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1946 -

  • US Navy continues satellite studies. Nation: USA.

    BuAer Committee for Evaluating the Feasibility of Space Rocketry (CEFSR) held joint meeting with AAF representatives to work out joint satellite development program based on BuAer proposal. Nothing resulted until a subsequent Project Rand report and Navy CEFSR proposal were presented to RDB, Committee on Guided Missiles, Technical Evaluation Group in March 1948.

1947 - 18:23 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC33. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: V-2. LV Configuration: V-2 21.
  • Solar ultraviolet / chemical release / ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA/NRL. Apogee: 161 km (100 mi).

    Launched 11:23 local time. Reached 162.9 km. Carried cosmic radiation, pressure, temperature, photo, biological experiments for Naval Research Lab. Took first photograph from 100-mile altitude.

1959 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Blandine. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. LV Configuration: Veronique AGI18. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Sodium release Aeronomy mission Nation: France. Agency: FR. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1961 - Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.
  • First flight Saturn I on test stand. Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.

    First flight model of Saturn booster (SA-1) installed on static test stand for preflight checkout, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville.

1961 - Launch Site: Warren AFB. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas D.
  • Atlas SMS 565 operational. Nation: USA.

    Warren-2 AFB SMS 565 operational

1961 - Launch Site: Ile du Levant. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: CERES. Launch Vehicle: Antares. LV Configuration: Antares 012.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: France. Agency: ONERA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1961 - 18:28 GMT - Launch Site: Silver Lake DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 35.3 N x 116.1 W. Launch Vehicle: X-15. LV Configuration: X-15 2-13-26.
  • X-15A Mach 4 flight test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi).

    Maximum Speed - 4674 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23610 m.

1962 -
  • Orbiting Solar Observatory (OSO) Nation: USA. Program: Mercury.

    The first Orbiting Solar Observatory (OSO) performed remarkably well in conducting the thirteen different experiments for which it was programmed. Especially relevant to manned space flight were its measurements of solar radiation in high frequency ranges, of cosmic dust effects, and of the thermal properties of spacecraft surface materials.

1962 - 16:06 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Thor Delta. LV Configuration: Thor Delta 301/D8.
  • OSO 1 Nation: USA. Payload: OSO A (S-16). Mass: 208 kg (458 lb). Class: Solar. Spacecraft: OSO. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 522 km (324 mi). Apogee: 553 km (343 mi). Inclination: 32.80 deg. Period: 95.30 min. COSPAR: 1962-Zeta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 255. Decay Date: 1981-10-08.

    Orbiting Solar Observatory; solar flare observations. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

1962 - 22:10 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas Agena B. LV Configuration: Atlas Agena B 112D / Agena B 2204.
  • Samos 6 Nation: USA. Payload: Samos E-5 no. 3. Mass: 1,860 kg (4,100 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Samos. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 236 km (146 mi). Apogee: 686 km (426 mi). Inclination: 90.90 deg. Period: 93.90 min. COSPAR: 1962-Eta-3. USAF Sat Cat: 259. Decay Date: 1963-06-07.

    First generation photo surveillance; return of camera and film by capsule; SAMOS type satellite. Failed to return camera and film. Samos film return project cancelled; remaining 4 cameras placed in warehouse and later used on KH-6 Lanyard.

1963 - Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511.
  • Korolev approves draft plan for 'Soyuz Complex' Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz A, Soyuz 7K-OK, Soyuz B, Soyuz V.

    Final design approval for Soyuz A spacecraft for earth orbit and circumlunar flight using orbital rendezvous, docking, and refuelling technques. Except for change of orbital module from cylindrical to spherical design, and changes to rendezvous radar tower arrangement, this design was essentially identical to the Soyuz 7K-OK that flew three years later. - Additional details.

1963 - Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 2.
  • Study group to recommend DOD experiments for inclusion in the Gemini flight program. Nation: USA.

