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Cape Canaveral LC41

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AKA: Cape Canaveral SLC41. First Launch: 1965-12-21. Last Launch: 1999-04-09. Number: 27 . Longitude: -80.58 deg. Latitude: 28.58 deg.

Complexes 40 and 41 were constructed as part of a $39 million project to build an Integrate-Transfer-Launch (ITL) facility at the north end of Cape Canaveral in the early 1960s. Complex 41 supported its first Titan IIIC launch on 21 December 1965. Over the next three decades, the complexes supported a wide variety of military space missions involving Titan IIIC, Titan 34D and Titan IV vehicles. Complex 41 had an additional distinction as the Titan IIIE/Centaur launch site for NASA's Viking missions to Mars in 1975 and NASA's Voyager missions to the outer planets in 1977. Though Complex 41 was deactivated at the end of 1977, it was upgraded for the Titan IV program in the 1986-88 period under a $57 million refurbishment project. Complex 41 supported its first Titan IV launch on 14 June 1989. In October 1999, Complex 41 was demolished with high explosives in order for a new pad for launch of the Atlas 5 rocket to be erected. By then it had been the starting point for 27 Titan flights. The last two, in August 1998 and April 1999, ended in failure. The Titan umbilical towers weren't be needed for the Atlas 5, which would be transported from its assembly hall to the pad 12 hours before liftoff.

• Transtage 8 - . Mass: 189 kg (416 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Spacecraft: OV2. Decay Date: 1975-08-17 . USAF Sat Cat: 1863 . COSPAR: 1965-108A. Apogee: 22,114 km (13,740 mi). Perigee: 337 km (209 mi). Inclination: 26.90 deg. Period: 387.40 min.

  For the first time, Launch Complex 41, at the just completed Integrate-Launch-Transfer (ITL) complex at Cape Canaveral was used to launch the third Titan IIIC research and development space booster (Vehicle #8). As with the second vehicle, this Titan IIIC performed flawlessly throughout the liftoff and boost segments of the flight plan. However, severe difficulties were encountered when the Transtage engines malfunctioned and did not restart for the programmed third burn. Thus, the vehicle failed to reach near-synchronous equatorial orbit with its four-satellite payload. Lincoln Experimental Satellites LES-3 and LES-4 were released as was Oscar IV, but the OV2-3 payload remained attached to the Transtage.

• OV2-03 - . Mass: 193 kg (425 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: OV2. Decay Date: 1975-08-17 . COSPAR: 1965-108xx. Apogee: 22,846 km (14,195 mi). Perigee: 321 km (199 mi). Inclination: 26.80 deg. Period: 399.30 min. Upper stage separation failed. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• LES 4 - . Mass: 52 kg (114 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: LES. Decay Date: 1977-08-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 1870 . COSPAR: 1965-108B. Apogee: 33,632 km (20,897 mi). Perigee: 189 km (117 mi). Inclination: 26.60 deg. Period: 589.20 min. Lincoln Experimental Satellite; experimental commsat; transmitted in X-band. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• LES 3 - . Mass: 16 kg (35 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: LES. Decay Date: 1968-04-06 . USAF Sat Cat: 1941 . COSPAR: 1965-108D. Apogee: 4,829 km (3,000 mi). Perigee: 267 km (165 mi). Inclination: 26.50 deg. Period: 139.90 min. Radio signal source for commsat tests. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• Oscar 4 - . Mass: 13 kg (28 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: OSCAR. Program: Oscar. Class: Communications. Type: Amateur radio communications satellite. Spacecraft: Oscar. Decay Date: 1976-04-12 . USAF Sat Cat: 1902 . COSPAR: 1965-108C. Apogee: 33,549 km (20,846 mi). Perigee: 162 km (100 mi). Inclination: 26.80 deg. Period: 587.50 min.

  OSCAR IV was launched piggyback with three United States Air Force satellites. The launch vehicle had a partial failure and placed the spacecraft in a low orbit preventing widespread amateur use. Orbit 29120 x 168 km. Inclination 26.8 degrees. Period 587.5 minutes. Weight 18.1 kg. Four monopole antennas. OSCAR IV was built by the TRW Radio Club of Redondo Beach, California. It had a 3 Watt 10 kHz wide linear transponder (144 MHz uplink and 432 MHz downlink). In operation until March 16, 1966. Re-entry April 12, 1976. Total operation 85 days. OSCAR IV provided the first US-Soviet amateur link.

• GGTS 1 - . Mass: 47 kg (103 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Technology. Type: Gravity gradient technology satellite. Spacecraft: GGTS. USAF Sat Cat: 2207 . COSPAR: 1966-053A. Apogee: 33,858 km (21,038 mi). Perigee: 33,663 km (20,917 mi). Inclination: 4.20 deg. Period: 1,334.00 min. Gravity gradient stabilization tests. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• IDCSP 1-1 - . Payload: IDCSP 1 / OPS 9311. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2215 . COSPAR: 1966-053B. Apogee: 33,888 km (21,056 mi). Perigee: 33,656 km (20,912 mi). Inclination: 8.30 deg. Period: 1,334.40 min.

  A Titan IIIC (Vehicle #11) successfully supported a record-setting mission by placing eight satellites into near-synchronous orbits 18,200 miles above the equator. Seven communication satellites and one gravity gradient experimental satellite were included in this first launch in a series designed to establish a ring of experimental communications satellites dispersed around the equator. When completed, this satellite system would provide the Defense Department with a global military communication system designated the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS). Each of the seven satellites could relay 600 voice or 6,000 teletype channels. Space Systems Division was responsible for the development and launch of the spaceborne elements of the IDSCS as well as the Titan IIIC booster and launch services. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 1-6 - . Payload: IDCSP 6 / OPS 9316. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2220 . COSPAR: 1966-053G. Apogee: 34,215 km (21,260 mi). Perigee: 33,707 km (20,944 mi). Inclination: 8.70 deg. Period: 1,343.90 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 1-5 - . Payload: IDCSP 5 / OPS 9315. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2219 . COSPAR: 1966-053F. Apogee: 34,093 km (21,184 mi). Perigee: 33,712 km (20,947 mi). Inclination: 8.90 deg. Period: 1,340.90 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 1-4 - . Payload: IDCSP 4 / OPS 9314. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2218 . COSPAR: 1966-053E. Apogee: 34,017 km (21,137 mi). Perigee: 33,694 km (20,936 mi). Inclination: 8.00 deg. Period: 1,338.60 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 1-2 - . Payload: IDCSP 2 / OPS 9312. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2216 . COSPAR: 1966-053C. Apogee: 33,923 km (21,078 mi). Perigee: 33,657 km (20,913 mi). Inclination: 4.90 deg. Period: 1,335.30 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 1-7 - . Payload: IDCSP 7 / OPS 9317. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2221 . COSPAR: 1966-053H. Apogee: 34,359 km (21,349 mi). Perigee: 33,711 km (20,947 mi). Inclination: 5.00 deg. Period: 1,347.60 min.

  A Titan IIIC (Vehicle #11) successfully supported a record-setting mission by placing eight satellites into near-synchronous orbits 18,200 miles above the equator. Seven communication satellites and one gravity gradient experimental satellite were included in this first launch in a series designed to establish a ring of experimental communications satellites dispersed around the equator. When completed, this satellite system would provide the Defense Department with a global military communication system designated the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS). Each of the seven satellites could relay 600 voice or 6,000 teletype channels. Space Systems Division was responsible for the development and launch of the spaceborne elements of the IDSCS as well as the Titan IIIC booster and launch services. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 1-3 - . Payload: IDCSP 3 / OPS 9313. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2217 . COSPAR: 1966-053D. Apogee: 33,955 km (21,098 mi). Perigee: 33,669 km (20,920 mi). Inclination: 8.30 deg. Period: 1,336.40 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP (8) ... IDCSP (14) - . Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. Decay Date: 1966-08-26 . 8 satellites, each weighing 45 kg..

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP 2-1 - . Payload: IDCSP 8 / OPS 9321. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2645 . COSPAR: 1967-003A. Apogee: 33,829 km (21,020 mi). Perigee: 33,518 km (20,827 mi). Inclination: 8.70 deg. Period: 1,329.50 min.

