October 6

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1932 - Launch Vehicle: HW-2.

  • HW-2 Nation: Germany. Apogee: 0.0030 km (0.0019 mi).

    Following an aborted attempt on 29 September, Winkler launches his HW-2 rocket from Pillau on the Baltic. He had worked for months at the Raketenflugplatz developing the new device. However on launch day an explosive propellant mix developed in the internal compartments of the rocket, and after igniting and rising only 3 m, it was blown to smithereens.

1949 -
  • XS-1 Flight 126 Nation: USA. Payload: XS-1 # 1 flight 73. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: XS-1. Crew: Fleming.

    AF flight 51. Pilot familiarization.

1949 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC33. Launch Vehicle: Hermes B-1. LV Configuration: Hermes B-1 B-1 No. 2. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Hermes B-1 Hermes II Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 4.00 km (2.40 mi).

1951 - Launch Vehicle: Veronique. Model: Veronique R. LV Configuration: Veronique R R5.
  • Veronique Test mission Nation: France. Agency: FR. Apogee: 2.00 km (1.20 mi).

    Launched from Camp de Suippes, Marne, France - Latitude: 49.15 N - Longitude: 4.53 E.

1954 -
  • X-1B Flight 3 Nation: USA. Payload: X-1B flight 2. Class: Manned. Type: Rocketplane. Spacecraft: X-1B. Crew: Ridley.

    AF flight 2. Glide flight, aborted power flight because of evidence of high lox-tank pressure.

1955 - 19:10 GMT - Launch Complex: AGB-5 US. Launch Vehicle: Rockoon. Model: Deacon Rockoon.
  • Rockoon SUI 51 Ionosphere/Aeronomy mission? Nation: USA. Agency: SUI. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

    Launched at Atlantic Ocean Launch Site 13 Launch Point 14 - - Latitude: 65.12 N - Longitude: 61.85 W.

1958 - Launch Vehicle: Redstone, Jupiter. Model: Redstone Mercury.
  • Negotiations for Redstone and Jupiter launch vehicles for Mercury project. Nation: USA. Program: Mercury.

    Personnel from the Langley Research Center visited the Army Ballistic Missile Agency to open negotiations for procuring Redstone and Jupiter launch vehicles for manned satellite projects.

1958 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Nike Recruit.
  • HJ Nike Nike Recruit Polaris Re-entry Vehicle Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 26 km (16 mi).

1959 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC18. Launch Pad: LC18B. Launch Vehicle: Thor DM-18. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 235.
  • Thor DM-18 Series IV research and development launch/Meteorites mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi).

1959 - 05:55 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC11. Launch Vehicle: Atlas D. LV Configuration: Atlas D 18D.
  • Atlas D Mk 3 Mod 1 re-entry vehicle research and development mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi).

1959 - 18:26 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 75. Launch Pad: 75-2-8. Launch Vehicle: Thor DM-18. Model: Thor DM-18A. LV Configuration: Thor DM-18A 239.
  • Thor DM-18 IWST test flight Nation: USA. Agency: RAF. Apogee: 520 km (320 mi).

1960 - 03:44 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC6. Launch Vehicle: Redstone. LV Configuration: Redstone 2037. FAILURE: Control system malfunction during re-entry at 375 sec.
  • Redstone Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi).

    Missile test failure. Missed aimpoint by 221 m.

1961 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC19. Launch Vehicle: Titan 1. Model: Titan I. LV Configuration: Titan I M-4.
  • Titan 1 Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

    USAF Titan I launched from Cape Canaveral carrying Titan II guidance system.

1961 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC51. Launch Vehicle: R-9. LV Configuration: R-9 No. E15001-21.
  • R-9 State trials missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1961 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Vehicle: R-5. Model: R-5M.
  • R-5 Nuclear Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1962 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 395. Launch Pad: 395-A1. Launch Vehicle: Titan 1. Model: Titan I. LV Configuration: Titan I SM-35.
  • Titan 1 Research and development Category II Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC?. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1964 - Launch Vehicle: Titan 2.
  • The Prespacecraft Mate Combined Systems Test (CST) of Gemini launch vehicle 2 was completed at complex 19. Nation: USA.

    This test, similar to CST performed at the Martin plant, comprised an abbreviated countdown and simulation of flight events, with a simulator representing electrical characteristics of the spacecraft; its purpose was to establish confidence in the launch vehicle. Electrical Electronic Interference Tests were completed October 12. Hurricane Isbell threatened the area on October 14-15, but its path was far enough south of the Cape to make deerection unnecessary, though testing was curtailed.

