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1946 -

  • XS-1 Flight 8 Nation: USA. Payload: XS-1 # 1 flight 8. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: XS-1. Crew: Woolams.

    Bell flight 8. Dynamic stability check. At Pinecastle AAF, Florida.

1946 -
  • XS-1 Flight 9 Nation: USA. Payload: XS-1 # 1 flight 9. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: XS-1. Crew: Woolams.

    Bell flight 9. Rate of roll investigation. At Pinecastle AAF, Florida.

1958 - 02:35 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: A-1.
  • Ionosphere / aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1958 - 17:22 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC9. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Navaho. Model: Navaho G-26. LV Configuration: Navaho II SM-64 12. FAILURE: Booster shut down at T+20 seconds.
  • Navaho G-26 Flight 9 Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 2.00 km (1.20 mi).

    The booster shut down at T+20 seconds in the flight. The vehicle was self-destructed by range safety before separation of the cruise stage had occurred.

1960 - 17:25 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC14. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Agena A. LV Configuration: Atlas Agena A 29D / Agena A 1008. FAILURE: Second stage failed to separate.
  • Midas 1 Nation: USA. Payload: Midas / Agena TV 1008. Mass: 2,025 kg (4,464 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Midas. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F600226A. Decay Date: 1960-02-26.

    Missile Defense Alarm System.

1962 -
  • John Glenn Day in Washington, D.C. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury.

    This featured the reception of the astronaut at the White House, a parade, and his address to joint session of Congress.

1963 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Mass spectrometer Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1964 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Lockheed recommendations on a scientific space station program. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: LORL.

    The Lockheed-California Company released details of its recommendations to MSC on a scientific space station program. The study concluded that a manned station with a crew of 24 could be orbiting the Earth in 1968. Total cost of the program including logistics spacecraft and ground support was estimated at $2.6 billion for five years' operation. Lockheed's study recommended the use of a Saturn V to launch the unmanned laboratory into orbit and then launching a manned logistics vehicle to rendezvous and dock at the station.

1964 -
  • Soyuz plans Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1. Spacecraft: Soyuz A, Soyuz B, Soyuz V. Flight: Soyuz A-1, Soyuz A-2, Soyuz A-3, Soyuz A-4.

    The cosmonauts meet with engineers at TsNII-30 in Noginsk to review plans for docking trainers for the new Soyuz spacecraft. The trainers were supposed to be completed by now, but they are being held up for television and optical equipment to be delivered from Leningrad and Sverdlovsk. The mock-up of the 7K manned spacecraft trainer is immobile; it can only be turned around its centre of mass. The 1/30 scale of the 9K and 11K propulsion spacecraft with which the 7K will dock are free to rotate in all 3 axes. The cosmonauts in the 7K mock-up will see the 9K or 11K via the television screen aboard the spacecraft or in the Soyuz spacecraft in what the engineers promise will be a life-like appearance. They will practice approach and docking from a simulated distance of 300 m at a typical approach rate of 2 m/s. At the scale of the installation, this will equate to 10 cm/s. After the trainer review General Ioffe briefed the cosmonauts on plans for an electronic digital computer, with a mass of 40 kg, which was being developed for use in spacecraft navigation. Kamanin sees that very close collaboration will be needed between TsNII-30, TsPK, and GKNII VVS to complete trainer development on an accelerated schedule.

1964 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U. FAILURE: Failure.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1964 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC31B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 437.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1964 - 20:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC15. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2. LV Configuration: Titan II N-32.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1964 - 21:18 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.124UA. FAILURE: Failure.
  • JHU Aurora 2 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 161 km (100 mi).

1965 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • A full-scale rehearsal of the flight crew countdown for Gemini-Titan 3 was conducted at the launch site. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3.

    Procedures were carried out for moving the flight crew from their quarters in the Manned Spacecraft Center operations building at Merritt Island to the pilot's ready room at complex 16 at Cape Kennedy. Complete flight crew suiting operation in the ready room, the transfer to complex 19, and crew ingress into the spacecraft were practiced. Practice countdown proceeded smoothly and indicated that equipment and procedures were flight ready.

1965 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U.
  • PBG Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi).

1965 - 05:02 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. LV Configuration: Vostok 8A92M R15000-09.
  • Cosmos 58 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor no. 2. Mass: 4,730 kg (10,420 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor. Agency: NII-88. Perigee: 333 km (206 mi). Apogee: 345 km (214 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 91.30 min. COSPAR: 1965-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 1097. Decay Date: 1990-02-25.