    The Gemini Program Planning Board, meeting in Washington, agreed to the establishment of an ad hoc study group to compare NASA and Department of Defense (DOD) objectives for the Gemini program and to recommend DOD experiments for inclusion in the Gemini flight program. The group met in continuous session March 25 to April 26, presenting its final report to the board on May 6. The board then recommended that a program of inflight military experiments be immediately approved, that the Air Force establish a field office at Manned Spacecraft Center to manage DOD participation in the Gemini program in general and integration of experiments in particular, and that work on preventing longitudinal oscillations in stage I and combustion instability in stage II of the Gemini launch vehicle to be urgently pursued. The board declined to recommend additional flights in the Gemini program, as suggested by the study group, to encompass experiments that would not fit into the framework of the planned Gemini program. The Secretary of Defense and NASA Administrator concurred in the Board's recommendations.

1963 - 18:49 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2P-120.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1964 - 02:45 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Cajun. Model: Nike Cajun. LV Configuration: Nike Cajun NASA 10.137GA.
  • Grenades Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi).

1965 - 09:07 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Voskhod 11A57. LV Configuration: Voskhod 11A57 R15001-05.
  • Cosmos 59 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 321 km (199 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1965-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 1191. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1965-03-15.

    High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule fitted with airlock mating ring planned for Voskhod-2 spacecraft.

1967 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF07. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. LV Configuration: Minuteman 1B (64-002).
  • Follow-on operational missile test Nation: USA. Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 - 09:42 GMT - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Blandine. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. Model: Vesta. LV Configuration: Vesta 004.
  • FU-147 Biological mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 243 km (150 mi).

1967 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kappa. Model: Kappa 10. LV Configuration: Kappa 10 K-10-3.
  • Far ultraviolet Stellar photometer Ultraviolet astronomy / solar x-ray mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 248 km (154 mi).

1968 -
  • Soyuz parachute recertification holding up all manned programs. Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz, Lunar L1, Lunar L3, Almaz. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1, Soyuz 7K-LOK, Soyuz 7K-OK, Almaz OPS.

    Mishin certified to MAP on 5 March that the Soyuz parachute system development is complete, but Tkachayev has dissented, saying that the system was unreliable and overweight (this from the same chief designer that certified the previous design as having an 0.999 reliability!). The parachute trials will not be finished until May - meaning there will be no manned Soyuz launch in April. This problem is holding up the L1, L3, and Almaz projects as well.

1968 -
  • Zond 4 self-destructs during re-entry Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-L1.

    The L1's SUS guidance system failed on re-entry. It hit the atmosphere precisely at the calculated time, but wasn't guided to generate lift and fly out of the atmosphere again. A ballistic re-entry would mean no recovery on Soviet soil, so the APO destruct system automatically blew up the capsule at 10 to 15 km altitude, 180-200 km off the African coast at Guinea.

1969 - 02:27 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.286UG.
  • X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi).

1969 - 08:20 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF05. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2252.
  • ST Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 - 13:12 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Parry. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.83GE.
  • Magnetospheric mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

1969 - 22:40 GMT - Launch Site: Natal. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 CRL AT3.727.
  • Arcmin probe Solar optical mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi).

1970 -
  • President Nixon listed six specific objectives for the space program Nation: USA. Program: Apollo.

    In a White House release, President Nixon listed six specific objectives for the space program: continued exploration of the moon, exploration of the planets and the universe, substantial reductions in the cost of space operations, extension of man's capability to live and work in space, rapid expansion of the practical applications of space technology, and greater international cooperation in space.

1970 - 14:50 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 161 km (100 mi).

1970 - 15:45 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.435UI.
  • Ionospheric Eclipse ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 188 km (116 mi).

1970 - 16:51 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin AFB. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.015-1.
  • Sphere Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 105 km (65 mi).

1970 - 17:40 GMT - Launch Site: East Quoddy. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 3. LV Configuration: Black Brant III AAF-3A-42.
  • Eclipse solar ultraviolet and x-rays mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi).