1964 - Launch Site: Fort Churchill. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant IIB. LV Configuration: Black Brant IIB CC-2B-49.
  • Black Brant Auroral/Ionosphere mission? Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1964 - 07:12 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57. Model: Voskhod 11A57. LV Configuration: Voskhod 11A57 R15000-02.
  • Cosmos 47 Nation: USSR. Program: Voskhod. Payload: Voskhod 3KV s/n 2. Mass: 5,320 kg (11,720 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Voskhod. Agency: NII-88. Perigee: 174 km (108 mi). Apogee: 383 km (237 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 90.10 min. COSPAR: 1964-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 891. Duration: 1.01 days. Decay Date: 1964-10-07. Flight: Voskhod 1.

    Unmanned test of Voskhod spacecraft. At 07:00 the State Commission meets at Area 2. All Chief Designers, Commanders, and Section report that all is ready for flight. The commission gives the order to proceed with the launch. Weather at the pad is 7 balls, 8-10 m/s wind with gusts to 15 m/s, temperature 9 to 12 deg C. Weather in the recovery zones is reported as winds up to 15 m/s. Weather in the recovery zone is not clear, but that is not considered an impediment, and in fact Kamanin would like to see how the landing system functions in bad conditions. Kamanin visits the pad at T-30 seconds; at T-20 seconds, the veranda at IP-1 has over 50 viewers of the launch, including 15 cosmonaut candidates and the 7 Voskhod cosmonauts. Kamanin is relegated to the IP-1 veranda this time, with Rudenko, Kirillov, and Tyulin the bunker adjacent to the pad. Korolev stays with the booster until T-5 minutes, then enters the bunker. The booster ignites precisely at 10:00; the strap-ons burn out and are jettisoned at T+120 seconds; the core burns out and the final stage ignites at T+290 seconds; and at T+523 seconds spacecraft 3KV number 2 is placed in orbit as the final stage shuts down. The spacecraft separates and all systems look normal.

    Recovered October 7, 1964 7:28 GMT. Officially: Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space.

1964 - 17:04 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 75. Launch Pad: 75-1-2. Launch Vehicle: Thor Able-Star. Model: Thor Ablestar. LV Configuration: Thor Ablestar 423 AB016.
  • Transit O-1 Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Payload: NNS 30010 / Ablestar 016. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,046 km (649 mi). Apogee: 1,077 km (669 mi). Inclination: 90.20 deg. Period: 106.40 min. COSPAR: 1964-063B. USAF Sat Cat: 897.

    Naval Avionics Facility-assembled production spacecraft. Failed after a few days operation.

  • Calsphere 1 Nation: USA. Payload: Dragsphere 1. Mass: 1.00 kg (2.20 lb). Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Calsphere. Agency: USN. Perigee: 997 km (619 mi). Apogee: 1,034 km (642 mi). Inclination: 90.10 deg. Period: 105.50 min. COSPAR: 1964-063C. USAF Sat Cat: 900.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • Calsphere 2 Nation: USA. Payload: Dragsphere 2. Mass: 10 kg (22 lb). Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Calsphere. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,049 km (651 mi). Apogee: 1,078 km (669 mi). Inclination: 90.20 deg. Period: 106.50 min. COSPAR: 1964-063E. USAF Sat Cat: 902.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

1965 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF22. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 2002.
  • Minuteman 2 Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 - 04:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Vehicle: Kappa 8L. LV Configuration: Kappa 8L K-8L-9.
  • Kappa 8L Aeronomy mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 141 km (87 mi).

1966 - Launch Site: Green River. Launch Complex: Pad 3. Launch Vehicle: Athena. LV Configuration: Athena D024.
  • Athena USN D024 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1966 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: PU32. Launch Vehicle: R-36. Model: R-36 8K67.
  • R-36 Operational missile test Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1966 - 20:16 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. LV Configuration: X-15 1-69-116. FAILURE: Emergency landing at Cuddeback Dry Lake.
  • X-15A Checkout mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Crew: Adams.

    Maximum Speed - 4666 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22980 m. Engine shut down at 90 seconds.

1966 - 20:29 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Javelin. LV Configuration: Javelin NASA 8.38GI.
  • Javelin Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 650 km (400 mi).

