February 28

See also Born on this Day
On this day in:

1940 -

  • First powered flight of the RP-318 rocketplane. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: RP-318.

    Test pilot V P Fedorov was towed to 2600 m and cast off at 80 km/hr. The rocket then fired and accelerated the aircraft to 140 m/s and 2900 m altitude. The RP-318 flew nine times before the war ended the work.

1952 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LA. Launch Vehicle: Lark. LV Configuration: Lark 596. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Lark Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF.

1958 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17. Launch Pad: LC17B. Launch Vehicle: Thor DM-18. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18 120. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Thor DM-18 Research and development Series II Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF 6555ATW.

    Copper heatsink nose cone

1959 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17. Launch Pad: LC17A. Launch Vehicle: Thor Able. Model: Thor Able II. LV Configuration: Thor Able II 131.
  • Thor Able RVX-1 Re-entry Vehicle Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi).

1959 - 21:49 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 75. Launch Pad: 75-3-4. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena A. Model: Thor Agena A. LV Configuration: Thor Agena A 163 / Agena A 1022.
  • Discoverer 1 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-1 prototype / Agena A 1022. Mass: 618 kg (1,362 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: DARPA. Perigee: 163 km (101 mi). Apogee: 968 km (601 mi). Inclination: 89.70 deg. Period: 96.00 min. COSPAR: 1959-Beta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 13. Decay Date: 1959-03-03.

    First polar orbiting satellite; KH-1 prototype; did not carry camera or film capsule.

1963 - Launch Site: Vandenberg.
  • First use of a Thrust-Augmented-Thor/Agena Nation: USA.

    First use of a Thrust-Augmented-Thor/Agena space booster at Vandenberg.

1963 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Hopi Dart. LV Configuration: Hopi Dart F1. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Hopi Dart Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA MSFC. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi).

1963 - 09:02 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576. Launch Pad: 576A3. Launch Vehicle: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 188D.
  • Atlas D NTMP K-10 ABM Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi).

1963 - 21:48 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.59GA.
  • Nike-Cajun Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 113 km (70 mi).

1963 - 21:48 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 75. Launch Pad: 75-3-5. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena D. Model: Thor SLV-2A Agena D. LV Configuration: Thor SLV-2A Agena D 354 / Agena D 1159 (No solids). FAILURE: Failure.
  • KH-4 9052 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9052. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F630228A. Decay Date: 1963-02-28.

    KH-4. Mission failed.

  • SRV 610 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F630228B.

1963 - 22:11 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.53GA.
  • Nike-Cajun Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi).

1964 - 03:20 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 75. Launch Pad: 75-3-5. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena D. Model: Thor SLV-2A Agena D. LV Configuration: Thor SLV-2A Agena D 402 / Agena D 2316.
  • OPS 3722 Nation: USA. Payload: Ferret 5 / Agena D 2316. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Ferret. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 491 km (305 mi). Apogee: 516 km (320 mi). Inclination: 82.10 deg. Period: 94.70 min. COSPAR: 1964-011A. USAF Sat Cat: 759. Decay Date: 1969-02-19.

1965 - 00:21 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.196CA.
  • Nike Apache Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

1965 - 04:15 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache AE5.494.
  • Nike Apache PENNY Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi).

1965 - 09:15 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache AE5.496.
  • Nike Apache SHIRLEY Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1965 - 09:15 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache AE5.553.
  • Nike Apache Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 143 km (88 mi).

1965 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache AE5.497.
  • Nike Apache Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 139 km (86 mi).

1966 - Launch Vehicle: Titan 2.
  • Stage I of Gemini launch vehicle 10 was erected in the east cell of the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 10.

    After completing horizontal testing March 3, stage II was erected March 7. Power was applied to the vehicle for the first time on March 14. Subsystems Functional Verification Tests were completed April 13.

1966 -
  • Gemini IX Astronauts Elliot M. See, Jr., and Charles A. Bassett II killed when their T-38 jet crashed. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 9, Gemini 9A.