1970 - 17:59 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.427UM.
  • UM Pitot 44 Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 171 km (106 mi).

1970 - 18:00 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.104GA.
  • Thermosphere Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 289 km (179 mi).

1970 - 18:26 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.428UM.
  • UM Pitot 45 Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 176 km (109 mi).

1970 - 18:27 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.105GA.
  • Thermosphere Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 290 km (180 mi).

1970 - 18:35 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 170. LV Configuration: Aerobee 170 NASA 13.03DS.
  • NRL NE4.238 Eclipse / solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/NRL. Apogee: 165 km (102 mi).

1970 - 18:36 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.317US.
  • Far ultraviolet Eclipse Spectrum Eclipse / solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi).

1970 - 18:36 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.457CI.
  • Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1970 - 18:37 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.436UI.
  • Eclipse ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 178 km (110 mi).

1970 - 18:37 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.106GA.
  • Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 290 km (180 mi).

1970 - 18:38 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.437UI.
  • Eclipse ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 175 km (108 mi).

1970 - 18:39 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.902-5.
  • Mass spectrometer Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 113 km (70 mi).

1970 - 18:40 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.438UI.
  • Eclipse ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 192 km (119 mi).

1970 - 18:41 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Apache. Model: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.429UM.
  • UM Pitot 46 Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1970 - 18:46 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.902-10.
  • Mass spectrometer Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi).

1970 - 18:47 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.57CE.
  • Eclipse / plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 829 km (515 mi).

1970 - 18:52 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.284CS.
  • Solar eclipse mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1970 - 18:55 GMT - Launch Site: East Quoddy. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 3. LV Configuration: Black Brant III AAF-3A-43.
  • Eclipse solar ultraviolet and x-rays mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 156 km (96 mi).

1970 - 18:57 GMT - Launch Site: East Quoddy. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 3. LV Configuration: Black Brant III AAF-3A-44.
  • Eclipse solar ultraviolet and x-rays mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 156 km (96 mi).

1970 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.137DS.
  • NRL NE3.216 Solar eclipse mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 187 km (116 mi).

1970 - 19:03 GMT - Launch Site: East Quoddy. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 3. LV Configuration: Black Brant III AAF-3A-45.
  • Eclipse solar ultraviolet and x-rays mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 156 km (96 mi).

1970 - 19:25 GMT - Launch Site: Eglin AFB. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Nike. Model: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.016-2.
  • Sphere Eclipse aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi).

1970 - 19:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 150A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150A NASA 04.275DS.
  • NRL NE3.235 Solar eclipse mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 163 km (101 mi).

1972 -
  • Skylab rescue mission a definite NASA commitment. Nation: USA. Program: Skylab. Spacecraft: Apollo Rescue CSM.

    The Skylab rescue mission was a definite NASA commitment. The hardware, procedures, documentation, and training would need to be available immediately after the launch of Skylab 2 for a potential rescue mission. To accomplish this requirement, the rescue mission would be treated as a separate mission in the Skylab Program. The rescue mission would be established as a standing agenda item for major boards and panels, and its status would be reviewed on a regular basis with other missions.

1972 - 05:16 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.141GE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

1972 - 06:52 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Sandhawk Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Sandhawk Tomahawk Sandia 152-188.
  • Ba OOSIK Fields mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1972 - 14:26 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.142GE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

1975 - 00:22 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: C. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure 2C. LV Configuration: Centaure 2C SSC S13.
  • SSC S13 Aeronomy mission Nation: Sweden. Agency: SSC. Apogee: 109 km (67 mi).

1976 - 23:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12.
  • Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Chemical release/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi).

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

1977 - 15:53 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

1981 - 08:09 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion A13.20.
  • Auroral E3 Aeronomy / ionosphere / plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi).

1981 - 08:09 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion A13.30.
  • AURORAL E1 Auroral mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 156 km (96 mi).

