August 30 home
topic index

See also Born on this Day
On this day in:

1946 - Launch Vehicle: R-1.

  • Korolev head of Department 3, NII-88. Nation: USSR.

    Decree 'On appointment of S. P. Korolev as Chief of Department No. 3 of NII-88 SKB' was issued.

1951 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • PARD test. Nation: USA.

    First successful launching of NACA Langley's PARD of an underslung or "piggyback" rocket booster system, at Wallops Island, Va.

1951 - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: SLED. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Snark. Model: MX-775.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

1953 - 20:46 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 53.1 N x 54.8 W. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Deacon Rockoon.
  • SUI 20 Chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

    Launched at Atlantic Ocean Launch Site 11 Launch Point 13 - - Latitude: 53.13 N - Longitude: 54.75 W.

1957 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor DM-18. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18 104. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Series I research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555 ATW. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1958 - 03:10 GMT - Launch Site: Atlantic Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 49.5 S x 8.2 W. Launch Vehicle: X-17.
  • Argus II Nuclear test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 293 km (182 mi).

    Second covert Argus launch to study effect of nuclear explosions on the Van Allen radiation belts. The rocket was launched from vessel AVM1 at 49.5 deg South, 8.2 deg West; altitude reached 294 km; yield of the nuclear warhead, 1.7 kilotons.

1958 - 03:48 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2019 J-16.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 817 km (507 mi).

1958 - 04:31 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC10. Launch Pad: LC10?. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2022.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 878 km (545 mi).

1958 - 05:18 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2021 J-17.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 830 km (510 mi).

1958 - 05:52 GMT - Launch Site: Ramey. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2023.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 825 km (512 mi).

1958 - 06:36 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC10. Launch Pad: LC10?. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2025.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 699 km (434 mi).

1958 - 07:21 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2024 J-18.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 815 km (506 mi).

1958 - 22:02 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2027 J-19.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 745 km (462 mi).

1958 - 23:03 GMT - Launch Site: Ramey. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Jason. LV Configuration: Jason Jason 2026.
  • Nuclear test observation mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1960 -
  • Industry briefing on feasibility studies for the Apollo spacecraft Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.

    The Goddard Space Flight Center GSFC conducted its industry conference in Washington, D.C., presenting details of GSFC projects, current and future. The objectives of the proposed six-month feasibility contracts for an advanced manned spacecraft were announced. - Additional details.

1960 -
  • Cosmonaut medical standards set. Nation: USSR.

    Decree 866-361 'On the Status of Cosmonauts--medical requirements for cosmonauts' was issued.

1960 - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Asp. Model: Nike Asp. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Firefly Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1960 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I J-5.
  • Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1961 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone MRLV.
  • Investigation of the Mercury MR-4 explosive egress hatch. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury. Flight: Mercury MR-4.

    An investigation was conducted as a result of the premature activation of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) explosive egress hatch. Tests were initiated in an environment more severe than had been conducted in prelaunch activities and tests, but no premature firings occurred. As a backup, McDonnell was asked to design a mechanical-type hatch. The model weighed some 60 pounds more than the explosive type, so other methods had to be sought to prevent any recurrence of the incident. A procedure was initiated which stipulated that the firing plunger safety pin would be left in place until the helicopter hook was attached to the spacecraft and tension was applied to the recovery cable.

1961 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: RAM. Model: RAM A. LV Configuration: RAM A RAM A-1.
  • RAM A-1 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,280 km (790 mi).

1961 - 18:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC32B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1A 404. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi).

1961 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 323 / Agena B 1112.
  • Discoverer 29 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9023 / Agena B 1112. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 152 km (94 mi). Apogee: 542 km (336 mi). Inclination: 82.10 deg. Period: 91.50 min. COSPAR: 1961-Psi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 181. Decay Date: 1961-09-09.

    KH-3; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. First use of KH-3 camera system. All frames out of focus.

