February 18

See also Born on this Day
On this day in:

1930 -

  • Clyde Tombaugh's Discovery of Pluto

1947 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC33. Launch Vehicle: WAC. LV Configuration: WAC B 27B.
  • WAC Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA OR. Apogee: 44 km (27 mi).

1953 -
  • USSR commission for upper atmosphere research. Nation: USSR.

    Academy of Sciences Decree 'On formation of AN USSR Commission for Research on the Upper Layers of the Atmosphere' was issued.

1953 - 06:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee XASR-SC-2. LV Configuration: Aerobee XASR-SC-2 SC 27.
  • Aerobee Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 109 km (67 mi).

    Temperature, winds research. Launched at 2350 local time. Reached 106.2 km.

1953 - 17:42 GMT - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee RTV-A-1a. LV Configuration: Aerobee RTV-A-1a USAF 34.
  • Aerobee Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 117 km (72 mi).

    Rocket performance test. Launched at 1042 local time. Reached 117.5 km.

1961 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Blandine. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. LV Configuration: Veronique AGI30. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Veronique Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: FR.

    Scientific mission.

1961 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Strongarm. LV Configuration: Strongarm E22-H1-2.
  • Strongarm Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA BRL. Apogee: 2,027 km (1,259 mi).

1961 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Vehicle: R-5. LV Configuration: R-5 V-1000 target.
  • R-5 Target mission Nation: USSR. Agency: OKB-30. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1961 - 22:58 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 75. Launch Pad: 75-3-5. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena B. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 261 / Agena B 1102.
  • Discoverer 21 Nation: USA. Payload: Midas test payload. Mass: 1,110 kg (2,440 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Midas. Agency: U.S. Navy. Perigee: 212 km (131 mi). Apogee: 458 km (284 mi). Inclination: 80.60 deg. Period: 91.30 min. COSPAR: 1961-Zeta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 84. Decay Date: 1962-04-20.

    Tested IR sensors for Midas program; did not carry camera or film capsule.

1962 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas D.
  • NASA announced Project Fire Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: FIRE.

    NASA announced Project Fire, a high-speed reentry heat research program to obtain data on materials, heating rates, and radio signal attenuation on spacecraft reentering the atmosphere at speeds of about 24,500 miles per hour. Information from the program would support technology for manned and unmanned reentry from lunar missions. Under the management of the Langley Research Center, Project Fire would use Atlas D boosters and the reentry package would be powered by an Antares solid-fuel motor (third stage of the Scout).

1963 - Launch Vehicle: Titan 2.
  • Pilot safety philosophy and procedures would be carried over from Mercury-Atlas to Gemini-Titan. Nation: USA.

    In a letter transmitting copies of the Gemini Launch Vehicle Pilot Safety Program to Gemini contractors and other organizations engaged in Gemini development and operations, Air Force Space Systems Division explained that pilot safety philosophy and procedures would be carried over from Mercury-Atlas to Gemini-Titan.

1963 -
  • Soviet Ministers' decree on use of Vostok Nation: USSR. Flight: Vostok 5, Vostok 6, Vostok 6A, Vostok 7, Vostok 8, Vostok 9, Vostok 10.

    The Soviet Ministers finally issued decree 24. Four additional spacecraft are to be completed in the first half of 1963. Together with the two existing spacecraft, these will be used for two female flights, three male flights of up to ten days duration, and one 30-day biosat flight.

1963 - 17:43 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 150. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NE3.140.
  • Aerobee 150 Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NRL. Apogee: 306 km (190 mi).

1964 - 21:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache ERDA 004.
  • Nike Apache Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1965 -
  • Apollo LEM Test Article 2 shipped Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo LM.

    LEM Test Article 2 was shipped to Marshall Space Flight Center to undergo a series of Saturn booster vibration tests.

1965 -
  • Apollo Extension System (AES) to produce space hardware for future missions at a fraction of the original development cost. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Apollo X.

    Testifying before the House Committee on Science and Astronautics during hearings on NASA's Fiscal Year 1966 budget, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight George E. Mueller briefly outlined the space agency's immediate post-Apollo objectives: 'Apollo capabilities now under development,' he said, 'will enable us to produce space hardware and fly it for future missions at a small fraction of the original development cost. This is the basic concept in the Apollo Extension System (AES) now under consideration.' - Additional details.