    Probable weather satellite. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space.

1965 - 11:10 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache Sphere 24.
  • Sphere Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1965 - 19:45 GMT - Launch Site: Delamar Dry Lake DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 37.3 N x 114.9 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 1-52-85.
  • X-15A MIT/AirD/Sky Bright Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 46 km (28 mi).

    Maximum Speed - 6034 kph. Maximum Altitude - 46817 m.

1966 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: PL87. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: RT-2.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1966 - 13:59 GMT - Launch Site: Sonmiani. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.212IA.
  • Rehbar 10 (Na) Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1966 - 16:12 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC34. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Saturn I. Model: Saturn IB. LV Configuration: Saturn IB SA-201.
  • Apollo 201 (AS-201) Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 488 km (303 mi).

    Apollo-Saturn 201 was launched from Cape Kennedy, with liftoff of an Apollo Block I spacecraft (CSM 009) on a Saturn IB launch vehicle at 11:12:01 EST. Launched from Launch Complex 34, the unmanned suborbital mission was the first flight test of the Saturn IB and an Apollo spacecraft. Total launch weight was 22,000 kilograms.

    Spacecraft communications blackout lasted 1 minute 22 seconds. Reentry was initiated with a space-fixed velocity of 29,000 kilometers per hour. CM structure and heatshields performed adequately. The CM was recovered by the USS Boxer from the Atlantic about 72 kilometers uprange from the planned landing point. (8.18 S x 11.15 W).

1968 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576A1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F. LV Configuration: Atlas F 116F.
  • ABRES BGRV-2 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,400 km (800 mi).

    The Boost Glide Re-entry Vehicle was launched from Vandenberg AFB, California to the area of Wake Island in the Pacific Ocean. It was launched from an Atlas missile booster and served to provide data on hypersonic manoeuvring flight characteristics.

1969 - 07:47 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Delta E1. LV Configuration: Thor Delta E1 483/D67.
  • ESSA 9 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: TOS G. Mass: 145 kg (319 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: TOS. Agency: ESSA. Perigee: 1,425 km (885 mi). Apogee: 1,505 km (935 mi). Inclination: 101.80 deg. Period: 115.20 min. COSPAR: 1969-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 3764.

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

1969 - 08:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 267 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 202 km (125 mi). Apogee: 331 km (205 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1969-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 3765. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1969-03-06.

    High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule

1969 - 10:00 GMT - Launch Site: Thumba. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure ISRO-45.002.
  • ISRO 45.02 Ionosphere mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi).

1970 -
  • Kamanin views DOS, continuation of N1-L3 with dismay Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz, Salyut, Lunar L3, Almaz. Spacecraft: Salyut 1, Soyuz 7K-LOK, LK, Almaz OPS, Soyuz OB-VI, Soyuz VI. Flight: Soyuz 10, Soyuz 11.

    The Ministry of Defence and VVS approve the draft DOS resolution. Kamanin has fought against it. He would prefer to develop a single reliable Soyuz spacecraft model by building and flying ten more (there are only four left of the original production lot in assembly). Instead the space leadership keep dreaming up new projects. In Kamanin's view, the DOS and its new Soyuz ferry design join Almaz, Soyuz VI, and the L3 as 'paper spacecraft'. Mishin still thinks he will 'teach the N1 to fly' and complete the L3, but Kamanin thinks the chances of this are nil. There is no coherent plan for Soviet spaceflight.

1970 - 04:47 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: S. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 2. LV Configuration: Skylark 2 S61/2.
  • ESRO S61 / 2 Aeronomy mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi).

1970 - 13:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1970 - 14:15 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12.
  • Polar Atmospheric pressure Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 181 km (112 mi).

1971 -
  • M2 Flight 22 Nation: USA. Program: NASA Lifting Body. Payload: M2-F3 flight 6. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: M2-F3. Crew: Dana.

    Maximum Speed - 821 kph. Maximum Altitude - 13716 m. Flight Time - 348 sec.

1971 - 05:06 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511L.
  • Cosmos 398 Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3. Payload: Lunar Craft T2K no. 2. Mass: 5,500 kg (12,100 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Lunar lander. Spacecraft: LK. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Apogee: 1,958 km (1,216 mi). Inclination: 51.50 deg. Period: 106.70 min. COSPAR: 1971-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 4966. Duration: 8,463.78 days. Decay Date: 1995-12-10.

