March 17

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1938 - Launch Vehicle: Goddard L-C.

  • Flight of Goddard series L section C rocket Nation: USA. Apogee: 0.66 km (0.41 mi).

    Rocket reached altitude 2170 ft; duration 15 sec; vertical to 800 ft, then leaned to right; landed 3000 ft from tower; little smoke.

1942 - Launch Vehicle: EA 1941.
  • EA 1941 engine run. Nation: France.

    The engine runs for 5 seconds before exploding, producing a thrust of 719 kgf. A second test the following day produces 650 kgf for only four seconds before exploding. Thermal transfer from the engine to the missile structure is found to be the cause, and changes are made.

1945 - Launch Site: V-2 Gruppe Nord. Launch Vehicle: V-2.
  • 11 V-2's launched at Remagen Bridge Nation: Germany. Agency: V-2 Bty SS 500. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi).

    At least 11 V-2 rockets were fired at the bridge across the Rhine at Remagen, which had been captured by American forces. The missiles missed the aiming point by as much as 40 km, but one did explode 300 metres from the bridge, killing 3 American soldiers. Launched from Zwolle-Hellendoorn-Enchede launch area.

1949 - 23:20 GMT - Launch Complex: AVM1 USS. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee RTV-N-8. LV Configuration: Aerobee RTV-N-8 A10.
  • Aerobee Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: APL. Apogee: 105 km (65 mi).

    Cosmic radiation, magnetic field research. Reached 104.6 km. Launched from from vessel ACM1 at Atlantic Ocean Launch Site 1-1 - Latitude: 10.80 S, Longitude:89.23 W.

1952 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Corporal. LV Configuration: Corporal 15R.
  • Corporal Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA?. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi).

1953 -
  • Mach 5 achieved by rocket. Nation: USA.

    Single-stage, air-launched rocket research vehicle exceeded Mach 5 in NACA Lewis Laboratory flight test.

1954 - Launch Vehicle: R-7, Buran, Burya.
  • Baikonur and Vladimirovka launch site plans. Nation: USSR. Program: Navaho.

    Council of Soviet Ministers (SM) Decree 'On selection of launch area for the R-7, 40 Buran, and 350 Burya' was issued.

1958 -
  • NACA Special Committee on Space Technology second meeting. Nation: USA.

    The NACA Special Committee on Space Technology held its second meeting at the Ames Aeronautical Laboratory, and preliminary reports were presented by the committee working groups on objectives and vehicular programs. The committee as a whole was briefed on the work that had been accomplished by the former NACA Committee on Aerodynamics over the past 6 years. It was stated that between 1952 and 1956, approximately 10 percent of NACA's research efforts were applicable directly or indirectly to astronautics. In 1957, the percentage of space flight research rose to 23; and at the time of the meeting, 30 percent of the aerodynamic effort and 20 percent of propulsion research was applicable to astronautics problems. The committee also heard special papers on research being conducted in fluid mechanics, satellite studies, spacecraft design proposals, boost-glide and hypersonic vehicle studies, and missiles.

1958 - 12:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18. Launch Pad: LC18A. Launch Vehicle: Vanguard. Model: Vanguard. LV Configuration: Vanguard TV-4.
  • Vanguard 1 Nation: USA. Program: Vanguard. Payload: Vanguard 1C / Vanguard Test Satellite. Mass: 2.00 kg (4.40 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Vanguard 1. Agency: U.S. Navy. Perigee: 654 km (406 mi). Apogee: 3,868 km (2,403 mi). Inclination: 34.20 deg. Period: 133.20 min. COSPAR: 1958-Beta-2. USAF Sat Cat: 5.

    Transmitted pear-shaped earth data. Life expectancy of perhaps a 1,000 years. The satellite had a mass of 1.6 kg and a diameter of 175 cm.

1959 - Launch Site: Wallops Island.
  • Second spherical rocket motor test. Nation: USA.

    First flight launching of a spin-stabilized 20-inch-diameter spherical rocket, by NASA Langley's PARD at Wallops Station, Va.

1959 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Nike 20"SM.
  • HJ Nike Nike 20"SM 20" SM Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 1,380 km (850 mi).

1959 - 01:46 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: R-7. LV Configuration: R-7 No. 81.
  • R-7 GCh No. 13 (III-2) Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: MVS. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

    First test flight serial production model.

1960 - Launch Vehicle: Vanguard.
  • Vanguard second anniversary. Nation: USA. Program: Vanguard. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Vanguard 1.

    VANGUARD I still in orbit and transmitting on its second anniversary after traveling 131,318,211 miles. NASA reported that VANGUARD I orbit was being altered by solar pressure.

1960 - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Nike-Asp. Model: Nike Asp. LV Configuration: Nike Asp NASA 03.10UI. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Nike-Asp Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA.