  Launched from Cape Canaveral, a Titan IIIC (Vehicle #13) space booster lifted eight 100-pound military communications satellites into synchronous orbits 21,000 miles above the equator. The satellites, together with the seven placed in orbit on 16 June 1966, formed the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS). Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 2-8 - . Payload: IDCSP 15 / OPS 9328. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2655 . COSPAR: 1967-003H. Apogee: 34,224 km (21,265 mi). Perigee: 33,666 km (20,919 mi). Inclination: 8.60 deg. Period: 1,343.10 min.

  Launched from Cape Canaveral, a Titan IIIC (Vehicle #13) space booster lifted eight 100-pound military communications satellites into synchronous orbits 21,000 miles above the equator. The satellites, together with the seven placed in orbit on 16 June 1966, formed the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS). Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 2-2 - . Payload: IDCSP 9 / OPS 9322. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2649 . COSPAR: 1967-003B. Apogee: 33,830 km (21,020 mi). Perigee: 33,533 km (20,836 mi). Inclination: 8.50 deg. Period: 1,329.90 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 2-3 - . Payload: IDCSP 10 / OPS 9323. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2650 . COSPAR: 1967-003C. Apogee: 33,843 km (21,029 mi). Perigee: 33,549 km (20,846 mi). Inclination: 8.30 deg. Period: 1,330.70 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 2-4 - . Payload: IDCSP 11 / OPS 9324. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2651 . COSPAR: 1967-003D. Apogee: 33,873 km (21,047 mi). Perigee: 33,579 km (20,864 mi). Inclination: 8.50 deg. Period: 1,332.10 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 2-5 - . Payload: IDCSP 12 / OPS 9325. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2652 . COSPAR: 1967-003E. Apogee: 33,935 km (21,086 mi). Perigee: 33,599 km (20,877 mi). Inclination: 8.50 deg. Period: 1,334.20 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 2-6 - . Payload: IDCSP 13 / OPS 9326. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2653 . COSPAR: 1967-003F. Apogee: 33,995 km (21,123 mi). Perigee: 33,631 km (20,897 mi). Inclination: 11.80 deg. Period: 1,336.50 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 2-7 - . Payload: IDCSP 14 / OPS 9327. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2654 . COSPAR: 1967-003G. Apogee: 34,127 km (21,205 mi). Perigee: 33,622 km (20,891 mi). Inclination: 8.60 deg. Period: 1,339.50 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• Vela 7 - . Payload: Vela 4A / OPS 6638. Mass: 317 kg (698 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Nuclear detection surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Advanced Vela. USAF Sat Cat: 2765 . COSPAR: 1967-040A. Apogee: 112,627 km (69,983 mi). Perigee: 108,948 km (67,697 mi). Inclination: 32.10 deg. Period: 6,652.10 min.

  Two new and heavier Vela Nuclear Detection Satellites and three scientific satellites were placed in orbit by a Titan IIIC (Vehicle #10) launched from Cape Canaveral. The two Vela satellites joined six other Vela spacecraft already on sentry duty 69,000 miles above the earth. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• Vela 8 - . Payload: Vela 4B / OPS 6679. Mass: 317 kg (698 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Nuclear detection surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Advanced Vela. USAF Sat Cat: 2766 . COSPAR: 1967-040B. Apogee: 114,578 km (71,195 mi). Perigee: 107,372 km (66,717 mi). Inclination: 33.10 deg. Period: 6,668.10 min.

  Two new and heavier Vela Nuclear Detection Satellites and three scientific satellites were placed in orbit by a Titan IIIC (Vehicle #10) launched from Cape Canaveral. The two Vela satellites joined six other Vela spacecraft already on sentry duty 69,000 miles above the earth. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• ERS 18 - . Mass: 9.00 kg (19.80 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: ERS. USAF Sat Cat: 2767 . COSPAR: 1967-040C. Apogee: 110,842 km (68,873 mi). Perigee: 8,991 km (5,586 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 2,831.30 min. Radiation research. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• OV5-01 - . Payload: ERS 27. Mass: 9.00 kg (19.80 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: OV5. USAF Sat Cat: 2769 . COSPAR: 1967-040E. Apogee: 110,746 km (68,814 mi). Perigee: 8,979 km (5,579 mi). Inclination: 32.80 deg. Period: 2,827.80 min. Materials research; deployed ERS 27. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• OV5-03 - . Payload: ERS 20. Mass: 9.00 kg (19.80 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: OV5. USAF Sat Cat: 2768 . COSPAR: 1967-040D. Apogee: 111,229 km (69,114 mi). Perigee: 8,604 km (5,346 mi). Inclination: 32.80 deg. Period: 2,829.60 min. Radiation research; deployed ERS 20. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• IDCSP 3-1 - . Payload: IDCSP 16 / OPS 9331. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2862 . COSPAR: 1967-066A. Apogee: 33,515 km (20,825 mi). Perigee: 33,030 km (20,520 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,309.60 min.

  A Titan IIIC booster (Vehicle #14) launched from Cape Canaveral placed a multiple payload of six satellites into orbit. Three of the satellites completed the Pacific link of the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS) program between Washington D.C., and South Vietnam. A fourth was a special communications satellite, the Despun Antenna Test Satellite (DATS), designed to test a despun antenna system for possible use on future communications satellites. DATS was designed to transmit 75 percent of radio signal strength to earth stations compared to the 15 percent for previous systems. Also included in the payload were a Defense Department Gravity Gradient Experiment (DODGE) satellite and a Lincoln Experimental Satellite, LES-5, the first all solid-state Ultra-high Frequency (UHF) band communication satellite intended to test communications with frontline troops. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• LES 5 - . Mass: 194 kg (427 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: LES. USAF Sat Cat: 2866 . COSPAR: 1967-066E. Apogee: 33,609 km (20,883 mi). Perigee: 33,196 km (20,626 mi). Inclination: 12.00 deg. Period: 1,316.00 min. Experimental commsat. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• IDCSP 3-4 - . Payload: IDCSP 19/DATS / OPS 9334. Mass: 68 kg (149 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2865 . COSPAR: 1967-066D. Apogee: 33,560 km (20,850 mi). Perigee: 33,145 km (20,595 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,313.50 min. Antenna tests. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• IDCSP 3-3 - . Payload: IDCSP 18 / OPS 9333. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2864 . COSPAR: 1967-066C. Apogee: 33,547 km (20,845 mi). Perigee: 33,079 km (20,554 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,311.60 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 3-2 - . Payload: IDCSP 17 / OPS 9332. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2863 . COSPAR: 1967-066B. Apogee: 33,517 km (20,826 mi). Perigee: 33,046 km (20,533 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,310.00 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• DODGE 1 - . Mass: 102 kg (224 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USN NASC. Class: Technology. Type: Gravity gradient technology satellite. Spacecraft: DODGE. USAF Sat Cat: 2867 . COSPAR: 1967-066F. Apogee: 33,670 km (20,920 mi). Perigee: 33,257 km (20,664 mi). Inclination: 12.00 deg. Period: 1,319.10 min.

  A Titan IIIC booster (Vehicle #14) launched from Cape Canaveral placed a multiple payload of six satellites into orbit. Three of the satellites completed the Pacific link of the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS) program between Washington D.C., and South Vietnam. A fourth was a special communications satellite, the Despun Antenna Test Satellite (DATS), designed to test a despun antenna system for possible use on future communications satellites. DATS was designed to transmit 75 percent of radio signal strength to earth stations compared to the 15 percent for previous systems. Also included in the payload were a Defense Department Gravity Gradient Experiment (DODGE) satellite and a Lincoln Experimental Satellite, LES-5, the first all solid-state Ultra-high Frequency (UHF) band communication satellite intended to test communications with frontline troops. Gravity gradient experiments. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 4-1 - . Payload: IDCSP 20 / OPS 9341. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3284 . COSPAR: 1968-050A. Apogee: 33,850 km (21,030 mi). Perigee: 33,725 km (20,955 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,335.20 min.