1962 -
  • Korolev supports military Vostok flights Nation: USSR. Program: Vostok. Flight: Vostok 7, Vostok 8, Vostok 9, Vostok 10, Vostok 11, Vostok 12, Vostok 13.

    Korolev, still very ill in the hospital following a collapse six days earlier, supported Kamanin's plan for acceptance of the Vostok manned spacecraft for military service with the Soviet Air Force. It could enter series production and be used for continuous military research flights. However the General Staff continued to oppose any expansion of manned space flight. It it wasn't for Khrushchev, Korolev noted, there would not be any Soviet manned space programme at all.

1963 -
  • Lunar Orbiter program approved Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Lunar Orbiter.

    NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., approved the Lunar Orbiter program. Objectives of the program were reconnaissance of the moon's topography, investigation of its environment, and collection of selenodetic information.

    The document called for five flight and three test articles. The Lunar Orbiter spacecraft would be capable of photographing the moon from a distance of 22 miles above the surface. Overall cost of the program was estimated at between $150 and $200 million.

1963 -
  • Enabling decree for Plesetsk cosmodrome. Nation: USSR.

    Decree 'On formation of NIIP-53 at Angara' was issued.

1963 -
  • Washington-to-Moscow “hot line” Nation: USSR.

    Washington-to-Moscow “hot line” communications link opens, designed to reduce risk of accidental war

1963 -
  • Study for a military, orbiting, space station. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar, MOL.

    The Director of Defense for Research and Engineering approved a study program for a military, orbiting, space station.

1963 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3X-38.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1963 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 395-A3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 1. LV Configuration: Titan I SM-56.
  • Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1963 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U.
  • T Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 754 km (468 mi).

1965 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Stage I of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 6 was erected at complex 19. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 6.

    Stage II was erected the following day. Umbilicals were connected and inspected September 1, and Subsystems Reverification Tests began September 2. These tests were completed September 15. The Prespacecraft Mate Verification Test of GLV-6 was run September 16.

1965 - Launch Site: North Atlantic Drop Zone. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hound Dog. LV Configuration: Hound Dog 60-2185.
  • Hound Dog Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC/APGC. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1965 -
  • Soviet space plans Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod. Flight: Voskhod 3, Voskhod 4, Voskhod 5, Voskhod 6.

    Kamanin continues to fume that the Americans have surpassed the Soviets with their Mariner, Gemini, and Ranger spacecraft. This was totally unnecessary, but lack of support by the leadership has crippled the Soviet program. He has been asked to put together his version of the work program for the upcoming Voskhod flights, and beyond that, for the next 4-5 years. For the Voskhods, his plan is:

    • Voskhod 3: to launch in November 1965 with two cosmonauts; artificial gravity and military experiments will be conducted
    • Voskhod 4: a single cosmonaut will fly for 25 days and complete artificial gravity research
    • Voskhod 5 and Voskhod 6: will each fly for 15 days in May-June 1966; multiple spacewalks will be completed, in addition to military experiments
1966 - 17:51 GMT - Launch Site: Mud Lake DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 37.9 N x 117.1 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 2-49-86. FAILURE: SAS system drops out repeatedly, hydrogen peroxide fire in ventral fin.
  • X-15A-2 V-On,Maurer,TPS Test/Technology/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi).

    Maximum Speed - 5701 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30540 m.

1967 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2A?. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee 1500. LV Configuration: Astrobee 1500 NASA 16.03GR.
  • Radio astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi).

1967 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Combat training launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1967 - 17:32 GMT - Launch Site: CELPA. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache.
  • ION 1 / 67 Ionosphere mission Nation: Argentina. Agency: CONAE. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi).

1969 -
  • Beregovoi vs Kuznetsov Nation: USSR.

    Beregovoi has been the first deputy of NII TsPK for four months, but in fact has only worked ten days in that time. General Kuznetsov won't let him get involved in detail work. Tereshkova went on a propaganda trip to Afghanistan yesterday.

