AKA: United States Navy. Location: Washington, DC-Pentagon.
Supporting the nuclear weapons tests of Operation Hardtack at Eniwetok Proving Grounds (EPG) in 1958.
People: Reichelderfer, Thompson, Floyd, Bennett, Conlon, Gates, Phoebus, Hayward, Stein, Hoover, George, Johnson, John, Bridgeman, Lilly, Faget, Petersen, Forrest, McKay, Schirra, Shepard, Yardley, Carpenter, Thompson, Shea, Henize, Beggs, See, Currie, Malcolm, Lovell, Gordon, Lind, Conrad, Mitchell, Young, Garriott, Drew, Russell, Kerwin, Bean, Weitz, Evans, Haise, Cernan, Bull, John, Chaffee, McMurtry, Finley, Mattingly, McCandless, Crippen, Truly, Griggs, Truax, Hauck, Williams, Donald, Brandenstein, Creighton, McCulley, McBride, Vidrine, Walker, Dave, van Hoften, Smith, Thuot, Buchli, Coats, Lounge, Richards, O Connor, Gibson, Carter, Leestma, Culbertson, Shepherd, Tanner, Cockrell, Scott, Winston, Reightler, Phillips, Oswald, Brady, Sullivan, Readdy, Runco, Morin, Wetherbee, Thorne, Baker, Mike, Ashby, Johnson, Gregory C, Linenger, Brown, David, Rominger, Bowersox, Foreman, Gorie, Bursch, Edwards, Joe, Lopez-Alegria, Herrington, Jett, Lawrence, Altman, Hire, Clark, Ferguson, McCool, Kilrain, Poindexter, Curbeam, Woodward, Wilmore, Stefanyshyn-Piper, Nowak, Thompson, J R, Bowen, Kelly, Mark, Kelly, Scott, Frick, Ham, Oefelein, Williams, Butchart, Antonelli, Boone, Cassidy. Country: USA. Engines: 16 in gun. Spacecraft: UHF, D-558-1, D-558-2, Vanguard 1, Beacon 1, Project Mer, Vanguard 3, Navy SLV, Transit, Mercury Space Suit, KH-5, TRAAC, Lofti 2, SECOR, Anna, GGSE, DODECAPOLE, Tempsat, IQSY, Apollo LM CSD, Owl, Aurora, Solrad, NOSS, TIP, Space Cruiser, NTS, NOSS-Subsat, FLTSATCOM, LIPS, HS 381, Geosat, GLOMR, Stacksat P87-2, NOSS-2, NOSS-2 subsatellite, TiPS, GFO, Midstar. Launch Vehicles: HATV, MQM-8G, XBQM-8F, Talos, RIM-8A, RIM-8B, RGM-8H, RIM-8C, RGM-8J, RIM-8D, RIM-8E, RIM-8F, RIM-8G, XIM-70, Vanguard, Sparoair, Sparoair I, Caleb, Sparoair II, Sparoair III. Projects: ELINT, Navstar. Launch Sites: Point Arguello, NAOTS, Point Mugu, Bikini, China Lake, Mercury site, San Nicolas, San Clemente, Barking Sands. Stages: MARC 14B1, Sparrow, Tiny Tim. 1947 September 6 - . Launch Pad: Atlantic Ocean, 27.0 N x 60.0 W. Launch Platform: CV-41. Launch Vehicle: V-2. FAILURE: Exploded prematurely after a 10 km flight.Operation Sandy - German V-2 rocket launched from U.S. aircraft carrrier Midway in Atlantic tests, exploding prematurely after a 10 km flight. This had been preceded by Operation Pushover - the deliberate explosion of a fully tanked V-2 on a dummy shipdeck at White Sands to determine its effect on shipboard launching. Launched from Atlantic Ocean Launch Site 10 "several hundred mi SE Bermuda" - Latitude: 27.00 N, Longitude:60.00 W.
Cosmic radiation; upper-air pressures and temperatures research. Ship launch. Launched at 1608 local time. Reached 169 km. NRL Viking No. 4 research rocket fired from the USS Norton Sound, near Jarvis Island in the Pacific (0.19 N 161.42 W), at the intersection of the geographic and geomagnetic equators. It set an altitude record for an American single-stage rocket and was the first firing of the Viking from shipboard.
Upper-air pressure, density; solar and cosmic radiation research. Launched at 1100 local time. Reached 219 km. A Navy Viking 7 rocket set an altitude record for single-stage rockets and reaching a speed of 6,600 kph. This was the highest flight of the original airframe design.