    Gemini IX Astronauts Elliot M. See, Jr., and Charles A. Bassett II were killed when their T-38 jet training plane crashed in rain and fog short of the St. Louis Municipal Airport. The jet, which had been cleared for an instrument landing, was left of center in its approach to the runway when it turned toward the McDonnell complex, 1000 feet from the landing strip. It hit the roof of the building where spacecraft nos. 9 and 10 were being housed, bounced into an adjacent courtyard, and exploded. Several McDonnell employees were slightly injured. Minutes later the Gemini IX backup crew, Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene A. Cernan, landed safely. The four astronauts were en route to McDonnell for two weeks' training in the simulator. NASA Headquarters announced that Stafford and Cernan would fly the Gemini IX mission on schedule and appointed Alan B. Shepard, Jr., to head a seven-man investigating team.

1966 -
  • Astronaut Elliott McKay See Jr dies at age of 38 -- Crash of T-38 trainer into the McDonnell Aircraft plant. Nation: USA.

1966 - 13:58 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17. Launch Pad: LC17B. Launch Vehicle: Delta E. Model: Thor Delta E. LV Configuration: Thor Delta E 461/D37.
  • ESSA 2 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: Tiros OT2. Mass: 132 kg (291 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Tiros. Agency: ESSA. Perigee: 1,355 km (841 mi). Apogee: 1,415 km (879 mi). Inclination: 101.30 deg. Period: 113.50 min. COSPAR: 1966-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 2091.

    Environmental Survey Satellite; carried APT cameras. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C).

1967 - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk Sandia 152-100.
  • Nike Tomahawk Auroral mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 167 km (103 mi).

1967 - 14:34 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Vostok 8A92M. Model: Vostok 8A92M.
  • Cosmos 144 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor no. 6. Mass: 4,730 kg (10,420 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 574 km (356 mi). Apogee: 644 km (400 mi). Inclination: 81.30 deg. Period: 96.90 min. COSPAR: 1967-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 2695. Decay Date: 1982-09-14.

    Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space.

1968 -
  • Staff move to Baikonur for L1 launch. Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1.

    Kamanin flies to Baikonur aboard a Tu-124.There is very bad weather, -10 deg C, ice flows in the Syr Darya river.

1968 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 395. Launch Pad: 395-B. Launch Vehicle: Titan 2. Model: Titan II. LV Configuration: Titan 2 s/n M68B-88 / 64-0452.
  • Titan 2 Glory Trip 04T Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

    FOT GT04T Follow-on Test launch

1968 - 06:01 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.68UA.
  • Nike Tomahawk Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 295 km (183 mi).

1968 - 14:40 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 168 km (104 mi).

1969 - 18:57 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IIIB. LV Configuration: Black Brant IIIB NASA 12.04GT.
  • Black Brant Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 215 km (133 mi).

1970 -
  • Failure to achieve space objectives in Five-Year Plan Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz, Lunar L1, Lunar L3, Almaz. Spacecraft: Almaz OPS, Soyuz OB-VI, Soyuz VI.

    Kamanin is asked to assist in preparation of the next five-year plan for spaceflight (1971-1975). He muses that nothing that was to be accomplished in the last five-year plan was achieved, so what is he supposed to put in the new one? 1966-1971 was supposed to have seen Soviet manned flybys and landings on the moon; a cosmonaut contingent increased to 140 and cadres in training for military missions on the Soyuz VI and Almaz. None of this was achieved, and the cosmonaut corps actually only numbers 97.

1970 - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.382GE.
  • Nike Apache Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

1970 - 00:00 GMT - Launch Site: El Arenosillo. Launch Vehicle: Skua. Model: Skua 2. LV Configuration: Skua 2 SM-7030.
  • Skua Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi).

1970 - 13:51 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 166 km (103 mi).

1970 - 14:36 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Polar Atmospheric pressure Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 182 km (113 mi).

1971 - 07:53 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant III. LV Configuration: Black Brant III AND-3-41.
  • Black Brant Aeronomy mission Nation: Canada. Agency: Canada. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi).

1972 - 05:54 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S84.
  • Skylark ESRO S84 Solar Ultraviolet mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 242 km (150 mi).

1972 - 09:47 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S90.
  • Skylark ESRO S90 Solar Ultraviolet mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 251 km (155 mi).

1973 - 04:37 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M Yu149-45.
  • Cosmos 549 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-O. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 513 km (318 mi). Apogee: 545 km (338 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 95.20 min. COSPAR: 1973-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 6373. Decay Date: 1980-06-29.

    Possible ELINT satellite.

1973 - 05:35 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 150. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.330UA.
  • Aerobee 150 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi).

1973 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 6 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 6 AC SL1010.
  • Skylark UK SL1010 X-ray Astronomy mission Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 199 km (123 mi).

