972 - 10:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 483 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 209 km (129 mi). Apogee: 313 km (194 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1972-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 5924. Duration: 12.00 days. Decay Date: 1972-04-15.

    High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1973 -
  • Studies on controlled deorbit of the Skylab 1 Orbital Workshop. Nation: USA. Program: Skylab. Spacecraft: Skylab.

    Studies were conducted to determine the feasibility of conducting a controlled deorbit of the Orbital Workshop. Three methods were considered: (l) using the CSM service propulsion system; (2) using the CSM reaction control system; and (3) implementing an S-II (Saturn V second stage) deorbit. The service propulsion system deorbit was assessed as not feasible; the reaction control system deorbit was considered technically feasible but, like the service propulsion system, it had an inherent program and crew safety risk associated with it. Implementation of an S-II deorbit would have serious time and cost impacts on the program. A 1970 study, which indicated that the probability of damage from the deorbiting Skylab was so small that changes which caused major impact in cost and schedule were not worth pursuing, was confirmed.

1973 - 06:09 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P131H.
  • Petrel D-Region ionosphere-solar mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 131 km (81 mi).

1973 - 06:54 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P133H.
  • Petrel D-Region ionosphere-solar mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi).

1973 - 08:14 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P105H.
  • Petrel D-Region ionosphere-solar mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 137 km (85 mi).

1973 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81. Launch Pad: LC81/23. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K. Model: Proton-K. LV Configuration: Proton-K 283-01.
  • Salyut 2 Nation: USSR. Program: Almaz. Payload: Almaz s/n 101-01. Mass: 18,500 kg (40,700 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Almaz OPS. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 216 km (134 mi). Apogee: 248 km (154 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 89.10 min. COSPAR: 1973-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 6398. Duration: 54.62 days. Decay Date: 1973-05-28.

    The first flight of the Almaz manned military space station. In January 1973 the first Almaz OPS was delivered to Baikonur. Launch and initial orbital checkout went according to plan. But before a crew could be launched the station depressurized. It was concluded that a short in electrical equipment started a fire in pressure vessel, leading to rupture of hull and depressurization. An alternate theory was that debris from an explosion of the third stage of Proton penetrated the hull. Control was lost on April 25, 1973, and the OPS cased operations on 29 April. Decayed May 28, 1973. Initial crew was to have been Popovich and Artyukhin.
    Officially: Testing of improved design, on-board systems and equipment; conduct of scientific and technical research and experiments. - Additional details.

1973 - 09:48 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P132H.
  • Petrel D-Region ionosphere-solar mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 139 km (86 mi).

1973 - 14:52 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P134H.
  • Petrel D-Region ionosphere-solar mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

1973 - 16:15 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P104H.
  • Petrel D-Region ionosphere-solar mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 136 km (84 mi).

1973 - 17:20 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant VC. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC NASA 21.11DS-NP.
  • Black Brant Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 245 km (152 mi).

1973 - 17:44 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P135H.
  • Petrel D-Region ionosphere-solar mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 134 km (83 mi).

1974 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC177. Launch Vehicle: MR-UR-100.
  • MR-UR-100 State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1974 - 03:47 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Ute Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Ute Tomahawk CRL A09.303-1.
  • Ute Tomahawk Churchill 74 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF CRL. Apogee: 209 km (129 mi).

1974 - 05:24 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P173H.
  • Petrel Atmospheric mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 133 km (82 mi).

1974 - 05:40 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P177H.
  • Petrel Atmospheric mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 133 km (82 mi).

1974 - 07:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 638 Nation: USSR. Program: ASTP. Payload: Soyuz ASTP s/n 71-EPSA. Mass: 6,570 kg (14,480 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-TM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 187 km (116 mi). Apogee: 309 km (192 mi). Inclination: 51.80 deg. Period: 89.40 min. COSPAR: 1974-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 7234. Duration: 9.89 days. Decay Date: 1974-04-13.

    Unmanned Soyuz test flight. Recovered April 13, 1974 5:05 GMT. Soyuz ASTP Test.
    Maneuver Summary:
    190km X 309km orbit to 190km X 266km orbit. Delta V: 12 m/s
    190km X 266km orbit to 240km X 300km orbit. Delta V: 23 m/s
    240km X 300km orbit to 258km X 274km orbit. Delta V: 12 m/s
    Total Delta V: 47 m/s.
    Officially: Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space.

1974 - 14:22 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Chemical release/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 184 km (114 mi).

1974 - 19:18 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Ute Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Ute Tomahawk CRL A09.303-4.
  • Ute Tomahawk Churchill 74 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF CRL. Apogee: 129 km (80 mi).

