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1935 - Launch Vehicle: Goddard. Model: Goddard A.

  • Flight of Goddard A series rocket Nation: USA. Apogee: 0.0370 km (0.0230 mi).

    Rocket had new timing device for parachute, and cushioned gyro. Day was windy; duration 10 sec; height 120 ft; tipped into wind as it left the tower.

1950 -
  • Korean War begins when North Korean Communist forces invade South Korea Nation: USA.

1951 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-1. Model: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-4.
  • Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: NII-88. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Deacon. Model: Triple Deacon.
  • F23 Ramjet test Nation: USA. Agency: NACA. Apogee: 41 km (25 mi).

1954 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Jupiter C.
  • Project Orbiter begun. Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Explorer A.

    In a meeting, Dr. Wernher von Braun, Frederick C. Durant III, Alexander Satin, David Young, Dr. Fred L. Whipple, Dr. S. Fred Singer, and Commander George W. Hoover agreed that a Redstone rocket with a Loki cluster as the second stage could launch a satellite into a 200-mile orbit without major new developments. This became a joint Army-Navy study project after meeting at Redstone Arsenal on August 3. Project Orbiter was a later outgrowth of this proposal and resulted in the launching of Explorer I on January 31, 1958.

1957 - 14:07 GMT - Launch Site: Holloman. Launch Complex: A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee Hi. LV Configuration: Aerobee Hi USAF 79.
  • AU4.27 Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: ARDC. Apogee: 202 km (125 mi).

    Ionosphere research. Launched at 0707 local time. Reached 202 km.

1958 -
  • Man-In-Space-Soonest Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Project 7969. Agency: USAF. Crew: Walker Joseph, Crossfield, Armstrong, Rushworth, Bridgeman, White Alvin, Kincheloe, White Robert, McKay. Flight: Man-In-Space-Soonest.

    In a US Air Force briefing a preliminary astronaut selection for the Man-In-Space Soonest project is made. The list consisted of USAF test pilots Robert Walker, Scott Crossfield, Neil Armstrong, Robert Rushworth, William Bridgeman, Alvin White, Iven Kincheloe, Robert White, and Jack McKay. This was the first preliminary astronaut selection in history. The project was cancelled when NASA was formed in and took responsibility for all manned space flight on 1 August 1958. Prospective contractors estimated it would take from 12 to 30 months to put the first American in orbit. In retrospect the orbital flight portion of NASA's Mercury program was paced by the availability of the Atlas booster. Therefore it is unlikely Man-in-Space-Soonest would have put an American in orbit any earlier than Mercury.

1958 - 03:36 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. Model: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone CC-48. FAILURE: Human error - thrust controller not connected.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi).

    Successfully fired at 2059 hours EST from AMR. The flight was a success in that all missions were accomplished with the exception of failure of the thrust governor. This failure was caused by human error before firing which caused excess velocity, thereby exceeding the predicted impact point by 8.36 nm. Programmed range to impact was 137.31 nm. All other missions were satisfactorily completed. Missed aimpoint by 14,917 m.

1959 -
  • Mercury recovery airdrop test. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury.

    Navy surface vessels and aircraft were used in a recovery operation after an airdrop of a spacecraft off the coast from Jacksonville, Florida. The spacecraft was purposely dropped 40 miles away from the predicted impact point and 45 miles away from the nearest ship. Recovery was effected in 2 and one half hours.

1959 - 22:47 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Agena A. LV Configuration: Thor Agena A 179 / Agena A 1023. FAILURE: Insufficient stage 2 velocity.
  • Discoverer 4 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-1 9001. Mass: 743 kg (1,638 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: DARPA. COSPAR: F590625A. Decay Date: 1959-06-25.

    KH-1; 1st generation low resolution photo surveillance. Failed to achieve orbit.

  • SRV 102 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-1. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F590625B.

1961 - Launch Site: Cuxhaven. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • Rocket mail delivered to Scharhoern Nation: Germany.