1974 - 02:53 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant VB. LV Configuration: Black Brant VB AKF-VB-39.
  • Black Brant Solar mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 246 km (152 mi).

1975 - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC SL1293.
  • Skylark Ionosphere mission? Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 210 km (130 mi).

1975 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: PU33. Launch Vehicle: R-36. Model: R-36 8K67MA.
  • R-36 State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1975 - 14:02 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/2. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53749-157.
  • Cosmos 711 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 81. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,462 km (908 mi). Apogee: 1,492 km (927 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.50 min. COSPAR: 1975-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 7678.

    Eight satellites launched by a single carrier rocket.

  • Cosmos 712 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 82. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,411 km (876 mi). Apogee: 1,490 km (920 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.90 min. COSPAR: 1975-016B. USAF Sat Cat: 7679.

  • Cosmos 713 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 83. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,396 km (867 mi). Apogee: 1,487 km (923 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 114.70 min. COSPAR: 1975-016C. USAF Sat Cat: 7680.

  • Cosmos 714 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 84. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,445 km (897 mi). Apogee: 1,491 km (926 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.30 min. COSPAR: 1975-016D. USAF Sat Cat: 7681.

  • Cosmos 715 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 85. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,470 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,504 km (934 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.70 min. COSPAR: 1975-016E. USAF Sat Cat: 7682.

  • Cosmos 716 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 86. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,479 km (919 mi). Apogee: 1,514 km (940 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.90 min. COSPAR: 1975-016F. USAF Sat Cat: 7683.

  • Cosmos 717 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 87. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,480 km (910 mi). Apogee: 1,536 km (954 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 116.20 min. COSPAR: 1975-016G. USAF Sat Cat: 7684.

  • Cosmos 718 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-1M no. 88. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,429 km (887 mi). Apogee: 1,489 km (925 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 115.10 min. COSPAR: 1975-016H. USAF Sat Cat: 7685.

1976 - 00:55 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Chemical release/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 185 km (114 mi).

1976 - 05:46 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. LV Configuration: Sergeant EX630.42-1.
  • Sergeant EXCEDE SWIR Active Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: DNA/AFCRL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1976 - 12:12 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.164UE.
  • Nike Tomahawk FERRET/18.1003UE Auroral/Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 281 km (174 mi).

1976 - 14:22 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy/Chemical release/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 176 km (109 mi).

1976 - 23:01 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Auroral mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 190 km (110 mi).

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

    Conduct fourth inert captive flight, Edwards (2 hours, 11 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

1978 - 04:17 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.1015UE.
  • Nike Tomahawk Aeronomy Barium release mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

1978 - 06:43 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/2. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53716-323.
  • Cosmos 991 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 952 km (591 mi). Apogee: 1,004 km (623 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 104.70 min. COSPAR: 1978-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 10692.

    Military navigation satellite.

1978 - 08:10 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant Hydac. LV Configuration: Sergeant Hydac DNA IC819.08-1.
  • Sergeant Hydac MULTI-WIDEBAND Technology Infrared mission Nation: USA. Agency: DNA. Apogee: 458 km (284 mi).

1978 - 11:44 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Talos Sergeant Hydac. LV Configuration: Talos Sergeant Hydac DNA WS834.55-1.
  • Talos Sergeant Hydac Ballistics test mission Nation: USA. Agency: DNA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1978 - 17:52 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 170. Model: Aerobee 170. LV Configuration: Aerobee 170 NASA 13.136DA.
  • Aerobee 170 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 223 km (138 mi).

1979 -
  • Operational readiness date, shuttle landing site. Nation: USA. Program: STS.

    Operational readiness date, shuttle landing site, Edwards (Edwards AFB) Runway 23, for first manned orbital flight

1980 - 13:13 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident C-4.
  • Trident C-4 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1980 - 13:13 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident C-4.
  • Trident C-4 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1980 - 14:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident C-4.
  • Trident C-4 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1980 - 14:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Trident C-4.
  • Trident C-4 Operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1981 - 19:15 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4W. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3B. Model: Titan 24B. LV Configuration: Titan 24B 24B-24 (3B-59).
  • OPS 1166 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-8 no. 51 / Agena D. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-8. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 138 km (85 mi). Apogee: 336 km (208 mi). Inclination: 96.40 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 12315. Decay Date: 1981-06-20.

