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1931 - Launch Vehicle: Tiling.

  • Tiling rocket Nation: Germany. Apogee: 0.80 km (0.50 mi).

    Reinhold Tiling, financed by Baron von Ledebour, publicly demonstrates his compressed black powder rocket design at Osnabrueck. The 1.8 m long rocket uses flip-out wings for recovery, and reach altitudes of 800 m.

1943 - Launch Vehicle: V-2.
  • V-2 development detected by British Intelligence. Nation: Germany.

    Prime Minister Winston Churchill of England was informed of reports on German experiments with long-range rockets.

1950 -
  • Missile development moved to Redstone Arsenal. Nation: USA. Program: Explorer.

    Peenemuende team moved from White Sands to Huntsville

1955 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 215.
  • Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1956 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone.
  • First Redstone batallion formed. Nation: USA.

    The first Redstone missile battalion, the 217th Field Artillery Missile Battalion, was formally activated at Redstone Arsenal.

1959 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Model: Saturn A-1.
  • Use of Titan for Saturn upper stages Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.

    In response to a request by the DOD-NASA) Saturn Ad Hoc Committee, the Army Ordnance Missile Command (AOMC) sent a supplement to the "Saturn System Study" to the Advanced Research Projects Agency ARPA describing the use of Titan for Saturn upper stages. - Additional details.

1960 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: ALA3. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone 2021.
  • T-1 Capsule Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi).

    Successful missile test. Missed aimpoint by 17 m.

1960 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Luna 8K72. LV Configuration: Vostok-L 8K72 L1-9. FAILURE: The third stage RO-5 engine either did not reach full thrust or shut down early.
  • Luna failure - third stage insufficient delta V Nation: USSR. Program: Luna. Payload: E-3 s/n 1. Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Luna E-3. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F600415A. Decay Date: 1960-04-15.

    Reached an altitude of 200,000 km before plunging back to earth.

1960 - 20:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena A. LV Configuration: Thor Agena A 234 / Agena A 1055.
  • Discoverer 11 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-1 9008 / Agena A 1055. Mass: 790 kg (1,740 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 166 km (103 mi). Apogee: 603 km (374 mi). Inclination: 80.40 deg. Period: 92.20 min. COSPAR: 1960-Delta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 32. Decay Date: 1960-04-26.

    KH-1; film capsule recovery failed. Mission failed. Attitude control system malfunctioned.

1961 - 13:58 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: LC41/pad?. Launch Vehicle: R-16. LV Configuration: R-16 7L-12T. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1964 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • After reviewing the results of Gemini-Titan (GT) 1, the Gemini Management Panel remained optimistic that manned flight could be accomplished in 1964. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3.

    According to the work schedule, GT-2 could fly on August 24 and GT-3 on November 16, with comfortable allowances for four-week slips for each mission. Some special attention was devoted to GT-2, where the spacecraft had become the pacing item, a position held by the launch vehicle on GT-1. Spacecraft No. 2 systems tests had started one month late but were proceeding well. In addition, the schedule looked tight for starting spacecraft No. 3 systems tests on June 1.

1964 - 01:21 GMT - Launch Site: Ascension. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.24UA.
  • UM Pitot 5 / Fire calibration Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 158 km (98 mi).

1964 - 15:56 GMT - Launch Site: Ascension. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.23UA.
  • UM Pitot 6 / Fire calibration Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 158 km (98 mi).

1964 - 23:25 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 12.03GT/GI.
  • Ionosphere / test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 727 km (451 mi).

1965 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • First ground test firing of S-II stage Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.

1965 -
  • First firing of the Apollo LEM ascent engine test rig Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.

    The first firing of the LEM ascent engine test rig (HA-3) was successfully conducted at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. A second firing on April 23 lasted 14.45 sec instead of 10 sec as planned. A third firing, lasting 30 sec, completed the test series. A helium pressurization system would be installed before additional testing could begin.

1965 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Martin-Denver delivered the propellant tanks for Gemini launch vehicle 8 to Martin-Baltimore. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 8.

