January 25

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1943 - Launch Site: Peenemuende. Launch Complex: P7. Launch Vehicle: V-2. Model: V-2. LV Configuration: A-4 11. FAILURE: Failure.

  • V-2 Test mission Nation: Germany. Agency: Wehrmacht. Apogee: 40 km (24 mi).

    Trajectory too steep, and the missile rolled in flight. The engine burned for 64.5 seconds, and total flight was 278 seconds. The missile impacted 7 km left of the intended course.

1945 - 09:17 GMT - Launch Site: V-2 Gruppe Nord. Launch Vehicle: V-2. FAILURE: Failure.
  • V-2 launched at London, impacted in Holland at Archipelwijk. Nation: Germany. Agency: V-2 Bty 444. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

    10 dead, 20 injured, 5 houses destroyed, 40 damaged.

1952 - Launch Complex: Le Cardo. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. Model: Veronique P6. LV Configuration: Veronique P6 P6-1.
  • Veronique Test mission Nation: France. Agency: FR. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi).

    Launched from Le Cardonnet, France - Latitude: 43.58 N - Longitude: 3.64 E.

1952 - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: SLED. Launch Vehicle: Snark. LV Configuration: XSSM-A-3.
  • Snark Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

1955 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: R-1E. LV Configuration: R-1E 1.
  • R-1 Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

    Payload section deployed at 22 seconds. Left animal container recovered. Carried dogs.

1958 -
  • Dynasoar request for proposal Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar.

    After surveying 111 potential bidders, the USAF issued Requests for Proposal to ten companies (Bell, Boeing, Vought, Convair, Douglas, General Electric, Lockheed, Martin, North American, Western Electric). Later McDonnell, Northrop, and Republic were also issued RFP's.

1958 - 19:12 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun AM6.02.
  • Nike-Cajun Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 157 km (97 mi).

1959 -
  • Mercury pilot egress trainer received. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury.

    The pilot egress trainer was received from McDonnell and rough water evaluation of the equipment was started immediately by Space Task Group personnel.

1961 -
  • Study on the feasibility of refueling a spacecraft in orbit Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM.

    NASA announced that the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation had been awarded a contract by the Marshall Space Flight Center to study the feasibility of refueling a spacecraft in orbit.

1962 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: LC31B. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1A. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1A 408.
  • Minuteman 1 Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1962 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41/4. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U.
  • R-16 State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1963 - 10:44 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576. Launch Pad: 576B2. Launch Vehicle: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 39D. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Atlas D NTMP K-9/OT ABM Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1964 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC67. Launch Pad: LC67/21. Launch Vehicle: R-36. FAILURE: Failure.
  • R-36 State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN.

1964 -
  • Soviet Air Force Cosmonaut Training Group 2 Supplemental selected. Nation: USSR.

    The group was selected to provide experienced test pilot for the Soyuz manned spaceflight program.. Qualifications: Personal selection.. Beregovoi was a very experienced test pilot, but older than the official age criteria. However he had the support of leading figures in the space program. He joined the cosmonaut team on a 'special basis' in 1964.

1964 - 05:14 GMT - Launch Site: Thumba. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.79UE.
  • Nike Apache ISRO 20.01? E'jet Magnetospheric mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 164 km (101 mi).

1964 - 13:59 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 75. Launch Pad: 75-1-1. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena B. Model: Thor Agena B SLV-2. LV Configuration: Thor SLV-2 Agena B 397 (TA2) / Agena B 6301 (TA2).
  • Echo 2 Nation: USA. Payload: Echo C A-12. Mass: 256 kg (564 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Comsat. Spacecraft: Echo 2. Agency: NASA LaR. Perigee: 1,030 km (640 mi). Apogee: 1,315 km (817 mi). Inclination: 81.50 deg. Period: 108.80 min. COSPAR: 1964-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 740. Decay Date: 1969-06-07.

    Passive commsat; balloon; 1st joint US/USSR space mission. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C).

1965 -
  • Backup Apollo Block II space suit development program Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, A7L.