1972 - 08:19 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 517 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 203 km (126 mi). Apogee: 285 km (177 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1972-067A. USAF Sat Cat: 6168. Duration: 12.00 days. Decay Date: 1972-09-11.

    Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule.

1972 - 22:02 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 1. LV Configuration: Petrel P75H.
  • Scattered La Ionosphere / aeronomy mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 118 km (73 mi).

1973 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I, Saturn V.
  • NASA plans release, disposition, and storage of all unneeded Skylab Program equipment. Nation: USA.

    Guidelines were issued by NASA Hq for release, disposition, and storage of all unneeded Skylab Program equipment. Two Saturn Vs, two Saturn IBs, three command and service modules, the backup Skylab cluster, and appropriate spares would be placed in minimum cost storage as soon as program requirements permitted.

1973 - 00:07 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M.
  • Molniya 1-24 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 463 km (287 mi). Apogee: 39,893 km (24,788 mi). Inclination: 65.50 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1973-061A. USAF Sat Cat: 6805. Decay Date: 1979-12-05.

    Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network.

1973 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 583 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 298 km (185 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1973-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 6809. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1973-09-12.

    Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; separated capsule.

1973 - 17:01 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5C. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC NASA 21.07US.
  • Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 299 km (185 mi).

1974 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC109. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M.
  • Missile accuracy test launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1974 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Zenit-2M Nation: USSR. Payload: Zenit-2M. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F740830A.

    Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite.

  • Nauka Nation: USSR. Payload: FEU-170 No. 3L. Spacecraft: Nauka. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F740830B.

1974 - 14:07 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout D-1. LV Configuration: Scout D-1 S189C. FAILURE: Partial Failure.
  • ANS 1 Nation: Netherlands. Mass: 129 kg (284 lb). Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: ANS. Agency: NIVR. Perigee: 258 km (160 mi). Apogee: 1,173 km (728 mi). Inclination: 98.00 deg. Period: 99.10 min. COSPAR: 1974-070A. USAF Sat Cat: 7427. Decay Date: 1977-06-14.

    Astronomical Netherlands Satellite; lower than planned orbit.

1975 - 04:10 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310-2.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 191 km (118 mi).

1976 - 11:53 GMT - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA2B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: FB-1. LV Configuration: Feng Bao 1 701-07.
  • JSSW 5 Nation: China. Payload: JSSW 5. Mass: 1,108 kg (2,442 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: JSSW. Agency: MAI. Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Apogee: 2,145 km (1,332 mi). Inclination: 69.20 deg. Period: 108.80 min. COSPAR: 1976-087A. USAF Sat Cat: 9394. Decay Date: 1978-11-25.

1976 - 19:55 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-57.
  • Ionosphere / fields mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 288 km (178 mi).

1977 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5V.
  • Vertikal-5 Solar Ultraviolet/Solar X-ray mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1977 - 18:06 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M.
  • Molniya 1-38 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 187 km (116 mi). Apogee: 38,159 km (23,710 mi). Inclination: 62.60 deg. Period: 677.50 min. COSPAR: 1977-082A. USAF Sat Cat: 10315. Decay Date: 1993-09-28.

    Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system; transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and international cooperation. Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T.

1979 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF21. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 STM-18W.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1979 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC170. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-UR-100. Model: MR-UR-100U 15A16.
  • SLI? Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1982 - 10:04 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65047-236. FAILURE: Launch vehicle failed to orbit - unknown cause. 1982 - 10:06 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2.
  • Cosmos 1402 Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: US-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 250 km (150 mi). Apogee: 266 km (165 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1982-084A. USAF Sat Cat: 13441. Decay Date: 1983-01-23.

    Ocean surveillance; nuclear powered.

1983 -
  • South Korean Boeing 747 jetliner bound for Seoul strays into Soviet airspace and is shot down Nation: USSR.