1960 - 16:31 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. LV Configuration: X-15 2-6-13.
  • X-15A SAS Eval/Stability Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Crew: Crossfield.

    Maximum Speed - 2283 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16045 m. 6G maneuver test.

1960 - 23:55 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: R-7A. LV Configuration: R-7A L1-5.
  • R-7A I-4 Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1961 - Launch Vehicle: Vanguard.
  • Vanguard third anniversary. Nation: USA. Program: Vanguard. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Vanguard 1.

    Vanguard I completed third year in orbit and was still transmitting. Vanguard I provided much useful data on orbits, including the slight pear-shape of the Earth and the effect of solar pressure. Vanguard also provided the second stage for the Able, Delta, and Able-Star, as well as the third stage of Scout, pioneering solid-propellant stages used in Polaris and Minuteman.

1965 - 15:10 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 150. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.63GS.
  • Aerobee 150 Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 156 km (96 mi).

1965 - 21:13 GMT - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant II. LV Configuration: Black Brant II AE-2A-24.
  • Black Brant Aeronomy mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 153 km (95 mi).

1966 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF08. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2049. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Minuteman 2 Force Mod test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC60. Launch Pad: LC60/7. Launch Vehicle: R-16. Model: R-16U.
  • R-16 Military training launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1966 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2 A2.
  • Polaris A2 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1966 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Polaris A2. LV Configuration: Polaris A2 A2.
  • Polaris A2 Operational Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1966 - 10:28 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Vostok 8A92. Model: Vostok 8A92.
  • Cosmos 112 Nation: USSR. Payload: Zenit-2 11F61 s/n 37. Mass: 4,720 kg (10,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 214 km (132 mi). Apogee: 664 km (412 mi). Inclination: 72.00 deg. Period: 93.30 min. COSPAR: 1966-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 2107. Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1966-03-25.

    Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite.

1966 - 22:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC67. Launch Pad: LC67/21. Launch Vehicle: R-36-O. Model: R-36O 8K69. LV Configuration: R-36O 8K69 U22502 No. 03L.
  • OGCh No. 03L Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb). Spacecraft: OGCh. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). COSPAR: U660316A.

    Last of three suborbital flight tests of the FOBS system. The second stage of the booster placed the third stage and dummy warhead on a depressed trajectory with a range of 8500 km but an altitude of only 220 km (versus 800 to 1200 km for an optimum ballistic trajectory). The third stage than executed a 180 degree turn and its engines were fired to further brake the warhead to an impact on the Kamchatka peninsula. The second stage meanwhile continued on to reentry over the Pacific Ocean.

1967 - Launch Site: Vandenberg.
  • AFWTR assumed operational control of Vanguard Nation: USA.

    AFWTR assumed operational control of the range Instrumentation Ship, Vanguard

1967 - Launch Site: Hammaguira. Launch Complex: Blandine. Launch Vehicle: Veronique. Model: Veronique AGI. LV Configuration: Veronique AGI AGI 64.
  • Veronique Solar mission Nation: France. Agency: FR. Apogee: 32 km (19 mi).

    FU174 Solar corona (UV) / Ptr mission.

1967 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 395. Launch Pad: 395-C. Launch Vehicle: Titan 2. Model: Titan II. LV Configuration: Titan 2 s/n M68B-76 / 63-7731.
  • Titan 2 Gift Horse Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

    Follow-on operational missile test

1967 - Launch Site: Green River. Launch Complex: Pad 3. Launch Vehicle: Athena. LV Configuration: Athena D040.
  • Athena USAF D040 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1967 - Launch Site: Green River. Launch Complex: Pad 2. Launch Vehicle: Athena. LV Configuration: Athena D051.
  • Athena USAF D051 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1967 - 03:48 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC35. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 150. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.194DG.
  • Aerobee 150 NRL NB3.191 Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/NRL. Apogee: 193 km (119 mi).

1968 - Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.49GA.
  • Nike Tomahawk Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

    Launched from Arecibo, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico - Latitude: 18.50 N - Longitude: 66.73 W.

1968 - 06:59 GMT - Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.344UM.
  • Nike Apache Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 148 km (91 mi).

    Launched from Arecibo, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico - Latitude: 18.50 N - Longitude: 66.73 W.

1968 - 07:30 GMT - Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.53GA.
  • Nike Tomahawk Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

    Launched from Arecibo, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico - Latitude: 18.50 N - Longitude: 66.73 W.

1968 - 18:45 GMT - Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache NASA 14.345UM.
  • Nike Apache Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

    Launched from Arecibo, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico - Latitude: 18.50 N - Longitude: 66.73 W.

1968 - 19:18 GMT - Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.52GA.
  • Nike Tomahawk Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

    Launched from Arecibo, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico - Latitude: 18.50 N - Longitude: 66.73 W.