  An Air Force Titan IIIC, Vehicle #16, was launched from Cape Canaveral and successfully inserted eight 100-pound communications satellites into near-synchronous orbits. These satellites augmented and completed the deployment of the Initial Defense Satellite Communications System (IDSCS) which now consisted of 26 operational satellites Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 4-5 - . Payload: IDCSP 24 / OPS 9345. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3288 . COSPAR: 1968-050E. Apogee: 34,035 km (21,148 mi). Perigee: 33,721 km (20,953 mi). Inclination: 7.40 deg. Period: 1,339.60 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-6 - . Payload: IDCSP 25 / OPS 9346. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3289 . COSPAR: 1968-050F. Apogee: 34,118 km (21,199 mi). Perigee: 33,739 km (20,964 mi). Inclination: 9.40 deg. Period: 1,342.20 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-7 - . Payload: IDCSP 26 / OPS 9347. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3290 . COSPAR: 1968-050G. Apogee: 34,256 km (21,285 mi). Perigee: 33,721 km (20,953 mi). Inclination: 7.50 deg. Period: 1,345.20 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-8 - . Payload: IDCSP 27 / OPS 9348. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3291 . COSPAR: 1968-050H. Apogee: 34,442 km (21,401 mi). Perigee: 33,752 km (20,972 mi). Inclination: 7.70 deg. Period: 1,350.60 min.

  An Air Force Titan IIIC, Vehicle #16, was launched from Cape Canaveral and successfully inserted eight 100-pound communications satellites into near-synchronous orbits. These satellites augmented and completed the deployment of the Initial Defense Satellite Communications System (IDSCS) which now consisted of 26 operational satellites Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 4-2 - . Payload: IDCSP 21 / OPS 9342. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3285 . COSPAR: 1968-050B. Apogee: 33,863 km (21,041 mi). Perigee: 33,724 km (20,955 mi). Inclination: 7.40 deg. Period: 1,335.50 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-3 - . Payload: IDCSP 22 / OPS 9343. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3286 . COSPAR: 1968-050C. Apogee: 33,901 km (21,065 mi). Perigee: 33,722 km (20,953 mi). Inclination: 9.40 deg. Period: 1,336.40 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-4 - . Payload: IDCSP 23 / OPS 9344. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3287 . COSPAR: 1968-050D. Apogee: 33,939 km (21,088 mi). Perigee: 33,743 km (20,966 mi). Inclination: 9.20 deg. Period: 1,337.90 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• OV2-05 - . Mass: 204 kg (449 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: OV2. Completed Operations Date: 1968-09-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 3428 . COSPAR: 1968-081A. Apogee: 35,745 km (22,210 mi). Perigee: 35,113 km (21,818 mi). Inclination: 12.30 deg. Period: 1,417.90 min.

  A Titan ITIC space booster (Vehicle #5) was launched from Complex 41 at the Eastern Test Range and inserted four satellites into separate earth orbits. The primary payload was the Lincoln Experimental Satellite (LES-6) which was the second all-solid-state ultrahigh frequency (UHF) band communication satellite to be placed into a synchronous orbit. It was designed to test communications with aircraft, ships, and ground forces. The other three satellites were Office of Aerospace Research (OAR) payloads - two Experimental Research Satellites (ERS-21 and ERS-28) and an Orbiting Vehicle (OV 2-5) research satellite. Environmental research. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). As of 22 August 2001 located at 128.37 deg E drifting at 4.618 deg E per day. As of 2007 Feb 27 located at 91.48E drifting at 4.631E degrees per day.

• OV5-04 - . Payload: ERS 21. Mass: 13 kg (28 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: OV5. Completed Operations Date: 1968-09-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 3430 . COSPAR: 1968-081C. Apogee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Inclination: 3.00 deg. Period: 1,435.80 min. Examined heat transfer in liquids in zero-g. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). Last known longitude (19 July 1995) 138.85 deg E drifting at 0.103 deg W per day..

• LES 6 - . Mass: 163 kg (359 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: LES. Completed Operations Date: 1976-01-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 3431 . COSPAR: 1968-081D. Apogee: 35,839 km (22,269 mi). Perigee: 35,776 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 12.80 deg. Period: 1,437.20 min.

  A Titan ITIC space booster (Vehicle #5) was launched from Complex 41 at the Eastern Test Range and inserted four satellites into separate earth orbits. The primary payload was the Lincoln Experimental Satellite (LES-6) which was the second all-solid-state ultrahigh frequency (UHF) band communication satellite to be placed into a synchronous orbit. It was designed to test communications with aircraft, ships, and ground forces. The other three satellites were Office of Aerospace Research (OAR) payloads - two Experimental Research Satellites (ERS-21 and ERS-28) and an Orbiting Vehicle (OV 2-5) research satellite. Experimental commsat. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). Positioned in geosynchronous orbit over the Atlantic Ocean at 38 deg W in 1968-1975 As of 26 August 2001 located at 61.90 deg W drifting at 0.101 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 73.59W drifting at 0.201E degrees per day.

• OV5-02 - . Payload: ERS 28. Mass: 10 kg (22 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: OV5. Decay Date: 1971-02-15 . USAF Sat Cat: 3429 . COSPAR: 1968-081B. Apogee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Perigee: 184 km (114 mi). Inclination: 26.40 deg. Period: 630.80 min. Particle radiation data. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• Tacsat 1 - . Mass: 730 kg (1,600 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft Bus: HS 308. Spacecraft: Tacsat. Completed Operations Date: 1977-01-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 3691 . COSPAR: 1969-013A. Apogee: 36,044 km (22,396 mi). Perigee: 35,939 km (22,331 mi). Inclination: 1.00 deg. Period: 1,446.60 min.

  Air Force Titan IIIC, Vehicle #17, was launched from Cape Canaveral and placed the 1,600-pound experimental Tactical Communications Satellite, TACSAT I, into a near-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 19,300 nautical miles above the equator. TACSAT I, built by Hughes Aircraft Company under SAMSO management, was the largest communications satellite yet launched and placed in orbit by the United States. It was to determine the feasibility of using satellite communications repeaters with small mobile ground tactical communications equipment. In addition, using the technology already developed with earlier Despun Antenna Test System (DATS) and Lincoln Experimental Satellites (LES) test spacecraft, TACSAT I would test the feasibility of satellite communications over great distances while also testing the new gyrostat stabilization system. The satellite could handle transmission of television or multiple telephone/ teletype communications channels. Experimental commsat. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). Positioned in geosynchronous orbit over the Americas at 107 deg W in 1969?-1970; over the Pacific Ocean 173 deg W in 1970; over the Pacific Ocean 179 deg W in 1971-1972; over the Pacific Ocean170 deg E in 1972 Last known longitude (9 June 1995) 176.44 deg E drifting at 0.150 deg E per day.

• OV5-05 - . Payload: ERS 29. Mass: 259 kg (570 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: OV5. USAF Sat Cat: 3950 . COSPAR: 1969-046A. Apogee: 69,130 km (42,950 mi). Perigee: 59,630 km (37,050 mi). Inclination: 33.00 deg. Period: 3,121.90 min.

  The 13th, and final, Titan IIIC research and development booster (Vehicle #15) lifted two Vela satellites, the fifth pair of such nuclear detection spacecraft, and three experimental satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral. This launch concluded the highly successful Titan III research and development program initiated in 1962. Out of 13 Titan IIIC and four Titan IITA vehicles launched, 10 Titan IITCs were complete successes, two were partial successes, and only one was a failure, while three of the four Titan IITA launches were rated successful. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• Vela 10 - . Payload: Vela 5B / OPS 6911. Mass: 317 kg (698 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Nuclear detection surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Advanced Vela. Decay Date: 1992-12-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 3955 . COSPAR: 1969-046E. Apogee: 150,633 km (93,598 mi). Perigee: 72,080 km (44,780 mi). Inclination: 61.00 deg. Period: 6,700.70 min.