    The Soviet Su-15 fighter had tracked the airliner for two hours; all 269 aboard are killed, including 61 Americans

1983 - 06:32 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-8.
  • STS-8 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Challenger F03 / PFTA. Mass: 13,642 kg (30,075 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Challenger. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 306 km (190 mi). Apogee: 313 km (194 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 90.70 min. COSPAR: 1983-089A. USAF Sat Cat: 14312. Duration: 6.05 days. Decay Date: 1983-09-05. Crew: Bluford, Brandenstein, Gardner, Thornton Bill, Truly. Flight: STS-8.

    First night launch and night landing. Deployed Insat 1B. Payloads: Deployment of INSAT (lndia communica-tion satellite) with Payload Assist Module (PAM)-D, Payload Flight Test Article (PFTA)/ Payload Deployment Retrieval System (PDRS), Continuous Flow Electrophoresis (CFES), biomedical experiments. 250,000 express mail envelopes with special cachet for U.S. Postal Service were carried for a first-day cover.

  • Insat-1B; Insat 1B Nation: India. Program: Insat. Payload: Insat 1B. Mass: 1,152 kg (2,539 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Insat 1. Agency: ISRO. Perigee: 35,811 km (22,251 mi). Apogee: 35,824 km (22,259 mi). Inclination: 3.60 deg. Period: 1,437.70 min. COSPAR: 1983-089B. USAF Sat Cat: 14318. Completed Operations Date: 1993-08-03.

    Released from STS 8 8/31/83; also carried transponders for domestic communications. Operational multipurpose satellite for telecommunications, meteorological imaging and data relay, radio and television programme distribution and direct television broadcasting for community reception. Geostationary longitude 74.0 +/ - 0.1 deg E. Deployment from US Space Transportation System flight no 8, orbiter Challenger, on 31 Aug 1983. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 74 deg E in 1983-1992; 93 deg E in 1992-1993 As of 26 August 2001 located at 125.27 deg E drifting at 0.152 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 80.35E drifting at 0.392E degrees per day.

  • PFTA Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1983-089xx. USAF Sat Cat: 14312. Decay Date: 1983-09-05.

  • DFI/USPS Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: DFI PLT. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1983-089xx. USAF Sat Cat: 14312. Decay Date: 1983-09-05.

1983 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.35UU.
  • CWAS 5 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

1983 - 22:49 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML.
  • Molniya 3-21 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 32. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,864 km (1,158 mi). Apogee: 38,445 km (23,888 mi). Inclination: 64.40 deg. Period: 716.90 min. COSPAR: 1983-090A. USAF Sat Cat: 14313. Decay Date: 2001-05-22.

    Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation.

1984 - 10:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1591 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F1-17F41. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 268 km (166 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1984-092A. USAF Sat Cat: 15232. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1984-09-13.

    High resolution photo surveillance; film capsule; maneuverable. Investigation of the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation.

1984 - 12:41 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-14/41-D.
  • STS-41-D Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Discovery F01 / SBS 4[PAM-D] / Telstar 302[PAM-D]. Mass: 21,552 kg (47,514 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 300 km (180 mi). Apogee: 307 km (190 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 90.60 min. COSPAR: 1984-093A. USAF Sat Cat: 15234. Duration: 6.04 days. Decay Date: 1984-09-05. Crew: Coats, Hartsfield, Hawley, Mullane, Resnik, Walker. Flight: STS-41-D.

    Manned six crew. First flight of space shuttle Discovery; deployed SBS 4, Leasat 1, Telstar 3C. Payloads: Satellite Business System (SBS)-D commu-nications satellite with Payload Assist Module (PAM)-D deployment, Syncom IV-2 communica-tions satellite with its unique stage deployment, Telstar (American Telephone and Telegraph) 3-C with PAM-D deployment, Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST)-1 experiments. Deployment and restowing of large solar array. Continuous Flow Electrophoresis (CFES). IMAX camera.

  • SBS 4 Nation: USA. Program: SBS. Payload: SBS D / PAM-D. Mass: 1,117 kg (2,462 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Agency: SBS. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 6.80 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1984-093B. USAF Sat Cat: 15235.