1969 -
  • Russian military space management changes Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz.

    There is a management shuffle in the VVS head shed. Vershinin, a good supporter of Kamanin's attempts to obtain more VVS control of the space programme, is finished.

1969 - 00:04 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P29K.
  • Petrel Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 151 km (93 mi).

1969 - 12:09 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ALFS. Launch Vehicle: Dragon. LV Configuration: Dragon D-29.
  • Dragon Solar mission Nation: France. Agency: CNES. Apogee: 410 km (250 mi).

1969 - 12:38 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.15UE.
  • Nike Tomahawk Magnetospheric mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 216 km (134 mi).

1969 - 16:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M.
  • Cosmos 272 Nation: USSR. Mass: 600 kg (1,320 lb). Spacecraft: Sfera. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,178 km (731 mi). Apogee: 1,208 km (750 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 109.30 min. COSPAR: 1969-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 3818.

    Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space.

1969 - 18:10 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache K-NA-18.
  • Nike Apache DLR K-NA-18 Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Fields mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 231 km (143 mi).

1969 - 18:23 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. LV Configuration: Petrel P25K.
  • Petrel Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 148 km (91 mi).

1969 - 18:35 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi).

1970 - 11:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Vostok 8A92M. Model: Vostok 8A92M.
  • Meteor 1-03 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor M no. 3. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 537 km (333 mi). Apogee: 635 km (394 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 96.40 min. COSPAR: 1970-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 4349. Decay Date: 1983-11-18.

    Acquisition of meteorological information needed for use by the weather service.

1971 - 1971 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B.
  • Minuteman 1 SSTTP M1-13 Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 - 10:57 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.95UA.
  • Nike Tomahawk Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi).

1971 - 16:55 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1972 - Launch Site: Green River. Launch Vehicle: Athena H. LV Configuration: Athena H H003.
  • Athena H SAMAST 1B re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1972 - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee 150. Model: Aerobee 150. LV Configuration: Aerobee 150 NASA 04.320UA.
  • Aerobee 150 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1972 - 05:10 GMT - Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 6 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 6 AC SL1009.
  • Skylark UK SL1009 Solar Ultraviolet mission Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 237 km (147 mi).

1972 - 09:39 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Vehicle: Terrier Sandhawk. LV Configuration: Terrier Sandhawk Sandia 281-25.
  • Terrier Sandhawk Auroral mission? Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

    Solar eclipse observations.

1972 - 16:56 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 168 km (104 mi).

1972 - 17:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4W. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3B. Model: Titan 24B. LV Configuration: Titan 24B 3B-34 (24B-3?).
  • OPS 1678 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-8 no. 34 / Agena D. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-8. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 131 km (81 mi). Apogee: 409 km (254 mi). Inclination: 111.00 deg. Period: 89.90 min. COSPAR: 1972-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 5888. Decay Date: 1972-04-11.

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

1972 - 17:40 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 189 km (117 mi).

1972 - 19:01 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 173 km (107 mi).

1972 - 20:03 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 176 km (109 mi).

1976 -
  • Complete premate MPTA test structure. Nation: USA. Program: STS.

    Complete premate MPTA test structure, Downey, and deliver to Palmdale

1976 - 20:35 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy/Chemical release/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1977 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC105. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36M 15A14.
  • R-36M Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1977 - 03:59 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Ionosphere/Fields mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

1977 - 08:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 898 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 216 km (134 mi). Apogee: 230 km (140 mi). Inclination: 81.40 deg. Period: 89.00 min. COSPAR: 1977-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 9871. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1977-03-30.

    Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; separated science capsule.

  • Nauka Cosmos 898 Nation: USSR. Payload: Nauka?. Spacecraft: Nauka. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 208 km (129 mi). Apogee: 219 km (136 mi). Inclination: 81.30 deg. Period: 88.77 min. COSPAR: 1977-020D. USAF Sat Cat: 9887. Decay Date: 1977-04-03.

1978 - 10:50 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 995 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 209 km (129 mi). Apogee: 227 km (141 mi). Inclination: 81.30 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1978-030A. USAF Sat Cat: 10735. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1978-03-30.

    Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule.

1979 -
  • SSME 2005, flight engine delivered for acceptance Nation: USA. Program: STS.

    Space shuttle main engine 2005, first flight engine delivered to NSTL for acceptance test firings

1979 - 17:42 GMT - Launch Site: Kheysa. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy/Ionosphere/Plasma mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi).

1980 - 21:37 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65098-314.
  • Cosmos 1168 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Tsikada. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 958 km (595 mi). Apogee: 1,009 km (626 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1980-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 11735.

    Civilian naval navigation satellite.

1981 - 08:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1259 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 379 km (235 mi). Inclination: 70.30 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1981-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 12341. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1981-03-31.

    Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1982 - 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).