  The 13th, and final, Titan IIIC research and development booster (Vehicle #15) lifted two Vela satellites, the fifth pair of such nuclear detection spacecraft, and three experimental satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral. This launch concluded the highly successful Titan III research and development program initiated in 1962. Out of 13 Titan IIIC and four Titan IITA vehicles launched, 10 Titan IITCs were complete successes, two were partial successes, and only one was a failure, while three of the four Titan IITA launches were rated successful. Radiation, low-energy particle, solar flare data. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• Vela 9 - . Payload: Vela 5A / OPS 6909. Mass: 317 kg (698 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Nuclear detection surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Advanced Vela. Decay Date: 1992-12-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 3954 . COSPAR: 1969-046D. Apogee: 145,638 km (90,495 mi). Perigee: 77,082 km (47,896 mi). Inclination: 61.60 deg. Period: 6,700.90 min. Solar flare particle detectors. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• OV5-09 - . Mass: 11 kg (24 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: OV5. USAF Sat Cat: 3952 . COSPAR: 1969-046C. Apogee: 69,011 km (42,881 mi). Perigee: 59,543 km (36,998 mi). Inclination: 33.50 deg. Period: 3,115.10 min. VLF plasma wave detection. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• OV5-06 - . Payload: ERS 26. Mass: 259 kg (570 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: OV5. USAF Sat Cat: 3951 . COSPAR: 1969-046B. Apogee: 69,022 km (42,888 mi). Perigee: 59,540 km (36,990 mi). Inclination: 33.60 deg. Period: 3,115.40 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• Sphinx - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: Sphinx. Decay Date: 1974-02-12 . Space Plasma High Voltage Interaction Experiment. Payload carried on test flight of Titan 3E booster..

• Viking Dynamic Simulator - . Payload: VDS. Mass: 3,399 kg (7,493 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: Viking.

  The newest addition to the Titan III series, the Titan IIIE/Centaur - a meld of Air Force and NASA technology, suffered a partial failure in its first flight test from Cape Canaveral. The Titan/Centaur vehicle will be used as the launch vehicles for NASA's Viking Mars Lander in 1975 and for the United States-German Helios program.

• Helios 1 - . Mass: 370 kg (810 lb). Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Class: Astronomy. Type: Solar satellite. Spacecraft: Helios. USAF Sat Cat: 7567 . COSPAR: 1974-097A.

  A Titan IIIE/Centaur launched from Cape Canaveral boosted the United States-West German HELIOS spacecraft into heliocentric orbit as a solar probe to investigate the properties and processes of solar/terrestrial relationships. This was the first completely successful flight of the Titan IIIE/Centaur booster combination. Solar probe. Solar Orbit (Heliocentric). Launched by the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany. Helios A (Helios I). Heliocentric orbit 190 days, 0.309 x 0.985 AU x 0 deg. Exploration of the interplanetary space between the earth and the sun and study of solar influences on that area.

• Viking 1 Orbiter - . Payload: Viking 1. Mass: 3,399 kg (7,493 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: JPL. Class: Mars. Type: Mars probe. Spacecraft: Viking. USAF Sat Cat: 8108 . COSPAR: 1975-075A.

  A Titan HIE carrying a Viking payload was successfully launched from LC-41, Eastern Test Range. This was the first flight of a new oxydizer accumulator developed for the HIE. Combined Mars orbiter and lander mission; orbiter inserted in Mars orbit 6/19/76; lander soft landed on Martian surface 7/20/76Mars. Mars Orbit. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

• Viking 1 Lander - . Payload: Viking 1. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Langley. Class: Mars. Type: Mars probe. Spacecraft: Viking. Decay Date: 1976-07-20 . USAF Sat Cat: 9024 . COSPAR: 1975-075C.

  A Titan HIE carrying a Viking payload was successfully launched from LC-41, Eastern Test Range. This was the first flight of a new oxydizer accumulator developed for the HIE. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

• Viking 2 Orbiter - . Mass: 3,399 kg (7,493 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: JPL. Class: Mars. Type: Mars probe. Spacecraft: Viking. USAF Sat Cat: 8199 . COSPAR: 1975-083A.

  A Titan HIE carrying a Viking payload was successfully launched from LC-41, Eastern Test Range. This was the first flight of a new Command Receiver Set. A fire occurred at the launch site following launch and caused $2 million damage to the Aerospace Ground Equipment building. Combined Mars orbiter and lander mission; orbiter inserted in Mars orbit 8/7/76; lander soft landed on Martian surface 9/3/76Mars. Mars Orbit. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

• Viking 2 Lander - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Langley. Class: Mars. Type: Mars probe. Spacecraft: Viking. Decay Date: 1976-08-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 9408 . COSPAR: 1975-083C.

  A Titan HIE carrying a Viking payload was successfully launched from LC-41, Eastern Test Range. This was the first flight of a new Command Receiver Set. A fire occurred at the launch site following launch and caused $2 million damage to the Aerospace Ground Equipment building. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

• Helios 2 - . Mass: 376 kg (828 lb). Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Class: Astronomy. Type: Solar satellite. Spacecraft: Helios. USAF Sat Cat: 8582 . COSPAR: 1976-003A.

  A Titan HIE carrying a West German Helios payload was successfully launched from LC-41, Eastern Test Range. Solar probe. Solar Orbit (Heliocentric). Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C).

• Voyager 2 - . Payload: Voyager 2 [Star-37E]. Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: JPL. Class: Outer planets. Type: Outer planets probe. Spacecraft: Voyager. USAF Sat Cat: 10271 . COSPAR: 1977-076A.

  A Titan HIE launched NASA's Voyager I spacecraft from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Jupiter flyby 7/9/79, Saturn flyby 8/26/81, Uranus flyby 1/24/86, Neptune flyby 8/25/89. Solar system escape trajectory. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

• Voyager 1 - . Payload: Voyager 1 [Star-37E]. Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: JPL. Class: Outer planets. Type: Outer planets probe. Spacecraft: Voyager. USAF Sat Cat: 10321 . COSPAR: 1977-084A. A Titan HIE launched NASA's Voyager I spacecraft from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Jupiter flyby 3/5/79, Saturn flyby 11/12/80. Solar system escape trajectory. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B)..

• USA 39 - . Payload: DSP-1 Block 14 F14. Mass: 2,360 kg (5,200 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: DSP. USAF Sat Cat: 20066 . COSPAR: 1989-046A. Apogee: 35,614 km (22,129 mi). Perigee: 35,699 km (22,182 mi). Inclination: 3.10 deg. Period: 1,421.80 min.

  First DSP-1 Block 14 ballistic missile launch detection satellite; first Titan 4 launch. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 165 deg W in 1990-1994; 145 deg W in 1999; 166 deg W in 2000.. Still in service as of March 2007. As of 2007 Feb 5 located at 145.23W drifting at 0.014W degrees per day.

• USA 59 - . Payload: Intruder 1. Nation: USA. Agency: NRL, NRO. Class: Surveillance. Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Intruder. USAF Sat Cat: 20641 . COSPAR: 1990-050A. Apogee: 284 km (176 mi). Perigee: 268 km (166 mi). Inclination: 61.00 deg. Period: 90.00 min. First launch by Titan 4 of new generation of NOSS naval reconnaissance satellites. However earlier NOSS weighed only 2,000 kg; Titan 4 booster has seven times this capacity. What else was launched?.

• USA 60 - . Payload: Intruder 1. Nation: USA. Agency: NRL, NRO. Class: Surveillance. Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Intruder. USAF Sat Cat: 20682 . COSPAR: 1990-050B. Apogee: 1,146 km (712 mi). Perigee: 1,071 km (665 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.45 min.

• USA 62 - . Payload: Intruder 1. Nation: USA. Agency: NRL, NRO. Class: Surveillance. Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Intruder. USAF Sat Cat: 20692 . COSPAR: 1990-050D. Apogee: 1,303 km (810 mi). Perigee: 920 km (572 mi). Inclination: 63.42 deg. Period: 107.44 min.

• USA 61 - . Payload: Intruder 1. Nation: USA. Agency: NRL, NRO. Class: Surveillance. Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Intruder. USAF Sat Cat: 20691 . COSPAR: 1990-050C. Apogee: 1,304 km (810 mi). Perigee: 920 km (571 mi). Inclination: 63.43 deg. Period: 107.44 min.

• USA 65 - . Payload: DSP-1 Block 14 F15. Mass: 2,360 kg (5,200 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: DSP. Completed Operations Date: 2006-01-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 20929 . COSPAR: 1990-095A. Apogee: 35,699 km (22,182 mi). Perigee: 35,614 km (22,129 mi). Inclination: 3.10 deg. Period: 1,421.80 min. DSP-1 Block 14 ballistic missile launch detection satellite. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 105 deg E in 1991; 70 deg E in 1991-1992; 5 deg E in 1992-1993; 35 deg W in 1993; 38 deg W in 1999-2004. Believed to have been taken out of service in 2006..

• USA 103 - . Payload: Raven 1. Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NRO, USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval signals intelligence satellite. Spacecraft: Raven satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 23097 . COSPAR: 1994-026A. Apogee: 537 km (333 mi). Perigee: 518 km (321 mi). Inclination: 55.10 deg. Period: 95.20 min. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). .