    MSC negotiated a backup Block II space suit development program with David Clark Company, which paralleled the Hamilton Standard program, at a cost of $176,000. Criteria for selecting the suit for ultimate development for Block II would be taken from the Extravehicular Mobility Unit Design and Performance Specification. A selection test program would be conducted at MSC using the CM mockup, the lunar simulation facility, and the LEM mockup.

1965 -
  • Optimism permeated Apollo program Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.

    The optimism that permeated the Apollo program was reflected in statements by NASA's Associate Administrator, Robert C. Seamans, Jr., during budget briefings for the forthcoming year. He was "greatly encouraged" by recent design freezes and "very reassured" by testing of propulsion systems and launch vehicle stages. "We really feel," Seamans said, ". . . that we can get off the (lunar landing) flight on an earlier mission than I would have said a year ago?' Certainly it was "conceivable" that the moon landing could come "in early 1970."

1965 - Launch Vehicle: Titan 2.
  • Gemini launch vehicle 3 was erected at complex 19. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3.

    Power was applied January 29 and Subsystems Functional Verification Tests (SSFVT) commenced. SSFVT were finished February 12. The Combined Systems Test before spacecraft mating was conducted February 15-16.

1965 - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IIB. LV Configuration: Black Brant IIB CC-2B-56.
  • Black Brant Auroral/Ionosphere mission? Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1965 - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IIB. LV Configuration: Black Brant IIB CC-2B-48.
  • Black Brant Auroral/Ionosphere mission? Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1966 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC50. Launch Vehicle: Sprint. LV Configuration: Sprint ABM FLA-2. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Sprint Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA.

1966 - 01:52 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.158UA.
  • Nike-Cajun Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 167 km (103 mi).

1966 - 12:28 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC86. Launch Pad: LC86/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 63S1M. Model: Kosmos 63S1M.
  • Cosmos 106 Nation: USSR. Program: DS. Payload: DS-P1-I s/n 1. Mass: 325 kg (716 lb). Class: Military. Type: Target. Spacecraft: DS-P1-I. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 281 km (174 mi). Apogee: 553 km (343 mi). Inclination: 48.40 deg. Period: 92.80 min. COSPAR: 1966-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 1949. Completed Operations Date: 1966-11-15. Decay Date: 1966-11-14.

    Operational radar target for the ABM forces.

1967 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: UR-100. FAILURE: Failure.
  • UR-100 Operational missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN.

1967 - 03:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk MUMP-7.
  • Nike Tomahawk Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 288 km (178 mi).

1967 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk MUMP-4.
  • Nike Tomahawk Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 287 km (178 mi).

1967 - 13:55 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC162. Launch Pad: LC162/36. Launch Vehicle: R-36-O. Model: R-36O 8K69. LV Configuration: R-36O 8K69 N22500 No. 07L.
  • Cosmos 139 Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb). Class: Military. Type: FOBS. Spacecraft: OGCh. Agency: RVSN. Perigee: 144 km (89 mi). Apogee: 210 km (130 mi). Inclination: 49.70 deg. Period: 88.00 min. COSPAR: 1967-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 2656. Decay Date: 1967-01-25.

    Third orbital Fractional Orbital Bombardment System test. First apparently successful test. The warhead was braked to an impact in the Kapustin Yar range.

1967 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk MUMP-5.
  • Nike Tomahawk Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 284 km (176 mi).

1968 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF22. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2448.
  • Minuteman 2 ST Olympic Trials 7 operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 - Launch Vehicle: N1.
  • Apollo vs Ye-8-5 Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L3, Luna, Apollo. Spacecraft: Luna Ye-8-5. Flight: Apollo 9.

    America is preparing Apollo 9 for flight, and Kamanin muses that the Soviet reply will be the N1 and Ye-8-5, neither of which is proven or reliable. The Soviet Union would have a better chance of sending a manned L1 on a flight around the moon during the first quarter of 1969. Meanwhile Mishin's bureau has a new L3M lunar lander on the drawing boards. This will land 4 to 5 men on the moon, but require two N1 or seven UR-500K launches to assemble in orbit.

