See also Born on this Day On this day in: 1953 -
1953 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-11. Model: R-11. -
Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). Massive problems were encountered in the difficult test series - with poor-quality kerosene fuel, handling and leakage of the propellants, and reliable start of the engine. But the Red Army saw much more promise in the design than in Korolev's cumbersome liquid oxygen rockets.
1953 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Bechar. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. LV Configuration: Veronique N11. FAILURE: Failure. -
Test mission Nation: France. Agency: FR. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).
1958 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris TV. LV Configuration: Polaris TV 1-204-11. -
Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).
1960 - Launch Vehicle: T-7.
1960 - 23:09 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout X. LV Configuration: Scout X SX-1. FAILURE: Vehicle broke up after first-stage burnout.
1961 - 04:40 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NB3.104. -
NRL NB3.104 Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 242 km (150 mi).
1961 - 12:27 GMT - Launch Site: Akita. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 8. LV Configuration: Kappa 8 K-8-6. -
Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).
1962 - Launch Site: Lowry AFB. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. -
Titan I ICBM 848th SMS (nine missiles) declared operational at Lowry AFB Nation: USA.
1962 - 00:54 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 331 / Agena B 1124.
1962 - 18:17 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC26A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jupiter. LV Configuration: Jupiter IRBM CM-114. -
CTL Nation: Turkey. Agency: Turkey. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Combat Training Launch fired from AMR at 1317 hours and 54.1 seconds EST to a predicted impact point of 1,514 nm from the firing site. All functions of the flight were normal up to 153 seconds, at which time fuel depletion was reached and normal guidance cut-off was not achieved. The missile impacted approximately 230 miles short of the intended target. All missions assigned to the NATO training launch crew were accomplished.
1963 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1963 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC38. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Model: Nike Zeus. LV Configuration: Nike Zeus-3. -
Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).
1963 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1963 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. -
Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1963 - 20:16 GMT - Launch Site: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 36.1 N x 116.0 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 3-15-25. FAILURE: Nose gear scoop door opens at Mach 3.4.
1963 - 21:00 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 300A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 300A NASA 06.07GA. -
Thermo Probe 2(AE-A) Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 342 km (212 mi).
1964 - 00:38 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.73GA. -
Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi).
1964 - 00:59 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.83GA. -
Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi).
1966 - -
Apollo spacecraft 007 and 011 delivered Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM. Spacecraft 007 and 011 were delivered to NASA by North American Aviation. Spacecraft 007 was delivered to Houston to be used for water impact and flotation tests in the Gulf of Mexico and in an environmental tank at Ellington AFB. It contained all recovery systems required during actual flight and the total configuration was that of a flight CM. The CM of spacecraft 011 was similar to those in which astronauts would ride in later flights and the SM contained support systems including environmental control and fuel cell systems and the main service propulsion system. Spacecraft 011 was scheduled to be launched during the third quarter of 1966.
1966 - -
Lunar Worm Planetary Roving Vehicle Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Worm. ASPO Manager Joseph F. Shea and members of his organization were invited to attend the formal presentation by the Aeronutronic Division of Philco Corp. on a "Study of Lunar Worm Planetary Roving Vehicle Concept," at LaRC on May 3. The exploratory study to determine the feasibility of a bellows-concept mobile vehicle included a mobility and traction analysis for several kinds of bellows motion and several soil surfaces; analysis of both metallic and nonmetallic construction to provide the bellows structure; brief design studies of the concept as applied to a small unmanned vehicle, a supply vehicle, a small lunar shelter, a large lunar shelter; and an overall evaluation of the suitability of the concept for carrying out various missions as compared with other vehicles.
1966 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. -
Stage I of Gemini launch vehicle 11 was erected in the west cell of the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 11. After completing horizontal tests April 25, stage II was erected April 29. Power was applied to the vehicle for the first time on May 9, and Subsystems Functional Verification Tests were completed June 8.
1966 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. -
Military training launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi).
1967 - 09:20 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AF07.384. -
Mass spectrometer Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 135 km (83 mi).
1967 - 10:21 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AF07.386. -
Mass spectrometer Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 138 km (85 mi).
1967 - 11:40 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AF07.560. -
Sphere / Ion trap Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi).
1967 - 20:08 GMT - Launch Site: Point Barrow. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.228GM. -
Grenade Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 120 km (70 mi).
1968 - -
Two men are killed working on the N1. Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3.
1968 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576A1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas E. LV Configuration: Atlas E 77E. -
ABRES RVTO-1A-1 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi).
1968 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: PU33. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36 8K67. -
8F765 warhead state trials flight Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1968 - 05:42 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 2. LV Configuration: Black Brant II AKD-2A-110. -
Auroral breakup Aurora / aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi).