    Second space test of the LK moon lander test using the T2K version. Followed the same programme as Cosmos 379.
    Maneuver Summary:
    189km X 252km orbit to 186km X 1189km orbit. Delta V: 251 m/s
    186km X 1189km orbit to 200km X 10905km orbit. Delta V: 1320 m/s
    Total Delta V: 2832 m/s.
    Officially: Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space.

1971 - 10:18 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S54. FAILURE: Failure.
  • ESRO S54 Solar x-ray mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

1973 - 03:23 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 2. LV Configuration: Black Brant II ADD-2-127.
  • Auroral VUV Aurora / aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi).

1974 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC173. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-UR-100. Model: MR-UR-100.
  • State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1975 -
  • Kamanin in hospital. Nation: USSR.

    Kamanin has to go to the hospital for the first time in his life.

1975 - 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).

1975 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 710 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MK. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 176 km (109 mi). Apogee: 335 km (208 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1975-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 7675. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1975-03-12.

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

1975 - 22:50 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee D. LV Configuration: Astrobee D CRL A30.413-3.
  • Gerdian Condenser Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF CRL. Apogee: 104 km (64 mi).

1976 - Launch Site: Natal. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sonda. Model: Sonda 3. LV Configuration: Sonda 3 XV-01. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Serido test Nation: Brazil. Agency: IAE. Apogee: 47 km (29 mi).

1977 -
  • Salyut 5 jettisons earth return capsule Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: KSI.

    The Earth Return Capsule serial number 11F76-0505 was successfully recovered. During the 1990's it was auctoned off at Sotheby's for $48,875.

1977 - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: A-15. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: HJ Nike Hydac.
  • STRESS BETTY Aeronomy / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: DNA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1977 - 20:02 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.01UA.
  • Auroral NO Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi).

1977 - 21:18 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M.
  • Cosmos 895 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 11. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 433 km (269 mi). Apogee: 442 km (274 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 93.30 min. COSPAR: 1977-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 9853. Decay Date: 1992-03-22.

1978 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-60.
  • Ultraviolet astronomy / extreme ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 340 km (210 mi).

1979 -
  • Complete mated vertical ground vibe test program Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise.

    Complete mated vertical ground vibration test program at MSFC, Enterprise (OV-101)

1979 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.
  • Final shuttle tests at NASA Huntsville Nation: USA.

    These verified loadings on the full mated shuttle stack with the external tank and solid rocket motors loaded with water to simulate the weights at various flight phases. 36 x 670 N and 20 x 4400 N exciters were used to vibrate the vehicle.

1979 - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.03UA.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1979 - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.04UE.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1979 - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5A. LV Configuration: Black Brant VA AMF-VA-51.
  • Eclipse mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi).

1979 - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois GL A07.712-2.
  • Eclipse DEN Sphere Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 215 km (133 mi).

    Eclipse DEN. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W.

1979 - 16:28 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion GL A12.9B1.
  • Eclipse ASL-SE-79B1 Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 158 km (98 mi).

    Eclipse ASL-SE-79B1. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W.

1979 - 16:28 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion GL A12.9A1.
  • Eclipse ASL-SE-79A1 Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 158 km (98 mi).

    Eclipse ASL-SE-79A1. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W.

1979 - 16:51 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion GL A12.9A2.
  • Eclipse LWIR Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 141 km (87 mi).

    Eclipse LWIR. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W.

1979 - 16:52 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.1021UE.
  • Eclipse Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi).

    Eclipse. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W.

1979 - 16:52 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Paiute Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Paiute Tomahawk GL A10.802-1.
  • Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

1979 - 16:54 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.1022UE.
  • Eclipse Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi).

    Eclipse. Launched from Red Lake, Chukuni Range, Ontario, Canada - Latitude: 50.88 N, Longitude:93.47 W.

1979 - 17:41 GMT - Launch Site: Red Lake. Launch Complex: CHK. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Paiute Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Paiute Tomahawk GL A10.802-2.
  • Eclipse / aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi).

1982 - 00:04 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 3910/PAM. LV Configuration: Delta 3910/PAM 644/D160.
  • Westar 4 Nation: USA. Program: Westar. Mass: 1,072 kg (2,363 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 376. Agency: WUTC. Perigee: 35,915 km (22,316 mi). Apogee: 35,943 km (22,333 mi). Inclination: 2.00 deg. Period: 1,443.40 min. COSPAR: 1982-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 13069. Completed Operations Date: 1991-11-09.

    TV, telephone. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 99 deg W in 1982-1991 As of 2 September 2001 located at 83.31 deg W drifting at 1.825 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 8 located at 112.98W drifting at 1.830W degrees per day.