1969 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90. Launch Pad: LC90/19. Launch Vehicle: Tsyklon. Model: Tsiklon-2A. FAILURE: Payload propulsion system failed; no orbit.
  • US-A Mass Model Nation: USSR. Program: RORSAT. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval Radarsat. Spacecraft: US-A. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). COSPAR: F690125A. Decay Date: 1969-01-24.

    RORSAT hardware, representative of production hardware, but using chemical batteries in place of BES-5 nuclear reactor.

1969 - 03:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Super Loki.
  • Super Loki Meteorological sphere aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 126 km (78 mi).

1969 - 21:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.316IM.
  • Nike-Cajun SNC 2A/4 Aeronomy mission Nation: Sweden. Agency: NASA/SSC. Apogee: 118 km (73 mi).

1970 - 02:20 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 150. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.270UG.
  • Aerobee 150 Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi).

1970 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Vehicle: Kappa 9. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-28.
  • Kappa 9 Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 369 km (229 mi).

1971 -
  • Cosmonauts on public relations duty. Nation: USSR.

    A record number of cosmonauts are away from the training centre on public relations trips.

1971 - 08:19 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.324GE.
  • Nike Apache Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1971 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 150. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.318UL.
  • Aerobee 150 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1971 - 12:38 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: C. Launch Vehicle: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C60/1.
  • Centaure ESRO C60/1 Chemical release/particles mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 175 km (108 mi).

1971 - 14:26 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 170. Model: Aerobee 170. LV Configuration: Aerobee 170 NASA 13.46UA.
  • Aerobee 170 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 245 km (152 mi).

1971 - 15:12 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.432GE.
  • Nike Apache Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi).

1972 - 11:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133. Launch Pad: LC133/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K63. Model: Kosmos 11K63.
  • Cosmos 472 Nation: USSR. Program: DS. Payload: DS-P1-Yu s/n 52. Mass: 250 kg (550 lb). Class: Military. Type: Target. Spacecraft: DS-P1-Yu. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 1,536 km (954 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 102.20 min. COSPAR: 1972-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 5804. Completed Operations Date: 1972-08-16. Decay Date: 1972-08-18.

    Development of systems for air defence and the control of outer space.

1973 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: Meck. Launch Vehicle: Spartan. LV Configuration: Spartan ABM 800039.
  • Spartan Safeguard M2-26 Interceptor mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1973 - 01:15 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Vehicle: Cockatoo.
  • Cockatoo Aeronomy mission Nation: Australia. Agency: WRE. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi).

1973 - 09:59 GMT - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: LC12. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Terrier Tomahawk Sandia 152-202. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Terrier Tomahawk LRL ACS-7C X-ray Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia.

1974 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: El Arenosillo. Launch Vehicle: Skua. Model: Skua 4. LV Configuration: Skua 4 MS4CLO-7403.
  • Skua Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Apogee: 109 km (67 mi).

1975 - 12:40 GMT - Launch Site: El Arenosillo. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel M P GFD-75001.
  • Petrel Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1976 - 23:20 GMT - Launch Site: Syowa Base. Launch Vehicle: S-210. LV Configuration: S-210 S-210JA-22.
  • S-210 Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: NIPR. Apogee: 127 km (78 mi).

1977 -
  • Complete aft fuselage assembly on dock, STA-099 Nation: USA. Program: STS.

    Complete aft fuselage assembly on dock, Palmdale (STA-099)

1977 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: T. Launch Vehicle: TT-500. LV Configuration: TT-500 TT-500-1F.
  • TT-500 Test mission Nation: Japan. Agency: NASDA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1979 - 05:43 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Vostok 8A92M. Model: Vostok 8A92M.
  • Meteor 1-29 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor-Priroda s/n 2-3. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor-Priroda. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 546 km (339 mi). Apogee: 596 km (370 mi). Inclination: 97.80 deg. Period: 96.10 min. COSPAR: 1979-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 11251.