1967 -
  • Soyuz parachute trials at Fedosiya. Nation: USSR. Program: Lunar L1, Soyuz. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-OK, Soyuz 7K-L1.

    They need to complete 70 drops, which normally would take five to six months. Mishin still insists that they be completed by 1 November. Three tests are made in one day, a record, including the drop of a Soyuz mock-up at 17:55 from an An-12. The parachute deployed correctly, but the soft landing system fired at 2000 m instead of 1.2 m. The spacecraft hit the ground on its side at 8 m/s. Because of the angle of impact the crew seat shock absorbers couldn't function. If any cosmonauts had been aboard, they would have suffered serious trauma.

1969 -
  • Soyuz 6/7/8 experiment review Nation: USSR. Program: Soyuz. Flight: Soyuz 6, Soyuz 7, Soyuz 8.

    Meeting between the Soyuz 6/7/8 crews and engineers. Shatalov pushes his idea for a manually flown spacecraft rendezvous, provided that Soyuz 7 and 8 visually acquire each other immediately after Soyuz 8 is put into orbit. He believes this would not only save time and fuel, but also provide the chance to develop procedures for interception of non-cooperative enemy satellites. Mishin rejects the idea, seeing a doubling of risk of an unsuccessful flight. The fact is, the Soyuz is only equipped for automatic docking. There are no on-board indicators of range and range-rate to target - necessary inputs for any manual docking. The view through the periscope is the only forward-looking view available to the crew, and it is inadequate for manual docking. - Additional details.

1969 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC50. Launch Vehicle: Sprint. LV Configuration: Sprint ABM FLA-36. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Sprint Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA.

1969 - 01:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Vostok 8A92M. Model: Vostok 8A92M.
  • Meteor 1-02 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor M no. 2. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 513 km (318 mi). Apogee: 552 km (342 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 95.30 min. COSPAR: 1969-084A. USAF Sat Cat: 4119. Decay Date: 2002-08-20.

    Cloud and ice cover imaging; investigated IR, thermal reflection/radiation from Earth's atmosphere. Acquisition of meteorological information needed for use by the weather service.

1970 -
  • Cosmonaut training centre status. Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut, Almaz, Lunar L3. Spacecraft: Spiral OS, Almaz OPS.

    Kamanin reviews the work of the training centre in 1970-1971. There are 12 cosmonauts training for DOS missions; 22 for Almaz; 5 for Spiral; and a 'group' for the L3. They have flown 5000 flight hours in jet trainers. During the last two years Kamanin has increased the number of trainers and simulators available; achieved 100% of the training plan; and met the physical training requirements (all cosmonauts must accomplish a 10 km run).

1970 -
  • Spiral spaceplane project review. Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Spiral OS.

    Meeting with the Spiral spaceplane cosmonaut training group. Mikoyan and Dementiev (son of the MAP Minister) have been working on this project for four years. Many in the leadership (Grechko, Zakharov, Krylov, etc) are against the concept and hinder the project in any way the can. Grechko considers it 'a fantasy' and Kutakhov does not support it energetically. Engineer-Colonel Sokolov-Sokolenik is the head of the unit (having replaced Titov, who is now in staff school). The United States has hundreds of flights on the X-15, which they have taken to 90 km altitude and 7000 km/hour airspeed. In the Soviet Union, all such work has been frozen for a decade.

1970 - 10:50 GMT - Launch Site: Biscarosse. Launch Vehicle: Dragon. Model: Dragon 3. LV Configuration: Dragon 3 D-305.
  • Dragon EIDI-1 Ionosphere mission Nation: France. Apogee: 480 km (290 mi).

1970 - 13:36 GMT - Launch Site: Natal. Launch Vehicle: Nike Apache. LV Configuration: Nike Apache N-NA-31.
  • Nike Apache DLR N-NA-31 Ionosphere/Plasma mission? Nation: Germany. Agency: DLR. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

1970 - 15:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: ETR. Launch Pad: SLBM Launch Area. Launch Vehicle: Poseidon. LV Configuration: Poseidon C3 C3P-5.
  • Poseidon PEM-5 operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1971 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF25. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2.
  • Minuteman 2 OT GT86F operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 - 00:32 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.913-6A.
  • Nike Iroquois Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 189 km (117 mi).

1971 - 00:33 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.101-5.
  • Nike Iroquois Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 117 km (72 mi).