    Tank fabrication had begun September 25, 1964. Aerojet-General delivered the stage I engine on June 16 and the stage II on August 20. In the meantime, tank splicing was completed August 3. Engine installation was completed September 23, and all hoizontal testing ended September 27.

1965 -
  • Interkosmos program authorised. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: DS-U1-IK.

    Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On Co-operation of the USSR and Socialist Countries in the Sphere of Research and Use of Space-international co-operation' was issued.

1965 - 10:45 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.127UA.
  • AF-142 thermodynamic comparison Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 198 km (123 mi).

1965 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: Pacific Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 52.6 S x 78.3 W. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.25UA.
  • UM Pitot 15 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

    Launched at 1965 Croatan MRF Expedition LP41 - - Latitude: 52.58 S - Longitude: 78.33 W.

1965 - 18:02 GMT - Launch Site: Pacific Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 52.5 S x 78.2 W. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.100UA.
  • Composition Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

    Launched at 1965 Croatan MRF Expedition LP42 - - Latitude: 52.52 S - Longitude: 78.22 W.

1966 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3 Atlas / Agena D.
  • Evaluation of a Lockheed proposal to launch space probes from orbit using Agena rockets launched from AAP stations in space. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Orbital Workshop.

    Associate Administrator for Manned Space Fight George E. Mueller informed Deputy Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., of the Saturn/Apollo Applications Program Office's evaluation of a Lockheed proposal to launch space probes from orbit using Agena rockets launched from AAP stations in space. The proposal was feasible, Mueller advised, but did not seem a desirable mission for inclusion in the AAP. - Additional details.

1966 -
  • NASA said to need a manned space flight goal other than "using Apollo hardware" - a Mars flyby or landing mission. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: IMIS 1968, Von Braun Mars Expedition - 1969.

    MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth summarized Houston's position expressed during discussions with Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller two days earlier. Gilruth cited NASA s need for a manned space flight goal other than 'using Apollo hardware' (and suggested a Mars flyby or landing mission as an in-house focus for planning.) Also, he repeated his concern over the imbalance between AAP goals and resources, as well as the extent of engineering redesign and hardware modification that had been forced upon the project. Though expressing his and MSC's desire to contribute to and be a part of AAP, Gilruth voiced concern that 'the future of manned space flight . . . is in jeopardy because we do not have firm goals, and because the present approach appears to us to be technically unsound.'

1966 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF07. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1312.
  • Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 - 09:34 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511.
  • Cosmos 213 Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz. Payload: Soyuz 7K-OK (P) s/n 7. Mass: 6,500 kg (14,300 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-OK. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 188 km (116 mi). Apogee: 254 km (157 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1968-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 3193. Duration: 5.02 days. Decay Date: 1968-04-20.

    Cosmos 213 was the target for Cosmos 212 in a successful test of Soyuz 7K-OK rendezvous and docking systems. The Cosmos 213 launch was the most accurate yet. The spacecraft was placed in orbit only 4 km from Cosmos 212, ready for a first-orbit docking. Both spacecraft were recovered, but Cosmos 213 was dragged by heavy wind across the steppes when the parachute lines didn't jettison at touchdown. This failure caused the upcoming Soyuz 2/3 manned docking mission to be scaled back.
    Officially: Investigation of outer space, development of new systems and elements to be used in the construction of space devices. - Additional details.

1969 - 08:14 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 279 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Apogee: 267 km (165 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 89.00 min. COSPAR: 1969-038A. USAF Sat Cat: 3893. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-04-23.

    High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule

1969 - 11:03 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: C. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C39/2.
  • ESRO C39 / 2 Aurora mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 134 km (83 mi).

1969 - 17:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3B. LV Configuration: Titan IIIB 3B-21.
  • OPS 5310 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-8 no. 21 / Agena D. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-8. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 135 km (83 mi). Apogee: 410 km (250 mi). Inclination: 108.80 deg. Period: 90.00 min. COSPAR: 1969-039A. USAF Sat Cat: 3895. Decay Date: 1969-04-30.

    KH-8 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

1970 -
  • Apollo 13 swings behind the moon Nation: USA. Flight: Apollo 13.