• USA 105 - . Payload: Mercury ELINT 1. Nation: USA. Agency: NRO, USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Mercury ELINT. USAF Sat Cat: 23223 . COSPAR: 1994-054A. Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. First launch of Mercury ELINT satellite..

• USA 112 - . Payload: Raven 2. Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NRO, USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval signals intelligence satellite. Spacecraft: Raven satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 23609 . COSPAR: 1995-034A. Apogee: 39,000 km (24,000 mi). Perigee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 720.00 min.

• USA 118 - . Payload: Mercury ELINT 2. Nation: USA. Agency: NRO, USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Mercury ELINT. USAF Sat Cat: 23855 . COSPAR: 1996-026A. Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. Second launch of Mercury ELINT satellite..

• USA 136 - . Payload: Raven 3. Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NRO, USAF. Manufacturer: Kent. Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval signals intelligence satellite. Spacecraft: Raven satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 25034 . COSPAR: 1997-068A. Apogee: 39,059 km (24,270 mi). Perigee: 1,100 km (600 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 720.00 min.

• Mercury ELINT - . Payload: Mercury ELINT 3. Nation: USA. Agency: NRO, NSA. Manufacturer: TRW. Class: Surveillance. Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Mercury ELINT. Third launch of Mercury ELINT satellite..

• USA 142 - . Payload: DSP-1 Block 18 F19. Mass: 2,380 kg (5,240 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Manufacturer: TRW. Class: Surveillance. Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: DSP. USAF Sat Cat: 25669 . COSPAR: 1999-017A. Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Perigee: 720 km (440 mi). Inclination: 28.00 deg.

  The Titan 4B placed the IUS upper stages and DSP-1 Block 14 ballistic missile launch detection satellite. payload into a 188 km x 718 km x 28.6 deg parking orbit. The first stage of the IUS burned at 18:14 GMT and put the second stage and payload into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The IUS second stage fired at 23:34 GMT in order to place the spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. However, at least one connector remained attached between the stages, and the second stage motor nozzle did not extend properly. When the stage fired, the vehicle tumbled wildly during the burn. Separation of the DSP was achieved. Although it could not perform its primary mission, it did provide a good test case in that the effects of radiation on its systems could be monitored as they underwent twice-daily passages of the Van Allen Radiation Belts. However after some weeks the hydrazine propellant aboard the satellite vented into space due to a broken fuel line. It was believed this had been induced by the wild ride aboard the IUS-2 stage.

• Hot Bird 6 - . Payload: Spacebus 3000B3. Mass: 3,905 kg (8,609 lb). Nation: Europe. Agency: Eutelsat. Manufacturer: Cannes. Program: Eutelsat. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. USAF Sat Cat: 27499 . COSPAR: 2002-038A. Apogee: 35,814 km (22,253 mi). Perigee: 35,757 km (22,218 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.

  This was the maiden flight of the Atlas 5 EELV. Launch delayed from May 9, July 8 and 29, August 6 and 12 due to both payload and booster delays. Hot Bird 6 was a European (EUTELSAT) geostationary communications spacecraft. The 4.9-ton Hot Bird 6 (a Spacebus 3000B3) was to provide digital radio and television coverage to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East through its 28 Ku-band and four Ka-band transponders after being parked over 13° E longitude. As of 2007 Mar 4 located at 12.95E drifting at 0.012E degrees per day.

• Hellas Sat 2 - . Mass: 3,440 kg (7,580 lb). Nation: Greece. Agency: Hellas. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Eurostar 2000. USAF Sat Cat: 27811 . COSPAR: 2003-020A. Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. Launch delayed from January 30, March 11 and 14, May 10 and 12, 2003. Spacecraft former Intelsat KTV, NSS-KTV, NSS-6, Intelsat APR-3. As of 2007 Mar 8 located at 38.95E drifting at 0.006E degrees per day..

• Rainbow 1 (Cablevision 1) - . Payload: A2100AX. Mass: 4,328 kg (9,541 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Cablevision. Manufacturer: Lockheed. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 27852 . COSPAR: 2003-033A. Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Delayed from May 8 As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 61.68W drifting at 0.011W degrees per day..

• AMC-16 (GE-16) - . Payload: A2100AXS. Mass: 4,200 kg (9,200 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: SES Americom. Manufacturer: Lockheed. Program: Americom. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 28472 . COSPAR: 2004-048A. Apogee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.

  AMC-16, like AMC-15, was a hybrid Ku/Ka-band satellite built by Lockheed Martin and based on the A2100 spacecraft platform. The spacecraft was to become operational in early 2005 from 85º West with a 15 year design life. The satellite carried 24 x 36 MHz/140 W Ku-band transponders and 12 x 125MHz/75 W spot beams. Coverage included the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Launch was delayed from December 6 and 16. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 118.75W drifting at 0.002W degrees per day.

• Inmarsat-4 F1 - . Payload: Inmarsat 4A / Eurostar 3000GM. Mass: 5,959 kg (13,137 lb). Nation: International. Agency: Inmarsat. Manufacturer: EADS Astrium. Program: Inmarsat. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Eurostar 3000. USAF Sat Cat: 28628 . COSPAR: 2005-009A. Apogee: 36,011 km (22,376 mi). Perigee: 35,562 km (22,097 mi). Inclination: 3.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.

  Heaviest single payload to geosynchronous transfer orbit to that date. Delayed from October 2004, February 27, March 10, 2005. The satellite was to provide L-band mobile communications and wideband data transmission for Inmarsat's global network. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 63.82E drifting at 0.000E degrees per day.

• Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter - . Mass: 2,180 kg (4,800 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: JPL, NASA. Manufacturer: Lockheed. Class: Mars. Type: Mars probe. Spacecraft: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. USAF Sat Cat: 28788 . COSPAR: 2005-029A. Transferred from Atlas 3B. Delayed from August 10 and 11, 2005..

• New Horizons - . Mass: 478 kg (1,053 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: JPL, NASA. Manufacturer: APL. Class: Outer planets. Type: Outer planets probe. Spacecraft: New Horizons. USAF Sat Cat: 28928 . COSPAR: 2006-001A.

  Last robotic mission to an unexplored planet in our solar system. New Horizons was due to receive a gravity boost from Jupiter in February 2007, then fly by Pluto in 2015. During launch toward Jupiter it reached a higher velocity than any manmade object, and was the first to be boosted directly to solar escape velocity. The trajectory had a perihelion of 0.98 AU, an inclination of 0.87 deg and an eccentricity of 1.03. After the Jupiter encounter it was to have a perihelion of 2.2 AU, an inclination of 2.3 deg and an eccentricity of 1.40. At encounter with Pluto on July 14, 2015, the spacecraft would be 1.1 AU above the ecliptic plane and 32.9 AU from the Sun, leaving the solar system toward the star Xi Sgr.

• Astra 1KR - . Payload: A2100AXS. Mass: 4,332 kg (9,550 lb). Nation: Luxembourg. Agency: SES. Manufacturer: Lockheed. Program: Astra. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 29055 . COSPAR: 2006-012A. Apogee: 35,696 km (22,180 mi). Perigee: 35,631 km (22,140 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,429.80 min.

  The first Centaur upper stage burn placed the stack into a 167 km x 22442 km x 24.8 deg transfer orbit. After a second burn the Centaur released the satellite into a 6470 km x 36240 km x 23.8 deg orbit, from which it would use its own engine to achieve final geosynchronous orbit. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 19.18E drifting at 0.022W degrees per day.

• STPSat-1 - . Mass: 170 kg (370 lb). Nation: USA. Manufacturer: AeroAstro. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Astro-200. USAF Sat Cat: 30775 . COSPAR: 2007-006D. Apogee: 560 km (340 mi). Perigee: 558 km (346 mi). Inclination: 35.40 deg. Period: 95.80 min. STPSat carried experiments to study the Earth's atmosphere, ionosphere and radiation environment. It also released the two MEPSI picosatellites..

• Astro - . Mass: 1,090 kg (2,400 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Boeing. Class: Technology. Type: Rendezvous technology satellite. Spacecraft: Orbital Express Astro. Decay Date: 2013-10-25 . USAF Sat Cat: 30772 . COSPAR: 2007-006A. Apogee: 498 km (309 mi). Perigee: 491 km (305 mi). Inclination: 46.00 deg. Period: 94.50 min.