    The DRG (German Rocket Society) launches two 3-m long, 51.9 kg, 600 kgf thrust Kumulus rockets from Arensch over the sea 18 km to the flats of the island of Scharhoern. The trip was made in 28 seconds at a top speed of 850 m/s with a payload of 5000 postcards weighing 15 kg.

1963 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Martin-Baltimore received the stage II fuel tank for Gemini launch vehicle 2 from Martin-Denver. Nation: USA.

    This was a new tank, replacing a tank rejected for heat treatment cracks. Stage II oxidizer tank and stage I fuel and oxidizer tanks were received July 12 after a roll-out inspection at Martin-Denver July 1-3.

1963 -
  • Vostok 5/6 returned cosmonauts traditional meeting with Korolev Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Vostok. Flight: Vostok 6.

    The returned cosmonauts have the traditional meeting with Korolev at the design bureau and hand over their flight logs. The new cosmonaut group is presented as well. Korolev is in a good mood, and makes an especially long-winded speech. Tereshkova has to leave early, at 12:00, to attend yet another press conference and a woman's congress. These activities kept her going until 22:00 in the evening - a gruelling schedule indicative of what was to come.

1963 - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk-9a Sandia 152-2.
  • Nitehawk-9 test Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

1963 - 13:20 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 KP3.2.
  • Visible Dayglow Aeronomy / aurora mission Nation: USA. Agency: KPNO. Apogee: 213 km (132 mi).

1963 - 17:53 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 1-36-57.
  • X-15A Opt Deg/Trav Probe Technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 34 km (21 mi).

    Maximum Speed - 6293 kph. Maximum Altitude - 34080 m.

1964 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone.
  • Redstone obsolete. Nation: USA.

    The Redstone missile was classified as obsolete.

1964 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Martin-Baltimore received the propellant tanks for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 5 from Martin-Denver, which had begun fabrication in October 1963. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5.

    Aerojet-General delivered the flight engines for GLV-5 November 5. Tank splicing was completed December 5; engine installation December 9. Final horizontal tests were completed January 7, 1965.

1964 - 01:40 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout X-4. LV Configuration: Scout X-4 S128R. FAILURE: Second stage exploded.
  • ESRS Nation: USA. Payload: CRL 2. Mass: 79 kg (174 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: ESRS. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F640625A. Decay Date: 1964-06-25.

    Environmental Sciences Research Satellite.

1964 - 14:57 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.156GE.
  • B Field 2 Magnetosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1964 - 17:34 GMT - Launch Site: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 36.1 N x 116.0 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 2-32-55.
  • X-15A-2 Stability test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi).

    Maximum Speed - 4994 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25390 m. First flight of X-15 No. 2 in X-15A-2 configuration, but without drop tanks.

1965 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.
  • Nine additional S-IVB stages for the Saturn V Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.

    NASA announced negotiations with Douglas Aircraft Company for nine additional S-IVB stages to be used as the third stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle being developed at Marshall Space Flight Center. Work was to include related spares and launch support services. The S-IVB contract, presently valued at $312 million, would be increased by $150 million for the additional work.

1965 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • The Combined Systems Acceptance Test of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 6 was completed at Martin-Baltimore. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5.

    The vehicle acceptance team convened July 6 to review GLV-6 and accepted it July 10. The vehicle was demated on July 19 and formally accepted by the Air Force July 31. Stage II was delivered to Cape Kennedy the same day, and stage I on August 2. Both stages were then placed in storage pending the launch of Gemini-Titan 5.

1965 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Stage I of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 7 was erected in the east cell of the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 7.

    Stage II was erected June 28. GLV-7 was inspected and prepared for testing while GLV-6 was undergoing vertical tests in the west cell. Power was applied to GLV-7 for the first time July 26. Subsystems Functional Verification Tests were completed August 25. Systems modification and retesting followed.

1965 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas.
  • Three Atlas squadrons deactivated. Nation: USA.

    Fairchild AFB SMS 567, Schilling AFB SMS 550, and Lincoln AFB SMS 551 all deactivated

1965 - 09:50 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. LV Configuration: Voskhod 11A57 G15000-10.
  • Cosmos 69 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 310 km (190 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1965-049A. USAF Sat Cat: 1421. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1965-07-03.