    Obtaining information needed for research into the natural resources of the earth and the development of methods for remote sensing of the underlying surface, and obtaining meteorological information. In addition to Soviet apparatus, carried scientific ap paratus from the German Democratic Republic.

1979 - 21:07 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 2. LV Configuration: Petrel 2 P216K.
  • Petrel Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 179 km (111 mi).

1980 - 20:36 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/2. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47164-249.
  • Cosmos 1153 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 961 km (597 mi). Apogee: 1,014 km (630 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1980-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 11680.

    Military navigation satellite.

1983 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/2. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 47193-480. FAILURE: Launch vehicle failed to orbit - unknown cause.
  • Romb Nation: USSR. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-2. Agency: UNKS. COSPAR: F830125J.

    Carried Romb radar calibration subsatellites.

1984 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF08. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • Minuteman 3 FOT GT100GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1984 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • Minuteman 3 FOT GT99GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1984 - 16:09 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper. LV Configuration: Viper 3A MAP/WINE.
  • Viper M-F 36 Aeronomy mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 112 km (69 mi).

1984 - 16:39 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion DLR A-NO-124.
  • Nike Orion Ferdinand 67 M-T 4 Aeronomy mission Nation: Norway. Agency: NTNF/DLR. Apogee: 118 km (73 mi).

1984 - 18:13 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Vehicle: Viper. LV Configuration: Viper 3A MAP/WINE.
  • Viper M-F 37 Aeronomy mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 115 km (71 mi).

1988 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Vehicle: Kappa 9. Model: Kappa 9M. LV Configuration: Kappa 9M K-9M-81.
  • Kappa 9 COREX Ionosphere mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 359 km (223 mi).

1989 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • Minuteman 3 FOT GT131GB Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1989 -
  • Energia Engineer Cosmonaut Training Group 10 selected. Nation: USSR.

1989 -
  • IMBP Cosmonaut Training Group 5 selected. Nation: USSR.

    Physicians and biomedical specialist cosmonauts for planned missions to the Mir space station.

1989 -
  • Buran Cosmonaut Training Group 3 selected. Nation: USSR.

    Experienced test pilots were selected to train for manned missions using the Buran space shuttle.

1990 - 17:15 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 2057 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Apogee: 330 km (200 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1990-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 20457. Duration: 53.00 days. Decay Date: 1990-03-19.

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

1991 - Launch Vehicle: Al Hussein.
  • Al Hussein Combat launch - target: Israel Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

    Launched from Mobile launchers in Iraq, western launch area - Latitude: 34.00 N - Longitude: 41.00 E.

1991 - 19:23 GMT - Launch Vehicle: Al Hussein.
  • Al Hussein Combat launch - target: Riyadh. Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

    Launched from Mobile launchers in Iraq, SE of Basra - Latitude: 30.50 N - Longitude: 48.00 E.

1991 - 19:23 GMT - Launch Vehicle: Al Hussein.
  • Al Hussein Combat launch - target: Riyadh. Nation: Iraq. Agency: IRAQ. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

    Launched from Mobile launchers in Iraq, SE of Basra - Latitude: 30.50 N - Longitude: 48.00 E.

1992 - 07:50 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U2. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U2 R15000-058.
  • Progress M-11 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 212. Mass: 7,320 kg (16,130 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 185 km (114 mi). Apogee: 227 km (141 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.60 min. COSPAR: 1992-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 21851. Duration: 48.33 days. Completed Operations Date: 1992-03-13 13:13:31. Decay Date: 1992-03-13 13:13:31. Flight: Mir EO-10, Mir LD-3.

    Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Docked with Mir on 27 Jan 1992 09:30:43 GMT. Undocked on 13 Mar 1992 08:43:40 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 13 Mar 1992 15:47:00 GMT. Total free-flight time 2.36 days. Total docked time 45.97 days.