1971 - 00:42 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.102-4.
  • Nike Iroquois Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 232 km (144 mi).

1971 - 01:03 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.913-6.
  • Nike Iroquois Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 222 km (137 mi).

1971 - 02:45 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.101-6.
  • Nike Iroquois Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi).

1971 - 09:54 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1971 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.902-6.
  • Nike Iroquois Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 120 km (70 mi).

1971 - 12:11 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.101-3.
  • Nike Iroquois Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 118 km (73 mi).

1971 - 12:33 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1971 - 12:44 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.101-4.
  • Nike Iroquois Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 119 km (73 mi).

1971 - 13:05 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Vehicle: Nike Iroquois. LV Configuration: Nike Iroquois CRL A07.101-2.
  • Nike Iroquois Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: AFCRL. Apogee: 117 km (72 mi).

1971 - 14:08 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Aeronomy mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1973 - 03:32 GMT - Launch Site: El Arenosillo. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 4 AC. LV Configuration: Skylark 4 AC S92.
  • Skylark DLR H-GR-56 Optical Astronomy/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 260 km (160 mi).

1973 - 12:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57. Model: Voskhod 11A57.
  • Cosmos 597 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MK. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 290 km (180 mi). Inclination: 65.40 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1973-071A. USAF Sat Cat: 6858. Duration: 6.00 days. Decay Date: 1973-10-12.

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

1975 - 09:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2. Launch Pad: SLC2W. Launch Vehicle: Delta 2000. Model: Delta 2910. LV Configuration: Delta 2910 600/D115.
  • Explorer 54 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: AE D. Mass: 676 kg (1,490 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: AE. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 151 km (93 mi). Apogee: 3,819 km (2,373 mi). Inclination: 90.10 deg. Period: 126.80 min. COSPAR: 1975-096A. USAF Sat Cat: 8353. Decay Date: 1976-03-12.

    Atmospheric Explorer; atmospheric research. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

1978 - 01:55 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 MR-12.
  • MR-12 Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 125 km (77 mi).

1978 - 15:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1042 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 179 km (111 mi). Apogee: 299 km (185 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1978-092A. USAF Sat Cat: 11052. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1978-10-19.

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

1981 - 11:27 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2. Launch Pad: SLC2W. Launch Vehicle: Delta 2000. Model: Delta 2310. LV Configuration: Delta 2310 639/D157.
  • SME Nation: USA. Payload: Solar Mesosphere Explorer. Mass: 437 kg (963 lb). Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: SME. Agency: JPL/UC-L. Perigee: 335 km (208 mi). Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). Inclination: 97.60 deg. Period: 91.30 min. COSPAR: 1981-100A. USAF Sat Cat: 12887. Decay Date: 1991-03-05.

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

  • Oscar 9 Nation: UK. Program: Oscar. Payload: UoSAT 1. Mass: 52 kg (114 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Amateur Radio. Spacecraft: Microsat SSTL. Manufacturer: Surrey. Agency: SSTL. Perigee: 372 km (231 mi). Apogee: 374 km (232 mi). Inclination: 97.60 deg. Period: 92.00 min. COSPAR: 1981-100B. USAF Sat Cat: 12888. Decay Date: 1989-10-13.

    University of Surrey research microsatellite. Radio science; also carried amateur radio package. Communication and geophysics research satellite. Launch time 1127 GMT. Also registered by the United States in ST/SG/SER.E/59, with category D and orbital parameters 95.3 min, 531 x 533 km x 97.5 deg. UoSAT-OSCAR 9 was launched piggyback with Solar Mesosphere Explorer satellite. Weight 52 kg. Box shaped 740 x 420 x 420 mm. Deployable gravity gradient boom. Firsts: First on-board computer (IHU - Integrated Housekeeping Unit) for battery and attitude management, remote control, and experiments. Built by the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, UO-9 was UoSAT's first experimental satellite. It was a scientific and educational low-Earth orbit satellite containing many experiments and beacons but no amateur transponders. UO-9 was fully operational until it re-entered October 13, 1989 from a decaying orbit after nine years of service.

1984 - 07:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C NASA 27.71UG.
  • Black Brant Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 273 km (169 mi).

1986 - 05:40 GMT - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2B. Launch Vehicle: CZ-2C. Model: Chang Zheng 2C. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2C CZ2C-8 (14).
  • FSW-0 No. 8 Nation: China. Payload: FSW-0 No. 08. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: FSW. Agency: MAI. Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). Inclination: 57.00 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1986-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 17001. Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-10-23.

    Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable satellite; capsule re-entered October 11 after five day mission.

1986 - 07:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Cosmos 1784 Nation: USSR. Payload: Yantar-1KFT no. 6. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Cartography. Spacecraft: Yantar-1KFT. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 190 km (110 mi). Apogee: 283 km (175 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1986-077A. USAF Sat Cat: 17003. Duration: 36.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-11-11.

    Military topographic / cartographic satellite.

1987 - 17:02 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC46. Launch Vehicle: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 D5X-8.
  • Trident D-5 Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

1990 - 11:47 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39. Launch Pad: LC39B. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Model: Space Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-41.
  • STS-41 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Discovery F11 / Ulysses [IUS + PAM-S]. Mass: 22,140 kg (48,810 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 300 km (180 mi). Apogee: 307 km (190 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 90.60 min. COSPAR: 1990-090A. USAF Sat Cat: 20841. Duration: 4.09 days. Decay Date: 1990-10-10. Crew: Akers, Cabana, Melnick, Richards, Shepherd. Flight: STS-41.

    Manned five crew. Deployed Ulysses spacecraft. Payloads: Deploy Ulysses, Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet, Intelsat Solar Array Coupon, Solid-Surface Combustion Experiment, Investigations Into Polymer Membrane Processing, Chromo-some and Plant Cell Division in Space, Physiological Systems Experiment, Voice Command System, Radiation Monitoring Equipment III, Air Force Maui Optical Site.

  • Ulysses Nation: USA. Payload: Discovery F11 / Ulysses [IUS + PAM-S]. Mass: 367 kg (809 lb). Class: Solar. Spacecraft: Ulysses. Agency: NASA/JPL. Perigee: 285 km (177 mi). Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Inclination: 28.40 deg. Period: 90.10 min. COSPAR: 1990-090B. USAF Sat Cat: 20842.

    Deployed from STS 41 10/6/90; solar research. Ulysses is a scientific spacecraft, within the framework of the international solar/polar mission. It will be the first spacecraft to fly over the poles of the sun. Frequency 2111.6073/2293.1481 MHz, 8408.2099 MHz., interplanetary trajectory i nto a polar flyby over the sun. Designator ESA/90/01. Also registered by the United States in ST/SG/SER.E/250, orbital data are taken from that document.

1992 - 06:20 GMT - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA2. Launch Pad: LA2B?. Launch Vehicle: CZ-2C. Model: Chang Zheng 2C. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2C CZ2C-13 (29).
  • Freja Nation: Sweden. Payload: FSW-1 4 / Freja. Mass: 259 kg (570 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Freja. Agency: SSC. Perigee: 590 km (360 mi). Apogee: 1,763 km (1,095 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 108.90 min. COSPAR: 1992-064A. USAF Sat Cat: 22161.

    Ionospheric, auroral, amgnetospheric studies. Freja is a Swedish/German satellite designed for research into the aurora. The satellite was launched piggyback on a Long March 2C (CZ-2C) rocket and weighs 214 kg in orbit. It is a sun-pointing spinner (10 rpm) with a 2.2 m diameter. It will make high re solution measurements in the upper ionosphere and lower magnetosphere. Data will be received at Esrange, Kiruna, Sweden and at the Prince Albert Satellite Station in Canada's Saskatchewan Province. Launch time 0620 UT.

  • FSW-1 No. 4 Nation: China. Payload: FSW-1 No. 04. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: FSW. Agency: MAI. Perigee: 213 km (132 mi). Apogee: 309 km (192 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1992-064B. USAF Sat Cat: 22162. Duration: 6.00 days. Decay Date: 1992-10-31.

    Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable imaging satellite; carried remote sensing, microgravity experiments; capsule recovered October 13 after 6 days in orbit.

  • Freja Nation: Sweden. Spacecraft: Freja. Agency: PRC. COSPAR: 1992-064xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22161.

1994 - 06:35 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: LC36B. Launch Vehicle: Atlas IIAS. Model: Atlas IIAS. LV Configuration: Atlas IIAS AC-111 / Centaur II 8202.
  • Intelsat 703 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Payload: NSS 703. Mass: 3,656 kg (8,060 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.0400 deg. Period: 1,436.07 min. COSPAR: 1994-064A. USAF Sat Cat: 23305.