    Released from STS 41D 8/31/84; 101 deg W. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 101 deg W in 1984-1985; 91 deg W in 1985-1993; 77 deg W in 1993-on. As of 1 September 2001 located at 77.06 deg W drifting at 0.019 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 113.88W drifting at 5.445W degrees per day.

  • Syncom IV-2 Nation: USA. Payload: Discovery F1 / SBS 4 [PAM-D] / Telstar 302 [PAM-D]. Mass: 1,315 kg (2,899 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 381. Agency: HCI. Perigee: 36,448 km (22,647 mi). Apogee: 36,741 km (22,829 mi). Inclination: 13.00 deg. Period: 1,477.60 min. COSPAR: 1984-093C. USAF Sat Cat: 15236. Completed Operations Date: 1996-10-10.

    Released from STS 41D 8/31/84; 105 deg W; leased to U.S. government. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 105 deg W in 1984-1987; 177 deg W in 1987; 72 deg E in 1988-1990; 177 deg W in 1990-1996 As of 1 September 2001 located at 17.02 deg W drifting at 10.139 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 57.99E drifting at 10.147W degrees per day.

  • Telstar 3C Nation: USA. Program: Telstar. Payload: Telstar 302 [PAM-D]. Mass: 625 kg (1,377 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Agency: AT&T. Perigee: 35,901 km (22,307 mi). Apogee: 35,948 km (22,337 mi). Inclination: 5.70 deg. Period: 1,443.20 min. COSPAR: 1984-093D. USAF Sat Cat: 15237. Completed Operations Date: 1997-09-05.

    Released from STS 41D 9/1/84; stationed at 125 deg W. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 86 deg W in 1984-1987; 85 deg W in 1987-1997; 97 deg W in 1997 As of 26 August 2001 located at 148.40 deg W drifting at 1.778 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 128.46W drifting at 1.794W degrees per day.

  • OAST 1 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1984-093xx. USAF Sat Cat: 15234. Decay Date: 1984-09-05.

1988 - 14:14 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-2BL.
  • Cosmos 1966 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #57. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 2,436 km (1,513 mi). Apogee: 37,970 km (23,590 mi). Inclination: 67.20 deg. Period: 718.80 min. COSPAR: 1988-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 19445.

    Covered Oko constellation plane 3 - 355 degree longitude of ascending node.

1990 - 22:46 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44LP. LV Configuration: Ariane 44LP V38.
  • Skynet 4C Nation: UK. Program: Skynet. Mass: 1,463 kg (3,225 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: ECS/OTS. Agency: UK MoD. Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 2.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1990-079A. USAF Sat Cat: 20776.

    UK military communications; 1 deg W. United Kingdom military communications satellite. Owner/operator: UK Ministry of Defence. Expected operational life 10 years. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 1 deg W in 1990-1999 As of 3 September 2001 located at 0.97 deg W drifting at 0.002 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 1.27W drifting at 0.000W degrees per day.

  • Eutelsat II F1 Nation: Europe. Program: Eutelsat. Mass: 1,878 kg (4,140 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 100. Agency: Eutelsat. Perigee: 35,769 km (22,225 mi). Apogee: 35,806 km (22,248 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1990-079B. USAF Sat Cat: 20777.

    Stationed at 13 deg E. Telecommunications satellite. Registered by France in ST/SG/SER.E/234 and 239 until EUTELSAT can register the satellite. EUTELSAT is the European Telecommunications Satellite Organization. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 13 deg E in 1990-1998; 48 deg E in 1999. As of 26 August 2001 located at 48.45 deg E drifting at 0.011 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 6.45E drifting at 3.328W degrees per day.

1991 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5.
  • DASO-7 demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1991 - 02:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: M. Launch Pad: M1. Launch Vehicle: Mu. Model: Mu-3S-II. LV Configuration: Mu-3S-II M-3S2-6.
  • Solar-A Nation: Japan. Payload: Yohkoh. Mass: 420 kg (920 lb). Class: Solar. Spacecraft: Solar. Agency: ISAS. Perigee: 516 km (320 mi). Apogee: 754 km (468 mi). Inclination: 31.30 deg. Period: 97.40 min. COSPAR: 1991-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 21694. Decay Date: 2005-09-12.