1982 - 03:50 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.25UL.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi).

1982 - 20:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M.
  • Molniya 1-53 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,456 km (904 mi). Apogee: 38,895 km (24,168 mi). Inclination: 63.20 deg. Period: 717.70 min. COSPAR: 1982-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 13070.

    Replaced Molniya 1-47. Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. 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.

1986 - 12:02 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: LC35?. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5B. LV Configuration: Black Brant VB NASA 21.93UG.
  • JHU FOT 6 Halley Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 229 km (142 mi).

1986 - 13:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1734 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 165 km (102 mi). Apogee: 343 km (213 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1986-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 16618. Duration: 59.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-04-26.

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

1987 - Launch Site: Sonde Stromfjord. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX GL A21.628.
  • POLAR ARC / COPE II Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 387 km (240 mi).

1987 - 13:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1824 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 162 km (100 mi). Apogee: 352 km (218 mi). Inclination: 67.20 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 17559. Duration: 55.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-04-22.

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

1987 - 23:05 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 3914. LV Configuration: Delta 3914 D179.
  • GOES 7 Nation: USA. Payload: GOES H. Mass: 399 kg (879 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: GOES. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Inclination: 1.20 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1987-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 17561. Completed Operations Date: 1998-01-01.

    Stationed at 83 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 75 deg W in 1987-1988; 108 deg W in-98 deg W in 1989-1992; 111 deg W in 1992; 112 deg W in 1993-1994; 135 deg W in 1995; 98 deg W in 1996-1998 As of 5 September 2001 located at 179.83 deg E drifting at 0.023 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 176.12W drifting at 0.061W degrees per day.

1987 - 23:43 GMT - Launch Site: Sonde Stromfjord. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Malemute. LV Configuration: Terrier Malemute NASA 29.25UE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1988 - 09:00 GMT -
  • EVA Mir EO-3-1 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir. Crew: Titov Vladimir, Manarov. Flight: Mir EO-3. EVA Duration: 0.18 days.

    Completed solar array installation. Inspected exterior of station.

1988 - 09:31 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-2BL.
  • Cosmos 1922 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #56. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 6,225 km (3,868 mi). Apogee: 34,181 km (21,239 mi). Inclination: 67.60 deg. Period: 718.80 min. COSPAR: 1988-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 18881.

    Covered Oko constellation plane 5 - 75 degree longitude of ascending node.

1990 - 02:06 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-520. LV Configuration: S-520-12.
  • Auroral mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 369 km (229 mi).

1991 - 04:53 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47168-254.
  • Cosmos 2135 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 923 km (573 mi). Apogee: 1,018 km (632 mi). Inclination: 82.80 deg. Period: 104.50 min. COSPAR: 1991-013A. USAF Sat Cat: 21130.

    Military navigation satellite. Replaced by Cosmos 2195. Reactivated in August 1993 after Cosmos 2195 failed.

1992 - 23:58 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L V49.
  • Superbird B1 Nation: Japan. Program: Superbird. Mass: 2,560 kg (5,640 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Agency: SCC. Perigee: 36,057 km (22,404 mi). Apogee: 36,206 km (22,497 mi). Inclination: 0.90 deg. Period: 1,453.80 min. COSPAR: 1992-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 21893.

    Stationed at 162 deg E. Domestic communications. Launching organization Arianespace. Launch time 2358 GMT. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 162 deg E in 1992-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 19.90 deg W drifting at 4.382 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 164.51E drifting at 4.378W degrees per day.

  • Arabsat 1C Nation: Arab States. Program: Arabsat. Mass: 1,310 kg (2,880 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 100. Agency: Arabsat. Perigee: 35,763 km (22,222 mi). Apogee: 35,808 km (22,250 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1992-010B. USAF Sat Cat: 21894.

    Stationed at 31 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 31 deg E in 1992-1997; 55 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 55.07 deg E drifting at 0.005 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 172.70E drifting at 5.710W degrees per day.

1993 - 20:45 GMT - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: LC42. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: STARS. LV Configuration: STARS FTU-1.
  • FTU-1 test Nation: USA. Agency: USA SDC. Apogee: 900 km (550 mi).

1997 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.161NP.
  • DARTFire 3 Microgravity mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1998 - 07:07 GMT - Launch Site: Point Arguello WADZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 36.0 N x 123.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Model: Pegasus XL. LV Configuration: Pegasus XL F20.
  • SNOE Nation: USA. Program: STEDI. Class: Earth. Spacecraft: SNOE. Manufacturer: University of Colorado, Boulder. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 529 km (328 mi). Apogee: 581 km (361 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 95.80 min. COSPAR: 1998-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 25233. Decay Date: 2003-12-13.