    High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule

1965 - 19:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3 Agena D. LV Configuration: SLV-3 Agena D 7109 / Agena D 7109.
  • OPS 6749 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B2. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 496 km (308 mi). Apogee: 510 km (310 mi). Inclination: 107.60 deg. Period: 94.70 min. COSPAR: 1965-050A. USAF Sat Cat: 1422. Decay Date: 1968-08-22.

    Radar monitoring.

  • KH 7-19 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-7 no. 19. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-7. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 254 km (157 mi). Apogee: 349 km (216 mi). Inclination: 107.60 deg. Period: 90.50 min. COSPAR: 1965-050B. USAF Sat Cat: 1424. Decay Date: 1965-06-30.

    KH-7 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

1966 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC60/7. Launch Pad: LC60/7?. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U.
  • Palma-1 Operational test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,210 km (750 mi).

1966 - 01:30 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AF07.506.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

1966 - 03:36 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AF07.509.
  • BABY Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 157 km (97 mi).

1966 - 08:15 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AF07.620.
  • CORA Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

1966 - 09:57 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL AF07.507.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 179 km (111 mi).

1966 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. LV Configuration: Vostok 8A92M N15000-21.
  • Cosmos 122 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor no. 5. Mass: 4,730 kg (10,420 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 371 km (230 mi). Apogee: 388 km (241 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 92.10 min. COSPAR: 1966-057A. USAF Sat Cat: 2254. Decay Date: 1989-11-14.

    Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space.

1969 - 20:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC32B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 FTM-206.
  • Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B 1413.
  • FOT GT73B Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 - 14:50 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 3B. LV Configuration: Titan 23B 23B-5 (3B-27).
  • OPS 6820 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-8 no. 27 / Agena D. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-8. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 144 km (89 mi). Apogee: 393 km (244 mi). Inclination: 108.90 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1970-048A. USAF Sat Cat: 4422. Decay Date: 1970-07-06.

    KH-8 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

1971 -
  • Soyuz 11 Day 20 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7KT-OK, Salyut 1. Flight: Soyuz 11.

    The crew sets a new world endurance record in space. Overnight they conduct another successful Svinets experiment, this time observing the launch of a solid propellant missile. The crew seems alert and in good shape. The Landing Commission confirms landing for 30 June, but now 200 to 250 km south-west of Karaganda. The medical teams will be prepared for all possible situations. There are bitter arguments within the commission as to the current and likely condition of the crew.

1971 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: LC43/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Zenit-4M Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Zenit-4M. Agency: RVSN. COSPAR: F710625A.

    Photo surveillance mission.

1971 - 08:44 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.59AI.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 660 km (410 mi).

1971 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: South Uist. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 1. LV Configuration: Petrel P48H.
  • D / E regions Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

1972 - 14:47 GMT - Launch Site: Salto di Quirra. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 3 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 3 AC S91.
  • ESRO S91 X-ray Astronomy mission Nation: Europe. Agency: ESRO. Apogee: 213 km (132 mi).

1975 -
  • X-24 Flight 53 Nation: USA. Payload: X-24B flight 25. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-24B. Crew: Manke.

    Maximum Speed - 1427 kph. Maximum Altitude - 17680 m. Flight Time - 426 sec.

1975 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC142/34. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: R-36 8K67.
  • OS-67 test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1975 - 13:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 746 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MK. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 180 km (110 mi). Apogee: 325 km (201 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1975-059A. USAF Sat Cat: 7985. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1975-07-08.

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

1976 -
  • Complete functional checkout, Enterprise (OV-101) Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise.

1981 - 23:55 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM 305-01.
  • Ekran 7 Nation: USSR. Payload: Ekran s/n 21L. Mass: 1,970 kg (4,340 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Ekran . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Apogee: 35,819 km (22,256 mi). Inclination: 10.50 deg. Period: 1,437.00 min. COSPAR: 1981-061A. USAF Sat Cat: 12564. Completed Operations Date: 1982-08-01.