1994 - 00:25 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32. Launch Vehicle: Tsyklon 3. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Meteor 3-06 Nation: Russia. Payload: Meteor-3 s/n 7. Mass: 2,150 kg (4,730 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor-3. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 1,191 km (740 mi). Apogee: 1,228 km (763 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 109.40 min. COSPAR: 1994-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 22969.

    Obtained meterological and solar-terrestrial data. Meteor 3-6 was inserted into an orbital plane 60 degrees to the west of Meteor 3-5's plane and ejected the small German satellite Tubsat B on the second orbit. Meteor 3-6 also carried an integrated French radiometer called SCARAB (Scanner for Radiation Budget) and a German PRARE (Precision Range and Range Rate Experiment) geodetic instrument. The French radiometer was designed to study the Earth's radiation budget over an extended period of time and to measure the effect of clouds on the greenhouse phenomenon. A second SCARAB instrument was manifested on a Meteor spacecraft that was to be launched in 1996, but this did not come to pass. The German PRARE was similar to the instrument carried on ESA's ERS· 1 satellite.

  • Tubsat-B Nation: Germany. Program: Tubsat. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Tubsat. Agency: TUB. Perigee: 1,184 km (735 mi). Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 109.40 min. COSPAR: 1994-003B. USAF Sat Cat: 22970.

    Following the success of the magnetic torque attitude control system that flew on Tubsat-A, researchers and students at Germany's Technical University of Berlin constructed Tubsat-B to test and demonstrate attitude control with a star sensor and three reaction wheels. An on-board 1m telescope was used for astronomy and for Earth observation at 10m resolution. Dimensions of the satellite were 38x38x50 cm, mass 40 kg. Unfortunately communications with the satellite were lost after 39 Days

1994 - 16:34 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4W. Launch Vehicle: Titan 2. Model: Titan II SLV. LV Configuration: Titan 2 s/n M68B-67 + M68B-89 = 23G-11.
  • Clementine 1 Nation: USA. Payload: Clementine 1 / DSPSE-ISA [Star-37FM]. Mass: 424 kg (934 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Lunar. Spacecraft: Clementine. Agency: BMDO. Perigee: 804 km (499 mi). Apogee: 409,890 km (254,690 mi). Inclination: 63.80 deg. Period: 16,158.80 min. COSPAR: 1994-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 22973.

    SDIO sensor technology demonstration; mapped lunar surface; planned asteroid flyby cancelled due to spacecraft failure. After two Earth flybys, lunar insertion was achieved on February 21. Lunar mapping took place over approximately two months, in two parts. The first part consisted of a 5 hour elliptical polar orbit with a perilune of about 400 km at 28 degrees S latitude. After one month of mapping the orbit was rotated to a perilune of 29 degrees N latitude, where it remained for one more month. This allowed global imaging as well as altimetry coverage from 60 degrees S to 60 degrees N. After leaving lunar orbit, a malfunction in one of the on-board computers on May 7 at 14:39 UTC (9:39 AM EST) caused a thruster to fire until it had used up all of its fuel, leaving the spacecraft spinning at about 80 RPM with no spin control. This made the planned continuation of the mission, a flyby of the near-Earth asteroid Geographos, impossible. The spacecraft remained in geocentric orbit and continued testing the spacecraft components until the end of mission. - Additional details.

  • ISA Nation: USA. Payload: ISA. Agency: BMDO. Perigee: 396 km (246 mi). Apogee: 126,958 km (78,887 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 3,075.57 min. COSPAR: 1994-004C. USAF Sat Cat: 22987. Decay Date: 1994-06-08.

1995 - 06:24 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: U3. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant XII. LV Configuration: Black Brant XII NASA 40.06IE.
  • Black Brant SCIFER Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,453 km (902 mi).

1995 - 22:40 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC2. Launch Pad: LC2. Launch Vehicle: CZ-2E. Model: Chang Zheng 2E. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2E CZ2E-5 (37). FAILURE: Shortcomings in the guidance system lead to the vehicle not anticipating the true effects of hoizontal wind-shear once the mountains surrounding the launch site were cleared. This caused the nose fairing to collapse and the spacecraft to be destroyed.
  • Apstar 2 Nation: China. Program: Apstar. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Agency: PRC. COSPAR: F950125A. Decay Date: 1995-01-25.