First successful demonstration of Rockair technique (resarch rocket launched from aircraft) by ONR and University of Maryland team, a 2.75-inch FFAR rocket fired from a Navy F2H-2 aircraft to an altitude of approximately 180,000 feet. Rockair technique first suggested by Herman Oberth (1929) and others.
First Vanguard test; re-entry studies; not a vertical firing. Launched at 0103 local time. First test rocket in the IGY-U.S. satellite program, a one-stage NRL Viking, attained an altitude of 176 km and a speed of 6,400 kph. Viking No. 13 carried a "minitrack" radio transmitter which was ejected at 80 km and tracked.
The Argus series were the only clandestine nuclear tests ever conducted by the United States. The rocket-launched nuclear warheads were set off at very high altitudes over the South Atlantic, 1800 km south-west of Capetown, South Africa. The purpose was to determine the effects of nuclear explosions on the Earth's magnetic field and the impact to military radar, communications, satellites and ballistic missiles electronics. The earth's magnetic field is not only off-axis from the earth, but also off centre from the earth's core. This means the Van Allen Radiation belts are closest to the earth in the region known as the 'South Atlantic Anomaly'. This made the selected launch point the ideal place for launching a rocket into the lower belt where the particles and radiation from the explosion would be trapped.
The 1.7 kiloton W-25 warhead used had been developed and previously tested for the Genie air-to-air missile. The first test was launched from vessel AVM1 at 38.5 deg S, 11.5 deg. W, and exploded at an altitude of 160 km. The initial flash was followed by an auroral luminescence extending upward and downward along the magnetic lines where the burst occurred. The experiment verified the predicitons made in the original October 1957 proposal by N. C. Christofilos of the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory in Livermore.
A Thor/Ablestar booster placed a U.S. Navy Transit IIA research and development navigation satellite into orbit using the Ablestar second stage with a restart engine. A smaller parasitic radiation-measuring satellite, the Galactic Radiation Experiment Background (GREB), was also placed into orbit. This was the first time two satellites had been carried in "piggyback" alignment on a single booster. Also returned geodetic data. Similar to Transit 1B, it transmitted until 26 October 1962. A planned Transit 2B was considered redundant and never built.
ELINT satellite, retransmitting to US ground stations signals from Soviet radar stations. Classified at time; official purpose and secondary payload collected solar radiation data. Officially: Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).
Lofti 1 piggyback payload did not separate. Nevertheless Transit 3B returned useful data needed for design of the operational satellites. It carried a digital clock driven by the same oscillator that drove the transmitters. It transmitted timing signals governed by the clock and a 384-bit memory. This allowed testing of the techniques for loading the memory from the ground, the ability of the memory to hold a message in orbit, and the ability to encode the memory contents by means of a frequency modulation on one of the main transmitters. It was also shown that �60� phase modulation could be used to transmit the contents of the satellite memory without degradation of the accuracy of the Doppler signal and Doppler measurements.
Together, Transits 4A and 4B allowed the determination of harmonics in the Earth's gravity field that had not yet been evaluated, and they also allowed firm navigational ties to be established from continent to continent as well as to isolated islands. As a result, it was discovered that the position of Hawaii was incorrect by 1 km. Carried SNAP 3 nuclear power source.
The first Scout vehicle (#111) was launched from Vandenberg AFB and carried the Navy's Solar Radiation (SOLRAD 4B) payload (which was actually the last classified Grab ELINT satellite). However, a third stage failure resulted in payload impact 225-NM downrange. Solar radiation monitor.
The only US test of an operational ballistic missile with a live 600 kiloton warhead. A Polaris A2 missile was launched from the ballistic missile submarine Ethan Allen (SSBN-608) 2800 km east-northeast of Christmas Island. The re-entry vehicle reached the target zone 1890 km away and detonated at 3,300 m. The resulting mushroom cloud was observed by the submarines Carbonero (SS-337) and Medregal (SS-480), both stationed within 25 km of the predicted impact point.
First launch of a triplet of Poppy naval signals intelligence satellites, which would lead to the NOSS production series. Official and secondary mission: Solar radiation data. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
First operational prototype with a redesigned power supply. A malfunction of the memory occurred during powered flight that kept it from accepting and storing navigation messages, and the oscillator stability was degraded during launch. The satellite could not be used for navigation, but it was the first to achieve gravity-gradient stabilization, and its other subsystems performed well.