    38 C-band and 20 Ku-band transponders. Initially positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 177 deg E in 1994-1996. Then reassigned to Intelsat subsidiary New Skies, redesignated NSS 703, and moved to 57 deg E after 1996. At the crossroads of three continents, NSS-703 provided cross-connectivity for Europe, Africa and Asia. NSS-703 was used for video contribution from Europe to India and Africa, and was capable of bringing signals from London to India and Australia in one hop. NSS-703's coverage included a global beam, and two C-band hemispheric beams, which covered Africa and the triangle from Eastern Iran to Japan and Australia, including all of India and China. Three steerable Ku-band spot beams targeted Europe and Iran, Central Asia and Afghanistan-Pakistan-North India. Expected end of life March 2009. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 56.96E drifting at 0.001E degrees per day.

1994 - 13:22 GMT - Launch Site: Alcantara. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant VC. LV Configuration: Black Brant VC NASA 21.112GE. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Black Brant Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

1995 - 03:23 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: LC132/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. Model: Kosmos 11K65M.
  • Cosmos 2321 Nation: Russia. Mass: 825 kg (1,818 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 256 km (159 mi). Apogee: 754 km (468 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 87.10 min. COSPAR: 1995-052A. USAF Sat Cat: 23676.

    Second stage anomaly; failed to reach desired orbit; military navigation.

1997 -
  • Landing of STS-86 Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Flight: STS-86, Mir NASA-5, Mir NASA-4, Mir EO-24.

    STS-86 landed at 21:55 GMT with the crew of Wetherbee, Bloomfield, Titov Vladimir, Parazynski, Chretien, Lawrence and Foale aboard.

2000 - 23:00 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: ELA2. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 42L. Model: Ariane 42L. LV Configuration: Ariane 42L-3 V133.
  • N-SAT-110 Nation: Japan. Mass: 3,531 kg (7,784 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 2100. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Sunnyvale. Agency: SCC. Perigee: 35,782 km (22,233 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2000-060A. USAF Sat Cat: 26559.

    N-SAT-110, also known as Superbird 5, was jointly owned by SCC (Space Communications Corporation of Tokyo) and JSat (Japan Satellite Systems). SCC controlled the vehicle on orbit. The satellite carried 24 Ku-band transponders. By October 15 N-SAT-110 was in a 35610 x 35752 km x 0.1 deg orbit drifting past 109 deg E. Stationed at 110 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 110 deg E in 2000. As of 4 September 2001 located at 110.06 deg E drifting at 0.012 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 110.07E drifting at 0.007W degrees per day.

2001 - 16:45 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81. Launch Pad: LC81/24. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Model: Proton-K/DM-2.
  • Raduga-1 Nation: Russia. Payload: Globus 2 / Raduga 1-6. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Raduga-1. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoy Mekhaniki. Agency: VKS (Russia). Perigee: 35,770 km (22,220 mi). Apogee: 35,801 km (22,245 mi). Inclination: 0.90 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. COSPAR: 2001-045A. USAF Sat Cat: 26936.

    The Blok-DM2 upper stage put the Russian geosynchronous military communications satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit at 1755 GMT. A second burn at 2318 GMT to circularized the orbit at geostationary altitude. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 106.48E drifting at 9.104W degrees per day.

2004 - Launch Site: Wake Island. Launch Vehicle: Castor 4B.
  • Castor 4B CMP-4B Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA SMDC/MDA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

2004 - Launch Site: Thumba. Launch Vehicle: RH-200.
  • RH-200 Middle Atmosphere aeronomy mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO. Apogee: 74 km (45 mi).

2005 - 21:30 GMT - Launch Site: Barents Sea. Launch Pad: Borisoglebsk Submarine. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Volna.
  • IRDT-2R Nation: Germany. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: IRDT. Manufacturer: NPO Lavochkin. Agency: Return and Rescue Space Systems.

    Suborbital test of the Demonstrator inflatable reentry technology test vehicle. The reentry vehicle could not be located in the Kamchatka Peninsula impact zone and was not recovered. Test delayed from the fourth quarter of 2003, then May and October 2004, then July 5, July 8, September 15, September 27, 2005.


Born on this day in:

Died on this day in:
  • 1972 - Aleksandr Grigoryevich Mrykin.  Russian Military Officer.
  • 1996 - Richard W Porter.  American Engineer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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