  The active satellite portion of DARPA's Orbital Express satellite servicing experiment. Following operational tests while still joined or grappled together, the first 10-m distance Nextsat free flight and redocking by Astro was conducted on 5 May. On the second free-flight test on 11 May a serious computer failure left the two spacecraft 6 km apart. The problem was solved, revised software was uploaded to Astro, and it redocked with Nextsat on 19 May.

• NextSat - . Mass: 250 kg (550 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Ball. Class: Technology. Type: Rendezvous technology satellite. Spacecraft: RS-300. USAF Sat Cat: 30774 . COSPAR: 2007-006C. Apogee: 498 km (309 mi). Perigee: 491 km (305 mi). Inclination: 46.00 deg. Period: 94.50 min. The passive satellite portion of DARPA's Orbital Express satellite servicing experiment. NextSat carried hydrazine for fluid transfer experiments, but no propulsion system. Attitude was controlled by momentum wheels supplemented by magnetic torquer rods..

• Midstar 1 - . Mass: 120 kg (260 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USN PGS. Manufacturer: USNA. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Midstar. USAF Sat Cat: 30773 . COSPAR: 2007-006B. Apogee: 498 km (309 mi). Perigee: 495 km (307 mi). Inclination: 46.00 deg. Period: 94.50 min.

  MidSTAR-1 was flown under the DoD Space Test Program and carried the Internet Communications Satellite (ICSat) Experiment (SERB 2002-39) and the Configurable Fault Tolerant Processor (CFTP) Experiment for the Naval Postgraduate School (SERB 2002-34). Planned mission duration was two years.

• Falconsat-3 - . Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Manufacturer: USAF Colorado Springs. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Falconsat. USAF Sat Cat: 30776 . COSPAR: 2007-006E. Apogee: 559 km (347 mi). Perigee: 558 km (346 mi). Inclination: 35.40 deg. Period: 95.80 min. USAF Academy student satellite with ionospheric experiments and plasma atttiude control thrusters..

• CFESat - . Payload: Heavily modified Surrey MicroSat-100. Mass: 159 kg (350 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Los Alamos. Manufacturer: Surrey. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: SSTL-150. USAF Sat Cat: 30777 . COSPAR: 2007-006F. Apogee: 563 km (349 mi). Perigee: 558 km (346 mi). Inclination: 35.40 deg. Period: 95.90 min.

  The Cibola Flight Experiment satellites carried eight new technologies for space flight validation, including a new power supply, inflatable antennas, deployable booms, a new type of launch-vehicle separation system, and a high-density pack of AA lithium-ion batteries. Cibola's on-board field programmable gate array supercomputer processed data onboard, then beamed only the results rather than the raw data to the ground. The Cibola also had a science mission: the study of lightning, ionospheric disturbances, and other sources of radio frequency (RF) atmospheric noise.

• MEPSI Picosat - . Mass: 1.00 kg (2.20 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Aerospace. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Cubesat. COSPAR: 2007-006x. Apogee: 563 km (349 mi). Perigee: 558 km (346 mi). Inclination: 35.40 deg. Released from STPSat..

• MEPSI Picosat - . Mass: 1.00 kg (2.20 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: DARPA. Manufacturer: Aerospace. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Cubesat. COSPAR: 2007-006x. Apogee: 563 km (349 mi). Perigee: 558 km (346 mi). Inclination: 35.40 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Released from STPSat..

• USA 194 - . Payload: Intruder 8. Nation: USA. Agency: NRO. Manufacturer: Lockheed. Class: Surveillance. Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Intruder. USAF Sat Cat: 31701 . COSPAR: 2007-027A. Apogee: 1,246 km (774 mi). Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg.

  Classified National Reconnaissance Office mission. There appeared to be problem in the second burn of the Centaur upper stage. Amateur observors believed that two satellites were to be have been deployed in 1150 km altitude, 63 deg inclination, but that only a 776 km x 1246 km was achieved. However it was believed that the payloads could reach the final intended orbits using on-board propulsion

• USA 195 - . Payload: WGS 1. Mass: 5,987 kg (13,199 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 702. USAF Sat Cat: 32258 . COSPAR: 2007-046A. Apogee: 39,016 km (24,243 mi). Perigee: 32,586 km (20,247 mi). Inclination: 0.20 deg. Period: 1,436.80 min. First USAF Wideband Global Satcom satellite, designed to replace the DSCS series, was placed by the Atlas booster in an initial 477 km x 66,847 km x 20.1 deg geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite carried X-band and Ka-band communications payloads..

• USA 198 - . Payload: NROL-24. Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: Quasar. USAF Sat Cat: 32378 . COSPAR: 2007-060A. Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Perigee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,440.00 min.

  Classified National Reconnaisance Office payload; probable primary payload data relay communications. May also have carried SBIRS HEO-2 infrared missile warning sensor and a TWINS-B magnetospheric research experiment. Initial orbit 261 x 16776 km x 60.0 deg.

• ICO G1 - . Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: FS-1300. USAF Sat Cat: 32763 . COSPAR: 2008-016A. Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Inclination: 6.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. The satellite was to provide mobile communications services for ICO Global Communications, a successor company to Teledesic..

• USA 204 - . Payload: WGS 2. Mass: 5,987 kg (13,199 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 702. USAF Sat Cat: 34713 . COSPAR: 2009-017A. Apogee: 35,452 km (22,028 mi). Perigee: 35,397 km (21,994 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,417.60 min. Wideband Global Satcom; provided communications for the US Dept. of Defense Central Command (CENTCOM)..

• LRO - . Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Moon. Type: Lunar orbiter. Spacecraft: LRO. USAF Sat Cat: 35315 . COSPAR: 2009-031A. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

• LCROSS - . Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Moon. Type: Lunar impacter. Spacecraft: LRO. Decay Date: 2009-10-09 . USAF Sat Cat: 35316 . COSPAR: 2009-031B.

  Lunar impact probe, designed to detect ice in the lunar polar regions. LCROSS and the Centaur stage flew 3270 km from the Moon at 1030 GMT on June 23 and were hurled to a 5820,00 km apogee. On 9 October LCROSS separated from the Centaur. The Centaur impacted in Cabeus crater at 11:31 GMT on 9 October followed by LCROSS at 11:35 GMT. The impacts did not produce the expected spectacular impact plume as expected. However later data reduction did show significant amounts of water.

• USA 207 - . Payload: PAN. Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: PAN. USAF Sat Cat: 35815 . COSPAR: 2009-047A. Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Perigee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,440.00 min. Classified communications satellite, perhaps providing services for the CIA to replace channels hosted on the US Navy's UHF Follow-On series. Stationed in geostationary orbit at 34 deg E..

• Intelsat IS-14 - . Mass: 5,663 kg (12,484 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Program: Intelsat. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: FS-1300. USAF Sat Cat: 36097 . COSPAR: 2009-064A. Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.

  Communications satellite to replace IS-1R at 24 deg W over the Atlantic. The Centaur AV-024 upper stage maneuvered and then released the satellite into a 6157 km x 39094 km x 22.5 deg geosynchronous transfer orbit at 08:53 GMT. IS-14 then used its own propulsion to reach its operational orbit. Mass 2517 kg unfuelled.

• SDO - . Mass: 3,200 kg (7,000 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Astronomy. Type: Solar satellite. Spacecraft: SDO. USAF Sat Cat: 36395 . COSPAR: 2010-005A. Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Perigee: 35,773 km (22,228 mi). Inclination: 28.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.

  Solar Dynamics Observatory. The Centaur AV-021 upper stage moved from an initial 175 km x 3706 km x 28.7 deg parking orbit to a 2480 km x 35369 km x 28.6 deg transfer orbitand then released the satellite, which used its own R4D thruster to reach geosynchronous orbit.

• USA 212 - . Payload: X-37B OTV 1. Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-37. Duration: 224.39 days. USAF Sat Cat: 36514 . COSPAR: 2010-015A. Reusable unmanned military orbital spaceplane. Landed successfully at Vandenberg at 09:16 GMT on 3 December..

• USA 214 - . Payload: AEHF 1 / A2100M. Mass: 6,168 kg (13,598 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 36868 . COSPAR: 2010-039A. Apogee: 35,807 km (22,249 mi). Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Inclination: 4.37 deg. Period: 1,436.31 min.