The first Thor/Ablestar launch from Vandenberg carried a Navy payload that became the first satellite to be operated completely with nuclear power. A SNAP-9A satellite nuclear power supply, built by the Martin Company and the Atomic Energy Commission, was used to power the satellite. First test of nuclear-powered Transit operational prototype. Carried SNAP-9A nuclear power source. The satellite achieved gravity-gradient stabilization, but upside down, making the signal level too low for operational users with low-gain antennas. However, geodetic and navigational evaluation data were obtained.
The first Thor/Ablestar launch from Vandenberg carried a Navy payload that became the first satellite to be operated completely with nuclear power. A SNAP-9A satellite nuclear power supply, built by the Martin Company and the Atomic Energy Commission, was used to power the satellite. The missions of Satellite 1963-038C were to measure omnidirectional flux of protons and electrons at various energy levels, radiation effects on transistors, and the effectiveness of thermal coatings. The satellite was launched together with a classified Department of Defense spacecraft on September 28, 1963. Its planned orbit was apogee 1120 kilometres, perigee 1070 kilometres, inclination 88.9 degrees. The satellite weighed 62 kg; its body was in the shape of an 0.46 m x 0.25 m octagonal prism. It was powered by four solar blades and transmited on 136, 162, and 324 mcs. The spacecraft was built for the Bureau of Naval Weapons. In 1967 it was still sending usable data from all systems.
Transit operational prototype powered by a SNAP-9A nuclear power source. First operational navigation satellite. It was used regularly by both surface and submarine units of the Navy until November 1964. From this point in time the US Navy had continuous use of satellite navigation.
A Thor/Agena D booster was employed to launch eight military satellites into orbit from Vandenberg AFB. This was the largest number of individual payloads yet orbited by the United States with one launch vehicle. First launch of a quadruplet of Poppy naval signals intelligence satellites, which would lead to the NOSS production series. Official and secondary mission: Solar radiation data.
A Thor/Agena D booster was employed to launch eight military satellites into orbit from Vandenberg AFB. This was the largest number of individual payloads yet orbited by the United States with one launch vehicle. Surveillance calibration. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
Spacecraft built by Naval Avionics Facility, but refurbished by APL. Only partially operational due to a decrease in the number of solar cells available for charging the batteries after thermal working of the solar cell interconnections in day/night cycles.
Two scientific satellites, an Army Sequential Collation of Range (SECOR) and a Navy Aurora I, were launched from Vandenberg aboard a Thor/Burner II. This was the first flight in the Department of Defense's Space Experiments Support Program (SESP), a tri-service program that allowed qualified government-sponsored space experimenters to fly payloads on Air Force boosters. Space Systems Division managed the program and provided boosters, payload integration, and launch services. Defense's Space Experiments Support Program (SESP), a tri-service program that allowed qualified government-sponsored space experimenters to fly payloads on Air Force boosters. Space Systems Division managed the program and provided boosters, payload integration, and launch services. Investigated aurora borealis. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
An Atlas/Burner II (SLV-3, #7004), the first Atlas to be launched with a Burner II upper stage, was launched from Space Launch Complex 3 East (SLC-3E) at Vandenberg but failed to place its payload in orbit due to a malfunction of the nose-fairing heat shield separation system. First of two Atlas/Burner II space launches. 1 of 13 satellite launch attempts; investigate effects of ionosphere on radio signals.
A Scout vehicle carrying a Transit Improvement Program payload was launched from SLC-5, Western Test Range. Launch was successful, but the solar panels of the satellite failed to deploy after the satellite had reached orbit. Prototype of improved Transit satellite. Tested pulsed plasma engine.
A Scout vehicle carrying a Transit Improvement Program payload was launched from SLC-5, Western Test Range. Launch was successful, but the solar panels of the satellite failed to deploy after the satellite had reached orbit. Prototype of improved Transit satellite. Also tested pulsed plasma engine.
An Atlas booster and a Global Positioning System Stage Vehicle launched Navigation Technology Satellite 2 into orbit from Vandenberg AFB, California. This was the first use of the GPS Stage Vehicle. Navigation Technical Satellite; GPS precursor. Operated 50% satisfactorily -- still operating 25 years later.