1968 - 06:14 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 2. LV Configuration: Black Brant II AKD-2A-112. -
Auroral breakup Aurora / aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 155 km (96 mi).
1968 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
1968 - 22:29 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC86/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 2. Model: Kosmos 11K63.
1969 -
1969 -
1969 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC161/35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36 8K67. -
State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1969 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF25. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2287. -
ST 3 Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).
1969 - 05:47 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk CRL AT08.288. -
Magnetic field Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 296 km (183 mi).
1969 - 05:48 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AH07.297. -
Magnetic field Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi).
1969 - 13:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 174 km (108 mi).
1969 - 15:20 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. -
Solar Extreme ultraviolet mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 178 km (110 mi).
1970 - Launch Vehicle: N1, Saturn V. -
Kamanin considers the Apollo 13 mission. Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3, Apollo. Flight: Apollo 13. He believes it was a 'true test' of American technical capability in space. The saving of the American astronauts demonstrated the robust redundancy in the American Saturn V - Apollo design, as compared with the Soviet N1-L3. The latter, Kamanin remarks, is a bad launch vehicle, boosting a bad spacecraft. Kamanin sees the Soviet science fiction film Solaris - and finds it too fantastic for his taste.
1971 -
1973 - 04:25 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF02. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. -
FOT GT112M Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).
1974 - 08:40 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Paiute Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Paiute Tomahawk CRL A10.312-3. -
ICECAP 74B Echo 3? Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF CRL. Apogee: 185 km (114 mi).
1975 -
1975 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. -
FOT-9 Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).
1975 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. -
FOT-9 Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).
1975 - Launch Site: Tonopah. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. FAILURE: Failure. -
Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).
1975 - 10:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
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Nauka Cosmos 728 Nation: USSR. Payload: Nauka. Spacecraft: Nauka. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 199 km (123 mi). Apogee: 313 km (194 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 89.63 min. COSPAR: 1975-031G. USAF Sat Cat: 7779. Decay Date: 1975-05-16.
1975 - 16:48 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 24B. LV Configuration: Titan 24B 24B-14 (3B-48).
1976 - 23:55 GMT - Launch Site: Thumba. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure 2B. LV Configuration: Centaure 2B ISRO 5.32. -
ISRO 5.32 Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi).
1978 - Launch Site: Thumba. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: RH. -
AST 1 Technology mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).
1979 -
1979 - 09:09 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute NASA 29.12GE. -
Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).
1979 - 09:15 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.217GE. -
Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).
1979 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. -
Cosmos 1094 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 426 km (264 mi). Apogee: 442 km (274 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 93.30 min. COSPAR: 1979-033A. USAF Sat Cat: 11333. Decay Date: 1979-09-30. Ocean monitoring.
1980 - 00:51 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. -
Cosmos 1174 Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Military. Type: ASAT. Spacecraft: IS-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 372 km (231 mi). Apogee: 1,419 km (881 mi). Inclination: 66.10 deg. Period: 102.90 min. COSPAR: 1980-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 11765. Decay Date: 1980-04-20. ASAT interceptor. First test of ASAT after extended storage. Missed Cosmos 1171 target by a large distance; over the two following days two more attempts were made with the backup engine, but all failed. On 20 April the satellite was ordered to self-destruct in orbit, ending the longest ASAT interceptor mission.
1980 - 17:31 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. FAILURE: Fourth stage failure.
1981 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC172. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-UR-100. Model: MR-UR-100U 15A16. -
Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1985 - 21:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. -
Cosmos 1646 Nation: USSR. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-P. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 378 km (234 mi). Apogee: 399 km (247 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 1985-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 15653. Decay Date: 1987-11-30. Ocean monitoring.
1986 - 15:35 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.59UU. -
CWAS 13 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).
1986 - 17:45 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 34D. LV Configuration: Titan 34D 34D-9 (04D-2). FAILURE: SRM case insulation burned through, causing case burn-through and catastrophic explosion over pad at T+8.5 seconds. -
KH-9 no. 20 Nation: USA. Mass: 13,300 kg (29,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-9. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F860418A. Decay Date: 1986-04-18. KH-9 type satellite.
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SSF-D No. 6 Nation: USA. Payload: SSF-D No. 6. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F860418B. Decay Date: 1986-04-18.
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SRV-2 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV-2. Mass: 11,400 kg (25,100 lb). Spacecraft: KH-9. Agency: USAF AFSC. COSPAR: F860418C.
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SRV-3 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV-3. Mass: 11,400 kg (25,100 lb). Spacecraft: KH-9. Agency: USAF AFSC. COSPAR: F860418D.