1965 - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk Sandia 152-72.
  • Nike Tomahawk Auroral mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 320 km (190 mi).

1965 - 20:09 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.11UA.
  • Nike Apache Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 195 km (121 mi).

1966 - 1966 -
  • Cosmos 110 State Commission Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod. Spacecraft: Voskhod. Flight: Voskhod 3.

    The first launch commission with Korolev's chair empty. The chief designers certify the full readiness of the booster, spacecraft, and the dogs that will crew the spacecraft. It is declared that the launch can proceed on 22-23 February. The only problem discussed is continued disquiet with the parachute system. Rips in the parachute have developed in the last four tests at Fedosiya. The system was designed for the original Vostok capsule mass of 2.6 tonnes, but the next Voskhods will have capsule landing weighs of 3.0 to 3.3 tonnes. Comrade Tkachev now refuses to guarantee the reliability of the system at landing weights over 2.9 to 3.0 tonnes. The Voronezhsk factory guarantees the reliability of the four third stage engines, despite the explosion of an engine on the test stand in December 1965.

    Launch of spacecraft s/n 6, Voskhod 3, is set for 22-23 March, with landing on 12 April. Afterwards the endless discussion of the role of IMBP in manned spaceflight, and especially military spaceflight is hashed over again in a bitter argument.

1968 - 18:07 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Vehicle: Viper-Dart. LV Configuration: Viper-Dart VD-0218-11.
  • Viper-Dart Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 97 km (60 mi).

1970 -
  • HL-10 Flight 34 Nation: USA. Program: NASA Lifting Body. Payload: HL-10 flight 34. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: HL-10. Crew: Hoag.

    Maximum speed. Maximum Speed - 1976 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20520 m. Flight Time - 380 sec.

1970 -
  • Kamanin opposes DOS Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz, Salyut, Almaz. Spacecraft: Salyut 1, Soyuz 7KT-OK, Almaz OPS, Soyuz OB-VI, Soyuz VI. Flight: Soyuz 10, Soyuz 11.

    Kamanin recommends the death benefit to be awarded to Belyayev's family. There is to be a one-time payment of 2,000 roubles to his wife; 1,100 roubles to his daughter; 180 roubles/month pension to the wife; 75 roubles/month to the daughter; access to cosmonaut centre sanatoriums; and a seven-room apartment in Moscow.

    Kamanin also reviews the government decree on the DOS-7K space station program. The Ministry of Defence is against it - they want to continue with the Almaz and Soyuz VI projects already underway. DOS will bring both of these to a halt. This is a repeat of the situation in 1967. Kozlov was making good progress on the original Soyuz VI, when it was killed by Mishin. Now three years later Mishin's Soyuz VI is put on the back burner. The Soyuz 7K-OK is still the only manned program brought to completion. Kamanin blames all this on Ustinov and Smirnov's stupid political manoeuvring. The DOS decree has not one word on the training of cosmonauts for these space station missions...

1970 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC142. Launch Pad: LC142/34. Launch Vehicle: R-36. Model: R-36 8K67P.
  • R-36 State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1970 - 07:34 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.55UE.
  • Javelin Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 494 km (306 mi).

1971 -
  • X-24 Flight 23 Nation: USA. Payload: X-24A flight 23. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-24A. Crew: Manke.

    Maximum Speed - 1606 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20544 m. Flight Time - 447 sec.

1971 - 13:59 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43. Launch Pad: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 396 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 285 km (177 mi). Inclination: 65.40 deg. Period: 89.40 min. COSPAR: 1971-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 4959. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1971-03-03.

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

1972 - 02:33 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 168 km (104 mi).

1972 - 09:28 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Vehicle: Kappa 9. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-39.
  • Kappa 9 Cesium Release Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 310 km (190 mi).

1974 - 10:05 GMT - Launch Site: San Marco. Launch Vehicle: Scout D. Model: Scout D-1. LV Configuration: Scout D-1 S190C.
  • San Marco 4 Nation: Italy. Payload: San Marco C2. Mass: 164 kg (361 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: San Marco. Agency: CRS. Perigee: 270 km (160 mi). Apogee: 875 km (543 mi). Inclination: 2.90 deg. Period: 96.10 min. COSPAR: 1974-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 7154. Decay Date: 1976-05-04.

    Measurement of density, temperature, composition of atmosphere. Launch time 10:05:28.5 GMT. Anticipated life: 3 years.