An Atlas booster was launched from Cape Canaveral carrying the first FLTSATCOM satellite. The launch was successful, and the satellite functioned normally once in orbit. It was declared operational on 4 April. Fleet Satellite Communications. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit Positioned in geosynchronous orbit over the Americas at 100 deg W in 1978-1987; over the Pacific Ocean 177 deg W in 1987-1992; over the Atlantic Ocean 15 deg W in 1992-1996;over the Indian Ocean 72 deg E in 1996-2001. Last known longitude (26 July 1999) 71.17 deg E drifting at 0.004 deg W per day.
Atlas booster 27F successfully launched Space Test Program Flight P78-1 from Space Launch Complex 3W, Vandenberg AFB, California. The primary payload on the spacecraft was a gamma spectrometer sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Ionosphere and magnetosphere studies; destroyed on 13 September 1985 (while still functioning) as part of an American ASAT test.
The second FLTSATCOM satellite was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on board an Atlas/Centaur booster. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 23 deg W in 1979-1980; 72 deg E in 1980-1992 As of 5 September 2001 located at 90.48 deg W drifting at 6.234 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 12.01W drifting at 6.223W degrees per day.
Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 22 deg W in 1980-1990 As of 28 August 2001 located at 174.83 deg W drifting at 0.082 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 84.20W drifting at 0.376E degrees per day.
Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 171 deg E from 1981. Last known longitude (25 July 1999) 172.61 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg W per day.
Ocean surveillance; aka White Cloud type spacecraft; Navy Ocean Surveillance Satellite; PARCAE. Other sources give the payload designation ABSAD. The failure was caused by a loss of lubricating oil to one of the booster engines, causing the engine to fail approx 200 milliseconds before it was to have shut down on guidance command. The asymmetric thrust pivoted the booster around approximately 180 degrees, where it stabilized in a retrofire attitude with the sustainer engine still firing. It descended back toward earth through its own exhaust flame and exploded a couple of minutes later.
Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The Atlas G Centaur delivered a badly damaged but operating FLTSATCOM spacecraft to its correct orbit. Investigation showed that the most likely cause was failure of the fiberglass fairing during ascent. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 90 deg W in 1981; 90-114 deg W in 1982; 44 deg W in 1982-1986 As of 5 September 2001 located at 140.32 deg W drifting at 6.003 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 31.85E drifting at 6.002W degrees per day.
Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 100 deg W in 1987-1999 Last known longitude (27 July 1999) 100.33 deg W drifting at 0.027 deg W per day.
Last in series of 8. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 23 deg W in 1989-1999.
UHF Follow-On F8 was the first Block III UHF Follow-On satellite, replacing the old FLTSATCOM satellites. It carried UHF, EHF and Ka-band transponders, including a video broadcast payload. This was the last Atlas II launch; future Atlas launches would use the Atlas IIA, IIAS and III models. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 172 deg E in 1998-1999.
The orbit at burnout of the Centaur was 286 km x 25866 km x 27.0 degree. Modification of the orbit to a geostationary 38,300 km circular x 0.0 degree inclination was accomplished by the Marquardt R-4D liquid propellant motor on the HS-601 spacecraft. The satellite carried UHF and EHF transponders for naval communications, and a Ka-band Global Broadcast Service video relay package. Launch mass of 3200 kg dropped to 1550 kg once geostationary orbit was reached. UHF F/O F9 was placed over the Atlantic Ocean in geosynchronous orbit at 174 deg W in 1998; 22 deg W in 1999. Additional Details: here....
PCSat (Prototype Communications SATellite) was to act as a relay for UHF/VHF amateur radio transmissions. It was built by the midshipmen at the US Naval Academy. It was to augment the existing worldwide Amateur Radio Automatic Position Reporting System; mass was around 10 kg.
The classifed NRO USA 193 spacecraft, launched in 2006, suffered a complete failure of its on-board propulsion system, putting the satellite in a rapidly-decaying orbit. The Pentagon said that the hydrazine propellant aboard consituted a risk and announced they would shoot the satellite down. The real objective may have been to demonstrated US antisatellite capability after a Chinese test in 2007. In any case, on 21 February 2008 the satellite was down to a 242 km x 257 km orbit. At 03:26 GMT an SM-3 missile was fired from the Aegis cruiser USS Lake Erie stationed west of Hawaii, to intercept the satellite. The hit-to-kill warhead successfully rammed the satellite, breaking it up into 153 catalogued items of debris with perigees of 170-250 km and apogees of up to 2700 km.
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