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SRV-4 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV-4. Mass: 11,400 kg (25,100 lb). Spacecraft: KH-9. Agency: USAF AFSC. COSPAR: F860418E.
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SRV-1 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV-1. Mass: 11,400 kg (25,100 lb). Spacecraft: KH-9. Agency: USAF AFSC. COSPAR: F860418F.
1986 - 19:50 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML.
1987 - 03:00 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3TK. -
Chevaline demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: RN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1991 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
1991 - 18:33 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: TP-01. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: SICBM. LV Configuration: SICBM FTM-2A. -
Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1991 - 23:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas I. LV Configuration: Atlas I AC-70. FAILURE: RL-10 Centaur engine turbopump failed at T+361 seconds; destroyed by range safety. -
Yuri 3H Nation: Japan. Program: BS. Payload: BS-3H. Mass: 600 kg (1,320 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 3000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: TSCJ. Apogee: 175 km (108 mi). COSPAR: F910418A. Decay Date: 1991-04-18.
1994 - 04:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.109UG. -
JHU FOT 11R Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).
1995 - 18:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.108DS. -
Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 247 km (153 mi).
1998 - 04:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.177UG. -
SCARI 2 Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).
1998 - 07:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.160UG. -
Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).
2001 - 10:13 GMT - Launch Site: Sriharikota. Launch Complex: PSLV. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: GSLV. LV Configuration: GSLV-D1. -
GSAT-1 Nation: India. Program: Insat. Payload: GramSat. Mass: 1,530 kg (3,370 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Gsat. Manufacturer: ISRO. Agency: ISRO. Perigee: 33,825 km (21,017 mi). Apogee: 35,814 km (22,253 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,387.00 min. COSPAR: 2001-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 26745. Experimental Rural Communications satellite. Launch delayed following pad abort on March 28. First launch of the Indian GSLV launch vehicle. GSat 1 was an Indian, 1500 kg scaled-dow) test model of a future geosynchronous communications spacecraft with a 440 N ISRO liquid apogee motor, and S-band and C-band ommunications transponders, similar to the Insat-2 satellites. The motor for the cryogenic, hydrogen-oxygen upper stage had been purchased from Russia but the design had never flown in space before. The stage cut off without providing the required delta-V - preliminary analysis revealed a shortfall of 0.5% in the thrust. An attempt was made to reach a usable orbit using the station-keeping motor of the GSAT satellite itself. After a series of burns, GSat 1 ran out of propellant - 10 kg more fuel would have been required to reach a stationary orbit. In the end, the parameters of the drifting (about 13 deg/day) orbit were period 23 hours, apogee 35,665 km, perigee 33,806 km, and inclination 0.99 deg. The fully functional transponders and transmitters on board were deactivated on instructions of the International Telecommunications Union. As of 4 September 2001 located at 54.88 deg E drifting at 13.212 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 50.16W drifting at 12.778E degrees per day.
2002 - -
Stardust At Aphelion (2.72 AU) Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Stardust.
2003 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One. -
Tier One roll out / White Knight Flight 21 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Scaled Composites (Mojave, California, USA) rolls out their X-Prize vehicle, consisting of the White Knight carrier aircraft and SpaceShipOne spaceplane. This is followed by a demonstration flight by the White Knight carrier-launch aircraft. Flight Time: 0.2 hours Pilot: Melvill Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Formal media rollout Results: Good show for the VIP/media audience
2003 - -
Stardust Exits Solar Conjunction Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Stardust.
2004 - 15:59 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1?. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2C. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2C CZ2C-23 (76). -
Tansuo 1 Nation: China. Payload: Shiyan 1. Mass: 204 kg (449 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Shiyan. Agency: University of Harbin. Perigee: 598 km (371 mi). Apogee: 616 km (382 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.80 min. COSPAR: 2004-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 28220. China's first transmission-type small satellite capable of stereo mapping. It was jointly designed by the Harbin Polytechnic University, Chinese Research Institute of Space Technology, Changchun Photomechanical Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)and Xi'an Surveys and Designs Institute. The experiment satellite carried out photographic surveys of China's land resources, monitored the geographical environment and conducted scientific research on mapping. It was handed over for use to the Satellite Remote-Sensing Ground Station of CAS following the on-orbit testing.
2008 - 22:17 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5. Model: Ariane 5ECA. LV Configuration: Ariane 5ECA V539.
Born on this day in: - 1907 - Werner Kuers. German Rocket engineer. Birth City: Berlin. Birth Country: Germany.
Died on this day in: . American Manager.
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