    At 00:21:35 GMT Apollo 13 passed behind the moon, out of radio contact with earth. Flying high above the lunar surface, the crew reached a distance of 401,056 km from the center of the earth, an all-time altitude record. At 02:40:39 GMT the cold, exhausted, and ailing crew conducted a completely manual 4 minute 23 second burn of the LM descent engine to reduce the coast time back to earth and moved the landing point from the Indian Ocean to the South Pacific. - Additional details.

1970 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC161/35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36 8K67P.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1970 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 333 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 219 km (136 mi). Apogee: 239 km (148 mi). Inclination: 81.30 deg. Period: 89.10 min. COSPAR: 1970-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 4373. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1970-04-28.

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

1970 - 15:52 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3B. LV Configuration: Titan 23B 23B-4 (3B-26).
  • OPS 2863 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-8 no. 26 / Agena D. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-8. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 130 km (80 mi). Apogee: 388 km (241 mi). Inclination: 111.00 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1970-031A. USAF Sat Cat: 4375. Decay Date: 1970-05-06.

    KH-8 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

1971 -
  • Anokhin injured Nation: USSR.

    Anokhin injured in the crash of a Tu-16 into the Aral Sea. The bomber was flying parabolas for zero-G tests of the engine of the Block L stage of Mishin's bureau, to study why the stage was continually failing to restart in earth orbit.

1971 - Launch Vehicle: N1.
  • Salyut preparations Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3, Salyut, Almaz. Spacecraft: Salyut 1, Almaz OPS, MKBS.

    The Salyut station was prepared in a huge two story bunker built for launch vehicle / payload processing. The contrast between the money lavished by the military on this facility for Chelomei's projects and the limited funds available for a proper N1 preparation and test facilities was enormous. Here funds were available without limit. The air was controlled by a self-contained environmental control system with its own independent electrical-diesel generators. The facility was a miracle. It was shocking that this was made available for Almaz, while the military told Mishin that he would have to prepare the immense MKBS station in the uncontrolled environment, subject to frequent power blackouts, of the N1 facility. At Chelomei's facility, everything was completely checked out on earth prior to launch.

1971 -
  • Salyut 1 erected on pad. Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut. Spacecraft: Salyut 1. Flight: Soyuz 10, Soyuz 11, Soyuz 12 / DOS 1.

    The Proton booster is erected on the pad. The decision is made to proceed despite a prediction of 15 m/s winds -- the prediction turns out to be wrong. All of the big brass are present for the rollout. Afterwards Mishin visits the cosmonauts. He says all is ready for the first space station mission, and promises them the N1-L3 will be available soon for lunar missions.

1971 - Launch Site: WTR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2.
  • Safeguard M1-7 Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1971 - 00:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 1. LV Configuration: Petrel P66K.
  • Winds / E field Aurora mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 131 km (81 mi).

1971 - 09:19 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: Diamant. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Diamant. Model: Diamant B. LV Configuration: Diamant B No. 3.
  • Tournesol Nation: France. Payload: D-2A. Mass: 96 kg (211 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Geodetic. Spacecraft: D. Agency: CNES. Perigee: 457 km (283 mi). Apogee: 696 km (432 mi). Inclination: 46.30 deg. Period: 96.20 min. COSPAR: 1971-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 5128. Decay Date: 1980-01-28.

1972 - 00:45 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.106-2.
  • Release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 148 km (91 mi).

1972 - 01:04 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Paiute Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Paiute Tomahawk CRL A10.005-1.
  • Release Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF CRL. Apogee: 229 km (142 mi).

1972 - 06:22 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 170. LV Configuration: Aerobee 170 CRL A04.004-7.
  • HISTAR 5 Infrared astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 177 km (109 mi).

1975 -
  • Test Pilot John Barron McKay dies at age of 52 -- Cancer stemming from X-15 crash injuries. Nation: USA.

1978 - 16:39 GMT - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA2B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: FB-1. LV Configuration: Feng Bao 1 701(II)-02.
  • DDDS test Nation: China. Agency: PRC. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1979 - 09:25 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.218GE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

1979 - 09:31 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute NASA 29.11GE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 671 km (416 mi).