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

1982 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • Poseidon Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1982 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon.
  • Poseidon Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1984 - 03:54 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C ADD-VIIIC-10.
  • Black Brant ARIES B Auroral/Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Nation: Canada. Agency: Canada. Apogee: 204 km (126 mi).

1984 - 13:59 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1539 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 167 km (103 mi). Apogee: 338 km (210 mi). Inclination: 67.20 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1984-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 14763. Duration: 41.00 days. Decay Date: 1984-04-09.

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

1984 - 17:13 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.39UL.
  • Taurus Orion Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1988 - 12:10 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 N. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.032UH.
  • Black Brant X-ray Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1989 - 04:05 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32. Launch Vehicle: Tsyklon 3. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Meteor 2-18 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor-2 no. 18. Mass: 2,750 kg (6,060 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor-2. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 937 km (582 mi). Apogee: 953 km (592 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 104.00 min. COSPAR: 1989-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 19851.

    Gathering meteorological information and data on penetrating radiation fluxes in circumterrestrial space.

1990 - 00:55 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/2. Launch Vehicle: Tsyklon 3. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Okean 2 Nation: USSR. Program: Okean. Payload: Okean-O1 no. 5. Mass: 1,950 kg (4,290 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Okean-O1. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 617 km (383 mi). Apogee: 646 km (401 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 97.40 min. COSPAR: 1990-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 20510. Completed Operations Date: 1991-07-18.

    Oceanographic remote sensing. Gathering of up-to-date oceanographic information and data on ice conditions in the interests of the Soviet economy and international cooperation.

1990 - 07:50 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39. Launch Pad: LC39A. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Model: Space Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-36R.
  • STS-36 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Atlantis F06 / KH-12 1. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Atlantis. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 204 km (126 mi). Inclination: 62.00 deg. Period: 88.50 min. COSPAR: 1990-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 20512. Duration: 4.43 days. Decay Date: 1990-03-04. Crew: Casper, Creighton, Hilmers, Mullane, Thuot. Flight: STS-36.

    Manned five crew. Deployed a classified payload. Landed at: Runway 23 dry lake bed at Edwards Air Force Base, . Landing Speed: 368 kph. Touchdown miss distance: 494.00 m. Landing Rollout: 2,407.00 m. Payloads: DoD Mission - Record altitude (through 5/93).

  • USA 53 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-12 no. 1. Mass: 19,600 kg (43,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Misty. Agency: NRO. Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 207 km (128 mi). Inclination: 62.00 deg. Period: 88.60 min. COSPAR: 1990-019B. USAF Sat Cat: 20516. Decay Date: 1990-03-31.

    Deployed from STS-36 February 28, 1990. Said to be designated 'Misty', and believed to be the first maneouvering stealth satellite. Barely visible, it was rediscovered by amateur observors in October 1990, with a ground track that repeated every nine days. It maneouvered again in early November 1990, changing its inclination by 1.2 degrees and entering a lower orbit with a three-day repeating ground track. Amateurs again found it in 1996 and 1997 in a 66.2 degree orbit with a 99.4 minute period. The decay date for the active satellite is believed to refer instead to debris; the actually satellite was probably deorbited after 1997, perhaps after USA 144 (Misty 2?) was put into operation.

1990 - 14:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol'.
  • Topol Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1990 - 23:10 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U2. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U2 T15000-040.
  • Progress M-3 Nation: USSR. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 203. Mass: 7,249 kg (15,981 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Apogee: 218 km (135 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.50 min. COSPAR: 1990-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 20513. Duration: 58.07 days. Completed Operations Date: 1990-04-29 00:52:03. Decay Date: 1990-04-29 00:52:03. Flight: Mir EO-6.

    Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Docked with Mir on 3 Mar 1990 01:04:32 GMT. Undocked on 27 Apr 1990 20:24:43 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 28 Apr 1990 00:52:00 GMT. Total free-flight time 2.26 days. Total docked time 55.81 days.

1991 - 05:30 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-2 360-02.
  • Raduga 27 Nation: USSR. Payload: Raduga s/n 38L. Mass: 1,965 kg (4,332 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Raduga . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,809 km (22,250 mi). Inclination: 7.30 deg. Period: 1,436.50 min. COSPAR: 1991-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 21132. Completed Operations Date: 1998-05-01.

    Provision of telephone and telegraph radiocommunications and transmission of television programmes. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 128 deg E in 1991-1998 As of 29 August 2001 located at 109.47 deg E drifting at 0.276 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 119.06E drifting at 0.198W degrees per day.