    SNOE, the Student Nitric Oxide Explorer. Small satellite built by the University of Colorado to measure the Nitric Oxide density as a function of altitude. First satellite in the STEDI (Student Explorer Demonstration Initiative) program.

  • Teledesic 1 Nation: USA. Payload: BATSAT. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Teledesic. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Teledesic. Perigee: 532 km (330 mi). Apogee: 577 km (358 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 95.70 min. COSPAR: 1998-012B. USAF Sat Cat: 25234. Decay Date: 2000-10-09.

    Communications Technology Demonstrator.

1999 - 22:44 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L-3 V116.
  • Arabsat 3A Nation: Arab States. Program: Arabsat. Mass: 2,708 kg (5,970 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. Manufacturer: Alcatel, Cannes. Agency: Arabsat. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1999-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 25638.

    The Arab League satellite had 20 Ku-band transponders and was to be stationed at 26 degrees East. Dry mass was 1200 kg. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 26 deg E in 1999. As of 29 August 2001 located at 25.93 deg E drifting at 0.007 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 25.89E drifting at 0.003E degrees per day.

  • Skynet 4E Nation: UK. Program: Skynet. Mass: 1,490 kg (3,280 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: ECS/OTS. Manufacturer: Matra Marconi Space-UK, Stevenage. Agency: UK MoD. Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Apogee: 35,799 km (22,244 mi). Inclination: 3.30 deg. COSPAR: 1999-009B. USAF Sat Cat: 25639.

    Skynet 4E was a SHF/UHF military communications satellite for the UK Ministry of Defense. Dry mass was 759 kg; it used a Thiokol Star 30 solid apogee motor. Stationed at 53 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 53 deg E in 1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 52.91 deg E drifting at 0.000 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 53.02E drifting at 0.005E degrees per day.

2000 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-51.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

2000 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-51.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

2000 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-51.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

2000 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-51.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

2000 - 09:19 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: LC4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 12. LV Configuration: Black Brant XII NASA 40.15IE.
  • GEODESIC Ionosphere mission Nation: Canada. Agency: CSA. Apogee: 990 km (610 mi).

2001 - 08:09 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U 670 / ISS-3P.
  • Progress M-44 Nation: Russia. Program: ISS. Payload: Progress M s/n 244. Mass: 7,250 kg (15,980 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Manufacturer: RKK Energiya. Agency: RAKA. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 243 km (150 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. COSPAR: 2001-008A. USAF Sat Cat: 26713. Duration: 49.22 days. Decay Date: 2001-04-16. Flight: ISS EO-1.

    ISS Servicing flight. Launch delayed from February10/20. Progress M-44 was a Russian, automatic cargo carrier that carried 2.5 tonnes of food, water, fuel, oxygen, and equipment to the International Space Station. In preparation for the docking, the ISS crew repositioned the Soyuz TM-31 escape craft from its port on Zvezda to a port on the Zarya module. Progress M-44 docked with the -Y port on Zvezda at 09:47 UT on 28 February. It undocked from Zvezda's aft port on April 16 at 0848 GMT and was deorbited at 1323 GMT over the Pacific Ocean.

2005 - 09:25 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: Y. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: H-2. Model: H-IIA 2022. LV Configuration: H-IIA 2022 H-IIA-7F.
  • Himawari 6 Nation: Japan. Payload: MT-Sat 1R. Mass: 3,300 kg (7,200 lb). Class: Meteorology. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Manufacturer: Space Systems/Loral. Agency: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,798 km (22,243 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 2005-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 28622.

    Return to flight after earlier failure; first commercial mission for H-2A. Delayed from August 2003, January 2004, and February 24, 2005. The dual-purpose satellite was to provide weather data for the Japanese Meteorological Agency (as with others in the Himawari-GMS series), and air traffic control support (airplane-ATC voice/data links, GPS augmentation and airplane position tracking) for the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 140.26E drifting at 0.000E degrees per day.


Born on this day in:
  • 1936 - Eduard Ivanovich Buinovski.  Russian Engineer Cosmonaut. Birth City: Novocherkassk. Birth State: Rostov. Birth Country: Russia.
  • 1958 - Susan Jane Helms.  American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Birth City: Charlotte. Birth State: North Carolina. Birth Country: USA.

Died on this day in:
  • 2000 - Petr Aleksandrovich Tyurin.  Russian Chief Designer.

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