1981 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1264 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 382 km (237 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-035A. USAF Sat Cat: 12400. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-04-29.

    Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1982 - 07:20 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.1028GE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

1982 - 14:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1350 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-2K s/n 978. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-2K. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 172 km (106 mi). Apogee: 355 km (220 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1982-032A. USAF Sat Cat: 13134. Duration: 31.00 days. Decay Date: 1982-05-16.

    Area survey photo reconnaissance; returned film in two small SpK capsules during the mission and with the main capsule at completion of the mission.

1983 - 18:45 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 24B. LV Configuration: Titan 24B 24B-27 (3B-63).
  • OPS 2925 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-8 no. 53 / Agena D. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-8. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 131 km (81 mi). Apogee: 305 km (189 mi). Inclination: 96.50 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1983-032A. USAF Sat Cat: 14001. Decay Date: 1983-08-21.

    KH-8 type satellite. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C).

1984 - 08:12 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2.
  • Progress 20 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 7. Payload: Progress s/n 121. Mass: 7,200 kg (15,800 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Apogee: 260 km (160 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 89.00 min. COSPAR: 1984-038A. USAF Sat Cat: 14932. Duration: 21.68 days. Completed Operations Date: 1984-05-07 00:32:58 PM. Decay Date: 1984-05-07 00:32:58 PM. Flight: Salyut 7 EO-3.

    Transport of various cargoes to the Salyut-7 orbital station. First launch of Progress by Soyuz-U2 launch vehicle. Docked with Salyut 7 on 17 Apr 1984 09:22:00 GMT. Undocked on 6 May 1984 17:46:00 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 7 May 1984 00:32:51 GMT. Total free-flight time 2.33 days. Total docked time 19.35 days.

1986 - 1986 - 11:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1740 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Zenit-8. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 362 km (224 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.10 min. COSPAR: 1986-029A. USAF Sat Cat: 16679. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-04-28.

    Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule.

1988 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: Jubilee. Launch Pad: -.
  • Buran Analog BST-02 flight 25 Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Buran Analogue. Location of Spacecraft: Zhukovskiy Aerodrome, Moscow. Crew: Stankiavicius, Volk.

    Time 19 minutes. Final Buran Analog flight test. At the same time development of the auto-land system aboard the Tu-154 test bed is completed as well.

1988 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4.
  • Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1988 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4.
  • Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1988 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4.
  • Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1988 - 04:11 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4.
  • Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1991 - 22:10 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5.
  • DASO-6 demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1992 - 07:17 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47178-419.
  • Cosmos 2184 Nation: Russia. Mass: 825 kg (1,818 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 965 km (599 mi). Apogee: 1,014 km (630 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1992-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 21937.

    Military navigation satellite. Positioned in plane 2 of constellation.

1992 - 09:09 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Super Chief. Model: HPB. LV Configuration: HPB Firebird 1B.
  • Target / decoys mission Nation: USA. Agency: OSC. Apogee: 450 km (270 mi).

1992 - 23:25 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L+ V50.
  • Telecom 2B Nation: France. Program: Telecom. Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Eurostar 2000. Manufacturer: Matra Marconi Space-France, Toulouse. Agency: France T. Perigee: 35,769 km (22,225 mi). Apogee: 35,804 km (22,247 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1992-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 21939.

    Stationed at 3 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 5 deg W in 1992-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 24.98 deg E drifting at 0.634 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 77.10W drifting at 2.683W degrees per day.

  • Inmarsat 2 F4 Nation: International. Program: Inmarsat. Mass: 1,385 kg (3,053 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Eurostar 1000. Manufacturer: Matra Marconi Space-France, Toulouse. Agency: Inmarsat. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,796 km (22,242 mi). Inclination: 2.40 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1992-021B. USAF Sat Cat: 21940.

    Stationed at 55 deg W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 54 deg W in 1992-1997; 17 deg W in 1997-1999; DRIFT As of 4 September 2001 located at 109.00 deg E drifting at 0.022 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 108.99E drifting at 0.020W degrees per day.