    Because the Apstar failure happened a few seconds later than Optus, the consequences were catastrophic. The vehicle was destroyed, and the falling wreckage landed on a village down-range of the launch site, killing at least 20 and perhaps as many as 120 people.

1996 - 09:56 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200. Launch Pad: LC200/39. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 374-02.
  • Gorizont 31 Nation: Russia. Payload: Gorizont s/n 43L. Mass: 2,125 kg (4,684 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Gorizont . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,801 km (22,245 mi). Inclination: 0.90 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1996-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 23775.

    Stationed at 39.8E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 40 deg E in 1996-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 40.11 deg E drifting at 0.042 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 74.36E drifting at 1.416W degrees per day.

1998 - 08:35 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: K. Launch Vehicle: S-310. LV Configuration: S-310 S-310-27.
  • S-310 SEEK Ozone Aeronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 183 km (113 mi).

2000 - 01:04 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 42L. Model: Ariane 42L. LV Configuration: Ariane 42L-3 V126.
  • Galaxy 10R Nation: USA. Program: Galaxy. Payload: Galaxy XR. Mass: 1,987 kg (4,380 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: Panamsat. Perigee: 35,785 km (22,235 mi). Apogee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. COSPAR: 2000-002A. USAF Sat Cat: 26056.

    Geosynchronous communications satellite launched to supplement Panamsat's Galaxy cable TV distribution constellation. It carried Ku and C band transponders and was to be stationed at 127 deg W. A replacement for Galaxy 10, lost on the first Delta 3 launch failure. Stationed at 123 deg W. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 123 deg W in 2000. As of 3 September 2001 located at 122.99 deg W drifting at 0.002 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 123.03W drifting at 0.000E degrees per day.

2000 - 16:45 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC2. Launch Pad: LC2. Launch Vehicle: CZ-3A. Model: Chang Zheng 3A. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 3A CZ3A-4 (60).
  • Zhongxing-22 Nation: China. Mass: 2,300 kg (5,000 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FH-1. Manufacturer: China Acad. Space Tech., Beijing. Agency: CAST. Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,803 km (22,246 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. COSPAR: 2000-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 26058.

    First Chinese military communications satellite. Perhaps an update of the DFH-3 design. Stationed at 98 deg E. The first in a planned constellation of satellites to be launched through 2010. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 98 deg E in 2000. As of 5 September 2001 located at 98.03 deg E drifting at 0.005 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 97.95E drifting at 0.009W degrees per day.

2002 -
  • EVA ISS EO-4-2 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Crew: Bursch , Onufrienko. Flight: ISS EO-4. EVA Duration: 0.26 days.

    The astronauts installed plume deflectors around the Zvezda thrusters and set up some exposure experiments. The Pirs airlock was depressurized probably about 1510 UTC, with hatch open at 1519 UTC; hatch close was at 2118 UTC and repressurization began at 2120 UTC.

2002 - 03:15 GMT - Launch Site: Balasore. Launch Vehicle: Agni 1.
  • Agni 1 Test mission Nation: India. Agency: IDRDL. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

2003 - 20:13 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL. Model: Pegasus XL.
  • SORCE Nation: USA. Payload: Solstice/SAVE. Mass: 268 kg (590 lb). Class: Astronomy. Type: Solar. Spacecraft: SORCE. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 617 km (384 mi). Apogee: 657 km (408 mi). Inclination: 39.99 deg. Period: 97.31 min. COSPAR: 2003-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 27651.

    Solar irradiance monitoring, climatology mission. Launch delayed from December 1 and 13, 2002.

2004 -
  • Opportunity Rover Mars Landing Spacecraft: MER.

2004 -
  • Mars Exploration Rover B (Opportunity), Mars Landing, Successful Spacecraft: MER.


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