1998 - 00:21 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: SLC36B. Launch Vehicle: Atlas IIAS. Model: Atlas IIAS. LV Configuration: Atlas IIAS AC-151.
  • Intelsat 806 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Payload: NSS 806. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 7000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Telecommunications, East Windsor (formerly RCA). Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Apogee: 35,799 km (22,244 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1998-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 25239.

    Initially positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 40 deg W in 1998-2001. 36 C-band and 6 Ku-band transponders. Later assigned to Intelsat spin-off New Skies, redesignated NSS-806, and moved to 319.5º East, giving it an optimum view of Latin American markets while also reaching the Iberian peninsula, the Canary Islands, Western Europe and much of Eastern Europe. Its tailored, high-powered hemispheric beam provided simultaneous coverage of both Europe and the Americas, with virtually complete coverage of North, Central and South America, therefore ensuring the maximum reach throughout Spanish and Portuguese speaking markets. Expected end of life July 2016. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 40.47W drifting at 0.007W degrees per day.

1999 - 04:00 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-2 387-01.
  • Raduga-1 Nation: Russia. Payload: Raduga-1 s/n 14. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Raduga-1. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, Zhelenogorsk. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 1.20 deg. COSPAR: 1999-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 25642.

    Geosynchronous communications satellite, stationed at 35 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 35 deg E in 1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 34.80 deg E drifting at 0.013 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 107.14E drifting at 0.165W degrees per day.

1999 - 2005 -
  • Nanosputnik Nation: Russia. Program: ISS. Payload: TEKh-42 / TNS-0 s/n 1. Mass: 5.00 kg (11.00 lb). Class: Technology. Perigee: 341 km (211 mi). Apogee: 353 km (219 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.50 min. COSPAR: 2005-007C. USAF Sat Cat: 28547. Decay Date: 2005-08-30. Flight: ISS EO-10.

    Nanosatellite delivered by Progress M-52 to the International Space Station. 30 cm long, it was released from during a spacewalk on 28 March 2005.

  • Progress M-52 Nation: Russia. Program: ISS. Payload: Progress M s/n 252. Mass: 7,250 kg (15,980 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Manufacturer: TsSKB Progress. Agency: Russian Space Agency. Perigee: 350 km (210 mi). Apogee: 360 km (220 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.60 min. COSPAR: 2005-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 28624. Duration: 107.20 days. Decay Date: 2005-06-16. Flight: ISS EO-10.

    Docked with the Zvezda module of the International Space Station at 20:10 GMT on March 2. Undocked at 20:16 GMT on 15 June. Retrofire at 23:16 GMT lowered its perigee to 62 km, and resulting in a destructive re-entry over the Pacific at 23:57 GMT.

2006 - 20:10 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200. Launch Pad: LC200/39. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82M. LV Configuration: Proton-M/Briz-M. FAILURE: Briz-M stage shut down 27.5 minutes into a planned 31-minute burn and could not be restarted. The failure left the satellite in a useless orbit from which it quickly decayed..
  • Arabsat 4 Nation: Arab States. Payload: ES-2000+. Mass: 3,341 kg (7,365 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Eurostar 2000. Manufacturer: EADS Astrium. Agency: Arabsat. Perigee: 497 km (308 mi). Apogee: 14,684 km (9,124 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 273.80 min. COSPAR: 2006-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 28943. Decay Date: 2006-03-24.

    The satellite seperated from the stage but the mission could not be rescued. It was ordered to fire its apogee engine around 00:20 GMT on March 24 to lower its perigee into the atmosphere. It reportedly burned up over the South Pacific at 02:07 GMT.

2007 - 08:39 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant XII.
  • NASA 40.019UE Nation: USA. Payload: CHARM. Agency: NASA/Dartmouth. Apogee: 900 km (550 mi).

    Auroral


Born on this day in:

Died on this day in:
  • 1966 - Elliott McKay See Jr.  American Pilot Astronaut. Cause of Death: Crash of T-38 trainer into the McDonnell Aircraft plant.
  • 1966 - Charles Arthur Bassett II.  American Pilot Astronaut. Cause of Death: Crash of T-38 trainer into the McDonnell Aircraft plant.
  • 1968 - Nikolai Nikolayevich Voronov.  Russian Military Officer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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