    Transmission of Central Television programmes to a network of receivers for collective use. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 99 deg E in 1981-1982 As of 1 September 2001 located at 78.87 deg E drifting at 0.201 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 66.59E drifting at 0.197W degrees per day.

1982 - 02:28 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M.
  • Cosmos 1382 Nation: USSR. Payload: Oko #27. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 5,465 km (3,395 mi). Apogee: 34,865 km (21,664 mi). Inclination: 68.00 deg. Period: 717.30 min. COSPAR: 1982-064A. USAF Sat Cat: 13295.

    Replaced Cosmos 1223. Covered Oko constellation plane 7 - 154 degree longitude of ascending node.

1983 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT94GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1983 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT95GB Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1983 - Launch Site: Biscarosse. Launch Complex: BLB. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: SSBS. Model: SSBS S3. LV Configuration: SSBS S3 2606.
  • Operational test Nation: France. Agency: DMA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1984 - 18:43 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 34D. LV Configuration: Titan 34D 34D-4 (04D-1).
  • USA 2 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-9 no. 19. Mass: 13,300 kg (29,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-9. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 170 km (100 mi). Apogee: 230 km (140 mi). Inclination: 96.50 deg. Period: 88.50 min. COSPAR: 1984-065A. USAF Sat Cat: 15063. Decay Date: 1984-10-18.

    KH-9 type satellite. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C).

  • USA 3 Nation: USA. Payload: SSF-D No. 5. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 690 km (420 mi). Apogee: 710 km (440 mi). Inclination: 96.10 deg. Period: 98.80 min. COSPAR: 1984-065C. USAF Sat Cat: 15071.

    Radar monitoring.

1987 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: Jubilee. Launch Pad: -. 1987 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT122GB-1 Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1991 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65061-262. FAILURE: Second stage malfunction - no stable orbit.
  • Romb Nation: USSR. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-2. Agency: UNKS. COSPAR: F910625M.

    Released 25 Romb radar calibration subsatellites.

1991 - 17:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol.
  • Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1991 - 21:11 GMT - 1992 - 16:12 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-50.
  • STS-50 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Columbia F12 / USML-1 / OAST. Mass: 11,153 kg (24,588 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 302 km (187 mi). Apogee: 309 km (192 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 90.60 min. COSPAR: 1992-034A. USAF Sat Cat: 22000. Duration: 13.81 days. Decay Date: 1992-07-09. Crew: Baker, Bowersox, DeLucas, Dunbar, Meade, Richards, Trinh. Flight: STS-50.

    Carried United States Microgravity Laboratory. First extended-duration mission. Payloads: United States Microgravity Laboratory (USML)-1; Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment (OARE); Investigations Into Polymer Membrane Processing (IPMP), Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX)-ll; Ultraviolet Plume Instrument (UVPl) .

  • USML-1 Nation: USA. Program: Spacelab. Payload: Spacelab Long Module. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacelab. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1992-034xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22000. Decay Date: 1992-07-09.

  • EDO Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1992-034xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22000. Decay Date: 1992-07-09.

1993 -
  • EVA STS-57-1 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Endeavour, HST. Crew: Low, Wisoff. Flight: STS-57. EVA Duration: 0.24 days.

    Latched Eureca antenna. Conducted tests to refine procedures for servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope and construction of the International Space Station

1993 - 00:18 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 42P. LV Configuration: Ariane 42P+ V57.
  • Galaxy 4 Nation: USA. Program: Galaxy. Payload: Galaxy 4H. Mass: 2,988 kg (6,587 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Agency: HCI. Perigee: 35,743 km (22,209 mi). Apogee: 35,829 km (22,263 mi). Inclination: 3.40 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1993-039A. USAF Sat Cat: 22694.

    Geostationary at 99 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 99 deg W in 1993-1998 As of 6 September 2001 located at 76.26 deg E drifting at 0.041 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 77.40E drifting at 0.010E degrees per day.