1982 - 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).

1982 - 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).

1982 - 10:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1343 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 284 km (176 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1982-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 13096. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1982-03-31.

    Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 - 10:34 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).

1986 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B.
  • Minuteman 1 RSLP IPA-3 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1987 - 17:25 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC46. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 D5X-2.
  • Trident D-5 Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1988 - 06:43 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: LC31. Launch Vehicle: Vostok 8A92M. Model: Vostok 8A92M.
  • IRS-1A Nation: India. Payload: IRS 1A. Mass: 975 kg (2,149 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: IRS. Agency: ISRO. Perigee: 897 km (557 mi). Apogee: 917 km (569 mi). Inclination: 99.00 deg. Period: 103.10 min. COSPAR: 1988-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 18960.

    Indian remote sensing; 1st Soviet commercial launch. Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-1A). Operational remote sensing of the Earth for natural resources management applications. Also registered by the USSR as object no. 2387 in ST/SG/SER.E/182 and orbital parameters 102.7 min, 863 x 917 km x 99.01 deg.

1988 - 20:25 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.36US.
  • Black Brant Solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1988 - 20:55 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M ML.
  • Molniya 1-72 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Mass: 1,800 kg (3,900 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 2,121 km (1,317 mi). Apogee: 38,228 km (23,753 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 717.70 min. COSPAR: 1988-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 18980. Decay Date: 2001-07-04.

    Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network.

1990 - 04:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IX. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.34UH.
  • Black Brant X-ray Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1992 - 10:54 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U2. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2.
  • Soyuz TM-14 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Soyuz TM 11F732 s/n 64. Mass: 7,150 kg (15,760 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz TM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 373 km (231 mi). Apogee: 394 km (244 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 92.20 min. COSPAR: 1992-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 21908. Duration: 145.59 days. Decay Date: 1992-08-10. Crew: Flade, Kaleri, Viktorenko. Flight: Mir EO-11, Mir 92, Mir EO-10, Mir LD-3.

    Mir Expedition EO-11. Joint flight with Germany. Docked at the Kvant rear port at 12:33 GMT on March 19.

1994 - 16:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43. Launch Pad: LC43/4?. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 2274 Nation: Russia. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 176 km (109 mi). Apogee: 372 km (231 mi). Inclination: 67.00 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1994-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 23033. Duration: 65.00 days. Decay Date: 1994-05-21.

    This space object is intended for assignments on behalf of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. High resolution photo reconnaissance; returned film in two small SpK capsules during the mission and with the main capsule at completion of the mission.

1995 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 GT159GM.
  • Minuteman 3 FOT GT159GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

2002 - 09:21 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133. Launch Pad: LC133. Launch Vehicle: Rokot. Model: Rokot.
  • GRACE 1 Nation: Germany. Payload: ESSP-2A, 'Tom'. Mass: 432 kg (952 lb). Class: Earth. Spacecraft: GRACE. Manufacturer: Astrium. Agency: DLR (Germany), NASA (U.S.). Perigee: 483 km (300 mi). Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Inclination: 89.00 deg. COSPAR: 2002-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 27391.

    First commercial flight of Rokot booster. Launch delayed from November 23-30, 2001, February 27, March 15 and 16. The Briz-KM upper stage ignited 5 minutes after launch and after a ten minute burn reached a 300 x 500 km orbit at about 0936 UTC. A second burn at 1042 UTC placed the satellites in a 483 x 506 km x 89 deg orbit; the two GRACE gravimetric satellites separated from the dispenser at 1047 UTC. A third Briz burn then lowered the rocket stage orbit to 146 x 487 km x 89 deg so that it would reenter quickly.

  • GRACE 2 Nation: Germany. Mass: 432 kg (952 lb). Class: Earth. Spacecraft: GRACE. Manufacturer: Astrium. Agency: DLR (Germany), NASA (U.S.). Perigee: 483 km (300 mi). Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Inclination: 89.00 deg. COSPAR: 2002-012B. USAF Sat Cat: 27392.

    Gravimetry, Climatology first commercial flight delayed from November23-30, 2001, February27, March15 and 16.

2004 - Launch Site: Barents Sea. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: R-29RM. LV Configuration: Shtil' VMF RF.
  • R-29 Operational Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

    SLBM Test

2004 - 12:08 GMT - Launch Site: Barents Sea. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: R-29RM. LV Configuration: Shtil' VMF RF.
  • R-29 Operational Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

    SLBM Test


Born on this day in:
  • 1930 - James Benson 'Jim' Irwin.  American Pilot Astronaut. Birth City: Pittsburgh. Birth State: Pennsylvania. Birth Country: USA.

Died on this day in:
  • 1993 - Robert Aitken Rushworth.  American Pilot Test Pilot. Cause of Death: Died of natural causes, Camarillo, California.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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