1976 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC101. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36M 15A14.
  • R-36M SLI? Operational Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1976 - 07:05 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.1001UE.
  • Nike Tomahawk Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 237 km (147 mi).

1976 - 17:40 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant VC. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC NASA 21.30US-IS.
  • Black Brant OSO-I Cal Solar Ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 282 km (175 mi).

1977 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.
  • First inert captive flight Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise.

    Conduct first inert captive flight, Edwards (2 hours, 5 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

1979 - 16:18 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: LA3A. Launch Vehicle: Scout D. Model: Scout D-1. LV Configuration: Scout D-1 S202C.
  • SAGE Nation: USA. Payload: AEM 2. Mass: 147 kg (324 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: SAGE. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 456 km (283 mi). Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg. Period: 94.20 min. COSPAR: 1979-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 11270. Decay Date: 1989-04-11.

    Studied dust, liquid droplets in upper atmosphere. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C).

1980 - Launch Site: Thumba. Launch Vehicle: Centaure. Model: Centaure 2B. LV Configuration: Centaure 2B C.59.
  • Centaure NO Photometer Aeronomy mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1981 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B.
  • Minuteman 1 ABRES IRS-1 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1981 - Launch Site: El Arenosillo. Launch Vehicle: INTA-300.
  • INTA-300 Aeronomy mission Nation: Spain. Agency: INTA. Apogee: 285 km (177 mi).

    First completely successful launch.

1981 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1246 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-1KFT no. 1. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Cartography. Spacecraft: Yantar-1KFT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 263 km (163 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.10 min. COSPAR: 1981-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 12301. Duration: 23.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-03-13.

    Military topographic / cartographic satellite.

1982 - 12:40 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Vehicle: Kappa 9. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-74.
  • Kappa 9 Ultraviolet/X-ray Astronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 315 km (195 mi).

1984 - 00:21 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper. LV Configuration: Viper 3A MAP/WINE.
  • Viper M-F 52 Aeronomy mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

1984 - 00:22 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion DLR A-NO-128.
  • Nike Orion Ferdinand 65 M-T 8 Aeronomy mission Nation: Norway. Agency: NTNF/DLR. Apogee: 113 km (70 mi).

1984 - 03:14 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper. LV Configuration: Viper 3A MAP/WINE.
  • Viper M-F 53 Aeronomy mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 108 km (67 mi).

1984 - 04:40 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper. LV Configuration: Viper 3A MAP/WINE.
  • Viper M-F 54 Aeronomy mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 118 km (73 mi).

1984 - 16:29 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.43UU.
  • Nike Orion CWAS 7 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

1987 - 13:53 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/2. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65072-354.
  • Cosmos 1821 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 960 km (590 mi). Apogee: 1,014 km (630 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1987-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 17525.

    Military navigation satellite.

1988 - 09:50 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16. Launch Pad: LC16/2. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1920 Nation: USSR. Program: Resurs. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F1-14F40. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 185 km (114 mi). Apogee: 232 km (144 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 88.70 min. COSPAR: 1988-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 18860. Duration: 20.00 days. Decay Date: 1988-03-09.

    Investigation of the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation.

1991 - 14:30 GMT - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Vehicle: Strypi. Model: Strypi XI. LV Configuration: Strypi XI LACE.
  • Strypi Bow Shock 2 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: SDIO. Apogee: 120 km (70 mi).

1992 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Aries. LV Configuration: Aries LEAP 1.
  • Aries Technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: SDIO. Apogee: 320 km (190 mi).

1993 - 07:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: K. Launch Vehicle: S-520. LV Configuration: S-520 S-520-16.
  • S-520 METS Ionosphere/Active plasma mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 272 km (169 mi).

1994 - 07:56 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81. Launch Pad: LC81/23. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 376-02.
  • Raduga 31 Nation: Russia. Payload: Raduga s/n 40L. Mass: 1,965 kg (4,332 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Raduga . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 36,483 km (22,669 mi). Apogee: 36,483 km (22,669 mi). Inclination: 1.50 deg. Period: 1,472.00 min. COSPAR: 1994-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 23010. Completed Operations Date: 1995-05-01.

    Stationed at 44 deg E; replaced Raduga 24. Operation of telephone and telegraph radio communications and transmission of television programmes. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 45 deg E in 1994-1995 As of 29 August 2001 located at 65.21 deg E drifting at 0.236 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 81.01E drifting at 0.234E degrees per day.