1993 - 08:20 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Resurs F-18 Nation: Russia. Program: Resurs. Payload: Resurs-F1 14F43 s/n 57. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F1-14F43. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 173 km (107 mi). Apogee: 240 km (140 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 88.60 min. COSPAR: 1993-040A. USAF Sat Cat: 22696. Duration: 17.00 days. Decay Date: 1993-07-12.

    Investigation of the natural resources of the Earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy; solution of problems relating to ecology and international cooperation.

1993 - 23:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout G. LV Configuration: Scout G-1 S217C.
  • Radcal Nation: USA. Mass: 95 kg (209 lb). Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Radcal. Agency: USAF 30S. Perigee: 753 km (467 mi). Apogee: 882 km (548 mi). Inclination: 89.60 deg. Period: 101.20 min. COSPAR: 1993-041A. USAF Sat Cat: 22698.

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

1997 -
  • Galileo, Callisto 9 Encounter Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Galileo.

1997 - 23:44 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44P. LV Configuration: Ariane 44P-3 V96.
  • Intelsat 802 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 7000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-031A. USAF Sat Cat: 24846.

    Geosynchronous. Stationed over 174.1E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 174 deg E in 1997-2000; 177 deg E in 2000. As of 1 September 2001 located at 174.00 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 32.91E drifting at 0.000W degrees per day.

1998 - 14:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 2359 Nation: Russia. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4KS1. Manufacturer: TsSKB-Progress, Samara. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 239 km (148 mi). Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.90 min. COSPAR: 1998-039A. USAF Sat Cat: 25376. Decay Date: 1999-07-12.

    Photo/digital surveillance. Entered an initial 170 x 290 km x 64.9 deg initial orbit. It manoeuvred to its operational orbit of 240 x 302 km x 64.9 deg on June 27.

2000 - 11:50 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-3. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 3 CZ3-13 (61).
  • Fengyun-2 Nation: China. Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: FY-2. Manufacturer: Shanghai Inst. of Satellite Engineering. Agency: CASC. Perigee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.80 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 2000-032A. USAF Sat Cat: 26382.

    Second Fengyun-2 weather satellite, replacing the first FY-2 (retired in April after a three year service life). The spin-stabilised FY-2 fired its solid apogee motor early on Jun 26. By July 3, it was in a 35,791 x 35,804 km x 1.1 deg orbit drifting over the Pacific. Stationed at 104 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 110 deg E in 2000. As of 5 September 2001 located at 104.56 deg E drifting at 0.030 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 34.70W drifting at 0.629W degrees per day.

2001 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-25.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

2001 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-25.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

2001 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-25.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

2002 -
  • Progress M1-8 departs ISS. Nation: Russia. Program: ISS. Flight: ISS EO-5.

    Progress M1-8 undocked from the Zvezda module at 0826 UTC on June 25. The deorbit burn was at 1135 UTC, lowering its orbit from 379 x 398 km x 51.6 deg to 50 x 398 km. The spacecraft reentered over the Pacific at 1213 UTC with debris impact near 46 S 144 W.

2006 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC6. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta IV. Model: Delta IV Medium+ (4.2). LV Configuration: Delta 4M+(4,2) D4-6 (317) 4240.
  • USA 184 Nation: USA. Payload: NRO L-22. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Class: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Jumpseat-2. Agency: NRO. COSPAR: 2006-027A.

    Secret payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. The intended orbit was thought to be a "Molniya" elliptical 12-hour orbit with an inclination of 63 degrees. American data relay and signals intelligence satellites have used this orbit in the past, notably the Jumpseat series of 1971-1983. A secondary payload was later confirmed to be the first SBIRS-HEO (Space-based Infrared System) sensor. SBIRS was the successor to the DSP (Defence Support Program), which provided early warning of missile launches. Also carried the NASA/Los Alamos TWINS-A magnetospheric research payload


Born on this day in:

Died on this day in:
  • 2001 - Yuri Petrovich Sheffer.  Russian Pilot Cosmonaut. Cause of Death: Airplane crash at Zhukovsky Flight Research Center, Russia (heart failure).

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