1975 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: Meck. Launch Vehicle: Spartan. LV Configuration: Spartan ABM PFT-4.
  • Spartan Safeguard M2-345 Interceptor mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1976 -
  • Complete assembly and deliver MPTA structure Nation: USA. Program: STS.

    Complete assembly and deliver MPTA structure on dock, Lockheed test site, Palmdale

1980 - 07:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/2. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47198-315.
  • Cosmos 1171 Nation: USSR. Payload: DS-P1-M. Mass: 650 kg (1,430 lb). Class: Military. Type: ASAT Target. Spacecraft: DS-P1-M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 969 km (602 mi). Apogee: 1,001 km (621 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1980-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 11750.

    ASAT target for Cosmos 1174 interceptor. First in a series of tests to validate functioning of system after extended storage.

1981 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.19GE.
  • Taurus Orion Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1981 - 06:20 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion.
  • Nike Orion KLONDIKE KATE Ba Aeronomy/Fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: DNA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

1984 - 13:08 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Soyuz T-11 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 7. Payload: Soyuz T s/n 17L. Mass: 6,850 kg (15,100 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Apogee: 224 km (139 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.70 min. COSPAR: 1984-032A. USAF Sat Cat: 14872. Duration: 181.91 days. Decay Date: 1984-10-02. Crew: Malyshev, Sharma, Strekalov. Flight: Salyut 7 EP-3, Salyut 7 EO-3.

    Manned three crew. Docked with Salyut 7.Transported a Soviet-Indian international crew comprising ship's commander Y V Malyshev, flight engineer G M Strekalov (USSR) and cosmonaut-researcher R Sharma (India) to the SALYUT-7 orbital station to conduct scientific and technical studies and experiments.

1985 - 08:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1644 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 335 km (208 mi). Inclination: 70.30 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1985-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 15636. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-04-17.

    Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule.

1986 - 10:36 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute NASA 29.24UE.
  • Terrier Malemute Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1989 - 02:27 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute NASA 29.27UE.
  • Terrier Malemute Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1990 - 12:02 GMT - Launch Site: Palmachim. Launch Vehicle: Shavit. Model: Shaviyt. LV Configuration: Shaviyt 2.
  • Ofeq-2 Nation: Israel. Program: Offeq. Mass: 160 kg (350 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Ofeq 1-2. Agency: Israeli Space Agency. Perigee: 149 km (92 mi). Apogee: 251 km (155 mi). Inclination: 143.20 deg. Period: 88.50 min. COSPAR: 1990-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 20540. Decay Date: 1990-07-09.

    Communication experiments.

1990 - 12:02 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43. Launch Pad: LC43. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Yantar-4K1 Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: UNKS. COSPAR: F900403A.

    High resolution photo reconnaissance mission.

1995 - 13:48 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: RW30. Launch Pad: L-1011. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Model: Pegasus H. LV Configuration: Pegasus H F8.
  • Orbcomm F1 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM1. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 728 km (452 mi). Apogee: 747 km (464 mi). Inclination: 69.98 deg. Period: 99.56 min. COSPAR: 1995-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 23545.

    Commercial communications testbed. Plane F. Ascending node 199.1 degrees.

  • Orbcomm F2 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM2. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Microstar. Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 728 km (452 mi). Apogee: 747 km (464 mi). Inclination: 69.98 deg. Period: 99.56 min. COSPAR: 1995-017B. USAF Sat Cat: 23546.

    Commercial communications testbed. Plane F. Ascending node 198.5 degrees.

  • Orbview-1 Nation: USA. Payload: Microlab 1. Mass: 74 kg (163 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: Microstar. Agency: Orbimage. Perigee: 733 km (455 mi). Apogee: 747 km (464 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 99.60 min. COSPAR: 1995-017C. USAF Sat Cat: 23547.

    Lightning mapper; GPS radio occultation.

1996 - 15:59 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9CM1.
  • Black Brant Aeronomy mission? Nation: USA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

    Microgravity experiments.

1996 - 23:01 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: LC36A. Launch Vehicle: Atlas IIA. Model: Atlas IIA. LV Configuration: Atlas IIA AC-122 / Centaur II.
  • Inmarsat 3 F1 Nation: International. Program: Inmarsat. Mass: 2,068 kg (4,559 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 4000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Inmarsat. Perigee: 35,767 km (22,224 mi). Apogee: 35,806 km (22,248 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1996-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 23839.

    Geostationary at 64.1E. Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit with RAAN Cntl trajectory option. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 64 deg E in 1996-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 63.98 deg E drifting at 0.003 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 64.52E drifting at 0.006W degrees per day.

2003 -
  • Stardust Enters Solar Conjuction Spacecraft: Stardust.


Born on this day in:

Died on this day in:
  • 1995 - Werner Sieber.  German Rocket engineer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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