1997 -
  • EVA STS-82-5 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery, HST. Crew: Lee, Smith Steven. Flight: STS-82. EVA Duration: 0.22 days.

    Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 2 - Insulation blanket repair.

1998 - 13:58 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2. Launch Pad: SLC2W. Launch Vehicle: Delta 7000. Model: Delta 7920-10C. LV Configuration: Delta 7920-10C D254.
  • Iridium 52 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV052. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1998-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 25169.

    Plane 5. Ascending node 294.1 degrees.

  • Iridium 56 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV056. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1998-010B. USAF Sat Cat: 25170.

    Plane 5. Ascending node 294 degrees.

  • Iridium 54 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV054. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1998-010C. USAF Sat Cat: 25171.

    Plane 5. Ascending node 294.2 degrees.

  • Iridium 50 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV050. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1998-010D. USAF Sat Cat: 25172.

    Plane 5. Ascending node 294.2 degrees.

  • Iridium 53 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV053. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1998-010E. USAF Sat Cat: 25173.

    Plane 5. Ascending node 294.2 degrees.

2000 - 01:04 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44LP. Model: Ariane 44LP. LV Configuration: Ariane 44LP V127.
  • Superbird 4 Nation: Japan. Mass: 4,057 kg (8,944 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: SCC. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. COSPAR: 2000-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 26095.

    Provided geosynchronous communications services for the Space Communications Corporation of Japan. Carried 23 Ku-band and 6 Ka-band transponders, and was equipped with a Marquardt R4D apogee engine and XIPS ion propulsion stationkeeping system. Stationed at 162 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 162 deg E in 2000. As of 4 September 2001 located at 162.01 deg E drifting at 0.003 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 161.98E drifting at 0.004W degrees per day.

2002 -
  • Mars Odyssey, Science Mapping Begins Spacecraft: Mars Odyssey.

2004 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 44 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne.

    Flight Time: 1.7 Hours. White Knight Pilot: Melvill. White Knight Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice

2004 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 45 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne.

    Flight Time: 1.6 Hours. White Knight Pilot: Siebold. White Knight Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice

2004 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 46 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne.

    Flight Time: 0.7 Hours. White Knight Pilot: Binnie. White Knight Copilot: Melvill. Objectives: Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice

2004 - 07:05 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M 2BL.
  • Molniya-1T Nation: Russia. Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Manufacturer: Lavochkin. Agency: VKS. Perigee: 650 km (400 mi). Apogee: 39,708 km (24,673 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 717.90 min. COSPAR: 2004-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 28163.

    Launched during a nationwide military exercise. Original name Cosmos 2405.

2004 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: UR-100N. Model: UR-100NU.
  • UR-100N Operational missile test Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

    Launched during a nationwide military exercise.

2004 - 09:30 GMT - Launch Site: Barents Sea. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Sineva. LV Configuration: Sineva VMF RF. FAILURE: Failure.
  • R-29 Sineva operational test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

    Failure - destroyed 98 seconds after launch. Launched during a nationwide military exercise.

2004 - 10:38 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC158. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol'.
  • Topol Operational Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

    Launched during a nationwide military exercise.

2006 - 06:27 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: Y. Launch Vehicle: H-2A.
  • MTSAT-2 Nation: Japan. Payload: MT-Sat 2. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Meteorology. Spacecraft: DS2000. Manufacturer: Mitsubishi. Agency: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,803 km (22,246 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2006-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 28937.

    Multifunctional Transport Satellite. An aeronautical payload provided communications relay between aircraft and air traffic control; GPS augmentation navigation for aircraft; and transmitted the location of aircraft to air traffic control. A Japan Advanced Meteorological Imager weather camera had one visible and four infrared channels. MTSAT-2 was built by Mitsubishi using the new DS2000 bus. As of 2007 Mar 8 located at 144.93E drifting at 0.016W degrees per day.


Born on this day in:

Died on this day in:
  • 1966 - Grigori Grigoyevich Nelyubov.  Russian Pilot Cosmonaut. Cause of Death: Suicide.
  • 1990 - Valentin Illarionovich Fadeyev.  Russian Russian Military Officer.
  • 2002 - Dr Larisa Grigoryevna Pozharskaya (nee Vorobyova).  Russian Physician Cosmonaut. Cause of Death: Cancer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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