    X-ray imaging of Sun.

1991 - 08:58 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-2. FAILURE: Second stage exploded due to heating problems in main engine.
  • Tselina-2 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-2 no. 11. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-2. Agency: UNKS. COSPAR: F910830A.

1993 - 12:38 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D222.
  • USA 94 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS 2A-22 / GPS SVN 35. Mass: 1,816 kg (4,003 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2 and 2A. Manufacturer: Boeing North American, Seal Beach (formerly Rockwell). Agency: USAF. Perigee: 20,110 km (12,490 mi). Apogee: 20,255 km (12,585 mi). Inclination: 54.90 deg. Period: 718.00 min. COSPAR: 1993-054A. USAF Sat Cat: 22779.

    Global Positioning System. Placed in Plane B Slot 4.

1994 - Launch Vehicle: Angara. Model: Angara 1.1.
  • Work starts on Angara launch vehicle Nation: Russia.

    Ministry of Defence authorizes work to start on Angara launch vehicle. Angara will replace Zenit (built in Ukraine) and Proton as future Russian medium launch vehicle, launched from Plesetsk and Svobodny.

1995 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF02. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper 19PA.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1995 - 19:33 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 369-02.
  • Cosmos 2319 Nation: Russia. Payload: Potok no. 9 s/n 20L. Mass: 2,300 kg (5,000 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Potok. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Apogee: 35,837 km (22,268 mi). Inclination: 3.80 deg. Period: 1,437.10 min. COSPAR: 1995-045A. USAF Sat Cat: 23653.

    Stationed at 80 deg E. Relaying of telegraph and telephone information. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 80 deg E in 1995-1999 As of 31 August 2001 located at 16.12 deg W drifting at 0.037 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 5 located at 17.95W drifting at 0.052W degrees per day.

1998 - 00:31 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2M. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2M (DM3) 383-01.
  • Astra 2A Nation: Europe. Program: Astra. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: SES. Perigee: 35,766 km (22,223 mi). Apogee: 35,807 km (22,249 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1998-050A. USAF Sat Cat: 25462.

    The first burn of the Proton's Block DM3 put the spacecraft into a 220 x 36,007 km x 51.6 deg transfer orbit. Astra 2A satellite was a Hughes HS-601, owned by Societe Europeene de Satellites, based in Luxembourg. Luxembourg has not registered any of the Astra satellites with the United Nations, in violation of treaty requirements. Geostationary at 28.3 degrees E. Used HS-601 XIPS ion engine for station keeping. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 28 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 28.21 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 28.20E drifting at 0.028W degrees per day.

2001 - 06:46 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L-3 V143.
  • Intelsat 902 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Mass: 4,725 kg (10,416 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Manufacturer: Space Systems/Loral. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,801 km (22,245 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2001-039A. USAF Sat Cat: 26900.

    Launch delayed from August 24. The Intelsat 902 geosynchronous communications satellite was stationed initially over the Indian Ocean, providing coverage to Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia through its 44 C- and 12 Ku-band transponders. The Loral FS-1300 satellite had a dry mass of 1978 kg and carried a further 2745 kg of propellant at launch. As of 4 September 2001 located at 56.46 deg E drifting at 0.118 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 61.96E drifting at 0.002E degrees per day.


Born on this day in:
  • 1917 - Philip M Prophett.  American Engineer. Birth City: Bridgewater. Birth State: Massachusetts. Birth Country: USA.
  • 1971 - Katherine Megan McArthur.  American Scientist Astronaut. Birth City: Honolulu. Birth State: Hawaii. Birth Country: USA.

Died on this day in:
  • 2004 - Fred L Whipple.  American Scientist.

Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments.
Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site..
To contact astronauts or cosmonauts.

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