1995 - 10:07 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.137CL.
  • EUVS Spica Occulation Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 260 km (160 mi).

1998 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36M2 15A18M.
  • Dnepr Demo test Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1999 - 00:46 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U/Ikar S15000-060 ST03.
  • Globalstar M019 Nation: USA. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 25676.

    The Ikar upper stage entered a 234 km x 900 km transfer orbit, then maneuvered to dispense the four spacecraft into 900 km x 950 km x 52.0 deg parking orbits. The satellite's own thrusters would be used to place them into their 1410 km circular operational orbits. The Ikar stage deorbited itself after one day. The Globalstar satellites, built by Alenia and Loral, are L-band comsats which provide satellite phone service.

  • Globalstar M042 Nation: USA. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1999-019B. USAF Sat Cat: 25677.

  • Globalstar M044 Nation: USA. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1999-019C. USAF Sat Cat: 25678.

  • Globalstar M045 Nation: USA. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Agency: Globalst. Perigee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 52.00 deg. COSPAR: 1999-019D. USAF Sat Cat: 25679.

1999 - 18:32 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7920-10. LV Configuration: Delta 7920-10 D268.
  • Landsat 7 Nation: USA. Program: Landsat. Mass: 1,969 kg (4,340 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Landsat 7. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Valley Forge. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 702 km (436 mi). Apogee: 703 km (436 mi). Inclination: 98.20 deg. Period: 98.80 min. COSPAR: 1999-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 25682.

    The vehicle entered a 175 km x 706 km x 98.2 deg initial orbit. 57 minutes after launch the Delta stage burned again to circularize the orbit at 668 km x 698 km and Landsat 7 separated from the stage. The Delta stage then burned to depletion of its propellant, into a 184 km x 710 km x 107.5 deg orbit that would decay quickly. The Landsat 7 remote sensing satellite was to be operated by NASA/Goddard until October 2000, when operations would be transferred to the US Geological Survey.

2003 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 20 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne.

    Flight Time: 0.7 hours Pilot: Melvill Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Repeat airshow maneuver practice Results: Minor tweaks to refine the airshow demonstration maneuvers.

2003 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 19 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne.

    Flight Time: 1.2 hours Pilot: Melvill Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Airshow maneuver practice. First flight with Spaceship launch system installed. Results: Satisfactory airshow results for various wind conditions. Launch system satisfactory.

2005 - 00:45 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz FG. LV Configuration: Soyuz-FG Zh15000-014 / ISS-10S.
  • Soyuz TMA-6 Nation: Russia. Program: ISS. Payload: Soyuz TMA s/n 216. Mass: 7,250 kg (15,980 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz TMA. Perigee: 350 km (210 mi). Apogee: 360 km (220 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.60 min. COSPAR: 2005-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 28640. Decay Date: 2005-10-11. Crew: Krikalyov, Phillips, Vittori. Flight: ISS EO-11, ISS EP-8, ISS EO-10.

    The Soyuz TMA-6 docked with International Space Station's Pirs module at 02:20 GMT on April 17. Commander of the long-duration EO-11 crew was Russian cosmonaut Sergey Krikalyov. Flight engineer and science officer was American astronaut John Phillips. Italian Roberto Vittori accompanied the EO-10 crew aboard Soyuz TMA-6 to the station on the European Space Agency EP-8 Eneide mission.

2005 - 17:26 GMT - Launch Site: Point Arguello WADZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 36.0 N x 123.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Model: Pegasus XL/HAPS. LV Configuration: Pegasus XL/HAPS F36.
  • DART Nation: USA. Mass: 360 kg (790 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Rendezvous. Spacecraft: DART. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 395 km (245 mi). Apogee: 747 km (464 mi). Inclination: 96.60 deg. Period: 96.10 min. COSPAR: 2005-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 28642.