1981 - 08:26 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion A13.31.
  • AURORAL E2 Auroral mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi).

1981 - 08:38 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Paiute Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Paiute Tomahawk GL A10.901-3.
  • AURORAL E4 Auroral mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 187 km (116 mi).

1983 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5C. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC NASA 21.84DS.
  • HRTS 4 Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1984 - 08:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2.
  • Cosmos 1542 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 223 km (138 mi). Apogee: 346 km (214 mi). Inclination: 70.30 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1984-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 14793. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1984-03-21.

    Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1986 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF08. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Peacekeeper. LV Configuration: Peacekeeper FTM-11.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1986 - 18:12 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.104GU.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 319 km (198 mi).

1986 - 19:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.51UU.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1988 - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: RN. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Super Chief. Model: Talos Sergeant Hydac. FAILURE: Failure.
  • HAVE JEEP VII-B Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: ASMS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1988 - 12:41 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-3. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 3 CZ3-4 (17).
  • Zhongxing-1 Nation: China. Payload: STTW 2. Mass: 1,024 kg (2,257 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: DFH-2. Agency: Chinasat. Perigee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Apogee: 35,789 km (22,238 mi). Inclination: 0.50 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. COSPAR: 1988-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 18922. Completed Operations Date: 1997-07-01.

    Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 87 deg E in 1988-1997. As of 28 August 2001 located at 87.94 deg E drifting at 0.038 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 64.00E drifting at 0.067E degrees per day.

1989 - 08:26 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF10. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3.
  • FOT GT133GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1989 - 22:00 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 33.57UL.
  • Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1994 - 09:11 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.071UE. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

1995 - 09:23 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 370-02.
  • Cosmos 2307 Nation: Russia. Payload: Glonass s/n 65L. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Glonass . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 19,110 km (11,870 mi). Apogee: 19,149 km (11,898 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 675.70 min. COSPAR: 1995-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 23511.

    Glonass navigation satellite.

  • Cosmos 2308 Nation: Russia. Payload: Glonass s/n 66L. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Glonass. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 19,115 km (11,877 mi). Apogee: 19,145 km (11,896 mi). Inclination: 63.80 deg. Period: 675.70 min. COSPAR: 1995-009B. USAF Sat Cat: 23512.

    Glonass navigation satellite.

  • Cosmos 2309 Nation: Russia. Payload: Glonass s/n 77L. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Glonass. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 19,094 km (11,864 mi). Apogee: 19,165 km (11,908 mi). Inclination: 64.70 deg. Period: 675.90 min. COSPAR: 1995-009C. USAF Sat Cat: 23513.

    Glonass navigation satellite. Plane 2. Put into service 6 April 1995.

1998 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-18.
  • Trident D-5 78? operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1998 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-18.
  • 78? Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1998 - 01:33 GMT - Launch Site: Arecibo. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 5C. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC NASA 21.114UE.
  • Coqui Dos Ionosphere/Release mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

2002 - 09:00 GMT -
  • EVA STS-109-4 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Spacecraft: Discovery, HST. Crew: Newman, Massimino. Flight: STS-109. EVA Duration: 0.27 days.

    Depress was at 0856 UTC and repress was at 1630 UTC. The Faint Object Camera was removed and the Advanced Camera for Surveys was installed. The CASH (Cross Aft Shroud Harness) wire harness for the cooling system was installed.

2003 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 18 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne.

    Flight Time: 3.3 hours Pilot: Melvill Copilot: Cory Bird. Objectives: Revised ECS configuration evaluation. Multiple SFO (simulated flame out) approaches to assess updated flight director steering cues. Results: New ECS configuration results encouraging. Engines returned to depot facility for second overhaul repair.


Born on this day in:
  • 1940 - Viktor Petrovich Savinykh.  Russian Engineer Cosmonaut. Birth City: Berezkiny. Birth State: Kirov. Birth Country: Russia.

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