    Delayed from April 15; October 18, 19, 26, 28; Nov. 4, 9 and 11; 2004, and March 2, 2005. Autonomous Rendezvous Technology mission, planned to guide itself to within a few metres of a US satellite. On April 16, DART closed within 100 m of the MUBLCOM satellite, then evidently began a series of out-of-control maneuvers resulting in an in-space collission and MUBLCOM being bumped into a 3 to 5 km higher orbit. Remarkably both satellites continued to function. DART then detected that it was running unexpectedly low on nitrogen cold gas used for orientation. Its autonomous software aborted further rendezvous operations and the DART was deorbited shortly thereafter.

2006 - 01:40 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC8. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minotaur. Model: Minotaur 1. LV Configuration: Minotaur 1 5.
  • Formosat 3A Nation: Taiwan. Mass: 70 kg (154 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: MicroStar. Manufacturer: OSC. Agency: NSPO. Perigee: 496 km (308 mi). Apogee: 538 km (334 mi). Inclination: 72.00 deg. Period: 95.00 min. COSPAR: 2006-011A. USAF Sat Cat: 29047.

    FORMOSAT-3 consisted of six small 62 kg Orbcomm-type satellites with GPS receivers which were to measure atmospheric conditions by studying the effect of the atmosphere on GPS satellite signals passing through it. The satellites, also known as COSMIC (Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate), would eventually be positioned in equally spaced orbit planes at around 800 km altitude.

  • Formosat 3B Nation: Taiwan. Mass: 70 kg (154 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: MicroStar. Manufacturer: OSC. Agency: NSPO. Perigee: 500 km (310 mi). Apogee: 541 km (336 mi). Inclination: 72.00 deg. Period: 95.00 min. COSPAR: 2006-011B. USAF Sat Cat: 29048.

  • Formosat 3C Nation: Taiwan. Mass: 70 kg (154 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: MicroStar. Manufacturer: OSC. Agency: NSPO. Perigee: 567 km (352 mi). Apogee: 681 km (423 mi). Inclination: 72.00 deg. Period: 97.20 min. COSPAR: 2006-011C. USAF Sat Cat: 29049.

  • Formosat 3D Nation: Taiwan. Mass: 70 kg (154 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: MicroStar. Manufacturer: OSC. Agency: NSPO. Perigee: 496 km (308 mi). Apogee: 538 km (334 mi). Inclination: 72.00 deg. Period: 95.00 min. COSPAR: 2006-011D. USAF Sat Cat: 29050.

  • Formosat 3E Nation: Taiwan. Mass: 70 kg (154 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: MicroStar. Manufacturer: OSC. Agency: NSPO. Perigee: 496 km (308 mi). Apogee: 538 km (334 mi). Inclination: 72.00 deg. Period: 95.00 min. COSPAR: 2006-011E. USAF Sat Cat: 29051.

  • Formosat 3F Nation: Taiwan. Mass: 70 kg (154 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: MicroStar. Manufacturer: OSC. Agency: NSPO. Perigee: 497 km (308 mi). Apogee: 542 km (336 mi). Inclination: 72.00 deg. Period: 95.00 min. COSPAR: 2006-011F. USAF Sat Cat: 29052.


Born on this day in:
  • 1909 - Hans Paul.  German Rocket engineer. Birth City: Hainbernheim. Birth Country: Germany.
  • 1951 - John Lynch Phillips.  American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Birth City: Fort Belvoir. Birth State: Virginia. Birth Country: USA.
  • 1951 - Marsha Sue Ivins.  Jewish American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Birth City: Baltimore. Birth State: Maryland. Birth Country: USA.
  • 1965 - Soichi Noguchi.  Japanese Mission Specialist Astronaut. Birth City: Yokohama. Birth State: Kanagawa. Birth Country: Japan.

Died on this day in:
  • 1975 - John Barron McKay.  American Pilot Test Pilot. Cause of Death: Liver failure stemming from X-15 crash injuries.
  • 1986 - Sergei Nikolayevich Anokhin.  Russian Engineer Cosmonaut. Cause of Death: Natural causes.
  • 1993 - Nikolai Nikolayevich Smirnitskiy.  Russian Military Officer.

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© Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.