  First USAF Advanced EHF communications satellite. Placed in an initial 221 x 50179 km x 22.2 deg geosynchronous transfer orbit by the Atlas Centaur upper stage. However the satellite's main BT-4 engine failed, meaning the secondary hydrazine thrusters were used to much more satellite raise the spacecraft to geosynchronous orbit.

• USA 226 - . Payload: OTV-2 F1. Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-37. USAF Sat Cat: 37375 . COSPAR: 2011-010A.

  Second unmanned Orbital Test Vehicle X-37B reusable spaceplane. Possibly placed in a 400 x 420 km x 40 deg orbit like that used by OTV-1; mission expected to last 9 months with automatic landing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The Centaur AV-026 upper stage was deorbited over the Indian Ocean on the first orbit.

• USA 230 - . Payload: SBIRS GEO-1 / A2100M. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 37481 . COSPAR: 2011-019A. Apogee: 35,872 km (22,289 mi). Perigee: 35,851 km (22,276 mi). Inclination: 6.26 deg. Period: 1,439.93 min.

  First geosynchronous element of the Space-Based Infrared System, an expensive new multispectral early warning and tracking system that forms part of the American missile defense system. The system also include payloads installed on Molniya-orbit signals intelligence satellite (USA 184 and USA 200). The spacecraft carry an infrared telescope with a large focal plane infrared array to monitor large areas of the Earth at once. An internal moving mirror scans the visible disk of the Earth to detect and track possible missile launches. It also has capabilites to track high-altitude aircraft and thermal events on the surface. The new SBIRS network will succeed 23 DSP satellites launched from 1970 to 2007. GEO-1 was inserted into geostationary transfer orbit by the booster and used its own on Leros-1 apogee motor to maneuver into geosynchronous orbit.

• Juno - . Mass: 3,625 kg (7,991 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Outer planets. Type: Outer planets probe. Spacecraft: Juno. USAF Sat Cat: 37773 . COSPAR: 2011-040A.

  Jupiter Near-polar Orbiter, accelerated by the AV-029 Centaur to a hyperbolic escape orbit at 17:15 GMT into a 1.0 AU x 2.26 AU x 0.1 deg solar orbit. A 500-km flyby of Earth on 9 October 2013 pumped this orbit towards Jupiter. It is planned to enter Jovian orbit in July 2016, and be commaned to bun up in Jupiter's atmosphere in October 2017. Payloads included magnetometers, plasma and particle instruments, UV auroral imagers and spectrometers, and the JunoCam imager. The probe has a massmof 1593 kg and carries a further 2032 kg of propellant. Its three large solar arrays span around 22 meters; it is the first spacecraft to fly to the outer solar system without radioisotope power sources.

• MSL - . Mass: 3,839 kg (8,463 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Mars. Type: Mars rover. Spacecraft Bus: Mars Rovers. Spacecraft: MSL. Decay Date: 2012-08-06 . USAF Sat Cat: 37936 . COSPAR: 2011-070A. Apogee: 319 km (198 mi). Perigee: 161 km (100 mi). Inclination: 28.90 deg. Period: 89.30 min. Mars Science Laboratory; 899 kg Curiosity Rover to be landed on Mars surface in August 2012..

• MUOS 1 - . Payload: A2100M. Mass: 6,740 kg (14,850 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 38093 . COSPAR: 2012-009A. Apogee: 35,802 km (22,246 mi). Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Inclination: 5.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. US Navy's first Mobile User Objective System launch, providing military UHF communications services. Launch mass 6740 kg; dry mass 3812 kg..

• USA 235 - . Payload: AEHF 2 / A2100M. Mass: 6,168 kg (13,598 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 38254 . COSPAR: 2012-019A. Apogee: 46,814 km (29,088 mi). Perigee: 25,572 km (15,889 mi). Inclination: 4.70 deg. Period: 1,456.90 min. US Air Force Advanced EHF communications satellite, providing strategic military EHF communications. First reflight of the bus with the Japanese IHI BT-4 apogee thruster (which had failed on the prior mission) and an electric propulsion system..

• USA 236 - . Payload: NROL-38. Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: Quasar. USAF Sat Cat: 38466 . COSPAR: 2012-033A. Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Perigee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,440.00 min.

• RBSP A - . Mass: 648 kg (1,428 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: RBSP. USAF Sat Cat: 38752 . COSPAR: 2012-046A. Apogee: 30,513 km (18,959 mi). Perigee: 596 km (370 mi). Inclination: 9.90 deg. Period: 538.80 min.

  NASA's two Radiation Belt Storm Probes deployed a series of booms include electric field antennae spanning 100 meters. The instruments studied energetic particles, thermal plasma, ionospheric composition and electromagnetic fields and waves. The principal investigator for one experiment, the relativistic proton spectrometer, was at the National Reconnaissance Office.

• RBSP B - . Mass: 667 kg (1,470 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: RBSP. USAF Sat Cat: 38753 . COSPAR: 2012-046B. Apogee: 30,662 km (19,052 mi). Perigee: 606 km (376 mi). Inclination: 9.90 deg. Period: 541.70 min.

• USA 240 - . Payload: X-37B OTV-3. Mass: 5,400 kg (11,900 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-37. USAF Sat Cat: 39025 . COSPAR: 2012-071A. Apogee: 360 km (220 mi). Perigee: 343 km (213 mi). Inclination: 43.50 deg. X-37B flight vehicle 1 completed its second flight on Oct 17 2014, landing at Vandenberg AFB at 16:24 GMT after 674.9 days in space..

• TDRS 11 - . Payload: HS 601HP. Mass: 3,454 kg (7,614 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 601. USAF Sat Cat: 39070 . COSPAR: 2013-004A. Apogee: 35,826 km (22,261 mi). Perigee: 35,749 km (22,213 mi). Inclination: 6.90 deg. Period: 1,436.14 min.

  First new-generation TDRS satellite, supporting communications with the International Space Station and military satellites. Released by the Centaur upper stage into a 4336 km x 35,791 km x 25.7 deg orbit. The satellite then used its R-4D engine to reach station in geosynchronous orbit.

• USA 241 - . Payload: SBIRS GEO-2 / A2100M. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 39120 . COSPAR: 2013-011A. Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Inclination: 6.00 deg.

  Second geosynchronous orbit in the Space-Based Infrared System for detecting missile launches and tracking missiles, air vehicles, and certain surface events. The Centaur upper stage placed the satellite in a 182 km x 35804 km x 22.2 deg transfer orbit. SBIR-2 used its own engines to reach its operational geosynchronous orbit.

• USA 242 - . Payload: Navstar 68 / GPS SVN 66 / IIF-4 / SV-5 Vega. Mass: 1,630 kg (3,590 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: Boeing. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Navstar. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2F. USAF Sat Cat: 39166 . COSPAR: 2013-023A. Apogee: 20,187 km (12,543 mi). Perigee: 20,178 km (12,538 mi). Inclination: 55.02 deg. Period: 717.97 min.

  Fourth GPS Block IIF satellite, 2.5m high satellite with a solar panel span of 18 m. The IIF navigation payloads carry atomic clocks and broadcast L-band navigation signals in the L1M, L2M, L2C and L5 channels; they also carry sensors to detect nuclear explosions as part of an early warning system.

• MUOS 2 - . Payload: A2100M. Mass: 6,700 kg (14,700 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 39206 . COSPAR: 2013-036A. Apogee: 35,822 km (22,258 mi). Perigee: 7,847 km (4,875 mi). Inclination: 14.60 deg. Period: 786.00 min. Mobile User Objective System; provides UHF communications links for the US Navy. 3800 kg dry mass..

• USA 246 - . Payload: AEHF 3 / A2100M. Mass: 6,168 kg (13,598 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 39256 . COSPAR: 2013-050A. Apogee: 35,816 km (22,254 mi). Perigee: 35,756 km (22,217 mi). Inclination: 1.40 deg. Period: 1,436.07 min. Third Advanced EHF communications satellite for the US Air Force. The satellite has a Japanese IHI BT-4 bipropellant thruster and an Aerojet electric propulsion system..

• MAVEN - . Mass: 2,454 kg (5,410 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Mars. Type: Mars probe. Spacecraft: MAVEN. USAF Sat Cat: 39378 . COSPAR: 2013-063A.

  Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN orbiter designed to study the escape of gases from the upper Martian atmosphere. It carried particles and fields instruments and an imaging ultraviolet spectrometer. MAVEN reached a 167 x 315 km x 26.7 deg parking orbit at 18:41 GMT; the Centaur AV-038 stage restarted at 19:09 GMT and inserted MAVEN into a trans-Mars trajectory. MAVEN and the Centaur left the Earth-Moon system on November 21 in a 0.97 x 1.47 AU x 2.1 deg heliocentric orbit which will take them to Mars in September 2014.

• TDRS 12 - . Payload: HS 601HP. Mass: 3,454 kg (7,614 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 601. USAF Sat Cat: 39504 . COSPAR: 2014-004A. Apogee: 35,799 km (22,244 mi). Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Inclination: 6.92 deg. Period: 1,436.09 min.

  NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite; provided space-to-space relays, channelling high bandwidth data from spacecraft to the ground. TDRS 12 was the second replenishment satellite in the third generation of the TDRS system, using a high power version of the BSS-601HP satellite bus. By February 4 TDRS 12 was in a 35,780 x 35,795 km x 7.0 deg inclined geostationary orbit over 150.0 deg West.

• USA 250 - . Payload: NROL-67. Mass: 3,600 kg (7,900 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Surveillance. Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Mercury ELINT. USAF Sat Cat: 39652 . COSPAR: 2014-020A. Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. It appeared likely that the Centaur stage made three burns to deploy the USA 250 payload in geosynchronous orbit. The payload was suspected to be a large NRO signals intelligence satellite..

• USA 252 - . Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: Quasar. USAF Sat Cat: 39751 . COSPAR: 2014-027A. Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Perigee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,440.00 min.

  Atlas flight AV-046 left the USA 252 payload in an 840 x 35745 km x 20.7 deg geostationary transfer orbit. It was expected to enter geostationary orbit and was thought to be a QUASAR communications and data relay satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office - either QUASAR 18 or 19, uncertain due to the difficulty of distinguising early QUASAR and JUMPSEAT satellites in the 1970s.

• USA 256 - . Payload: Navstar 71 / GPS SVN 68 / IIF-7 / Capella. Mass: 1,630 kg (3,590 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: ULAL. Spacecraft Bus: Navstar. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2F. USAF Sat Cat: 40105 . COSPAR: 2014-045A. Apogee: 20,479 km (12,725 mi). Perigee: 20,451 km (12,707 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg. Period: 729.47 min. The navigation satellite, dubbed 'Capella', reached a 167 km x 20,260 km x 55 deg transfer orbit at 03:40 GMT. A second Centaur burn at 06:40 GMT circularized the orbit prior to release of the satellite..

• USA 257 - . Payload: CLIO. Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Surveillance. Type: ELINT. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 40208 . COSPAR: 2014-055A.

  Classified satellite in an unusual high-perigee geostationary transfer orbit, possibly around 11,800 x 36,000 km, after an initial 174 km x 28,860 km x 28 deg orbit. CLIO's owner was an unidentified US government agency - possibly the National Reconnaissance Office. It may have a communications or signals intelligence payload.

• USA 258 - . Payload: Navstar 72 / GPS SVN 69 / IIF-8 / Spica. Mass: 1,630 kg (3,590 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Navstar. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2F. USAF Sat Cat: 40294 . COSPAR: 2014-068A. Apogee: 20,195 km (12,548 mi). Perigee: 20,168 km (12,531 mi). Inclination: 54.96 deg. Period: 717.93 min. Nicknamed Spica, launched into a 167 x 20,281 km transfer orbit 17 minutes after launch; the Centaur restarted at 20:40 GMT to place the satellite in its final orbit..

• MUOS 3 - . Payload: A2100M. Mass: 6,740 kg (14,850 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 40374 . COSPAR: 2015-002A. Apogee: 35,788 km (22,237 mi). Perigee: 5,592 km (3,474 mi). Inclination: 16.70 deg. US Navy communications satellite..

• MMS 1 - . Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Science. Type: Science satellite. Spacecraft: MMS. USAF Sat Cat: 40482 . COSPAR: 2015-011A. Apogee: 70,094 km (43,554 mi). Perigee: 1,371 km (851 mi). Inclination: 28.86 deg. Period: 1,433.33 min.

  NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission was launched on Mar 13. The mission consists of four identical spacecraft, each with a mass of 1000 kg plus 400 kg of propellant. The spacecraft will fly in a tetrahedral formation some tens of kilometres apart to disentangle spatial and temporal fluctuations in the magnetospheric particle and field environment. They will deploy wire booms with a span of 112 metres to measure electric fields. Additional Details: here....

• MMS 2 - . Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Science. Type: Science satellite. Spacecraft: MMS. USAF Sat Cat: 40483 . COSPAR: 2015-011B. Apogee: 70,110 km (43,560 mi). Perigee: 1,356 km (842 mi). Inclination: 28.84 deg. Period: 1,433.36 min.

• MMS 3 - . Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Science. Type: Science satellite. Spacecraft: MMS. USAF Sat Cat: 40484 . COSPAR: 2015-011C. Apogee: 70,228 km (43,637 mi). Perigee: 1,238 km (769 mi). Inclination: 28.84 deg. Period: 1,433.35 min.

• MMS 4 - . Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Science. Type: Science satellite. Spacecraft: MMS. USAF Sat Cat: 40485 . COSPAR: 2015-011D. Apogee: 70,094 km (43,554 mi). Perigee: 1,372 km (852 mi). Inclination: 28.85 deg. Period: 1,433.35 min.

• USA 262 - . Payload: Navstar 74 / GPS SVN 72 / IIF-10 / Antares. Mass: 1,630 kg (3,590 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Navstar. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2F. USAF Sat Cat: 40730 . COSPAR: 2015-033A. Apogee: 20,228 km (12,569 mi). Perigee: 20,135 km (12,511 mi). Inclination: 55.07 deg. Period: 717.95 min. Replenished the GPS constellation; 10th satellite in the GPS IIF series..

• MUOS 4 - . Payload: A2100M. Mass: 6,700 kg (14,700 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 40887 . COSPAR: 2015-044A. Apogee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Perigee: 3,802 km (2,362 mi). Inclination: 19.10 deg.

  MUOS (Multiple User Objective System), US Navy UHF-band communications satellite,was launched into a geotransfer orbit. The Centaur upper stage made three burns, to 167 km x 630 km, 194 km x 34,447 km, and 3,802 km x 35,786 km orbits, before releasing the satellite. The satellite used its BT-4 liquid engine to raise its orbit to geosynchronous altitue.

• Morelos-3 - . Payload: Boeing 702HP GeoMobile. Mass: 5,400 kg (11,900 lb). Nation: Mexico. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 702. USAF Sat Cat: 40946 . COSPAR: 2015-056A. Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Perigee: 35,783 km (22,234 mi). Inclination: 7.09 deg. Period: 1,436.09 min. Mexican communications satellite with a 22-metre L-band antenna reflector..

• USA 265 - . Payload: Navstar 73 / GPS SVN 71 / IIF-11 / Altair. Mass: 1,630 kg (3,590 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Navstar. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2F. USAF Sat Cat: 41019 . COSPAR: 2015-062A. Apogee: 20,491 km (12,732 mi). Perigee: 20,444 km (12,703 mi). Inclination: 54.98 deg. Period: 729.58 min. Addition to the GPS constellation, model IIF flight 11, was nicknamed 'Altair'..

• SS Deke Slayton II - . Payload: Cygnus OA-4. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Manufacturer: OSC. Program: ISS. Class: Manned. Type: Manned logistics spacecraft. Spacecraft: Cygnus. Decay Date: 2016-02-20 . USAF Sat Cat: 41101 . COSPAR: 2015-072A. Apogee: 418 km (259 mi). Perigee: 404 km (251 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg.

  United Launch Alliance launched Atlas V flight AV-061 carrying the Cygnus OA-4 cargo ship mission. Following the Antares failure in the prior year, Cygnus payloads were temporarily moved to Atlas. The OA-4 Cygnus, called 'SS Deke Slayton II', was the first Cygnus with the enhanced (stretched) EPCM pressurized cargo module, and the first with a service module carrying the circular UltraFlex solar arrays originally designed for NASA's Orion. This was the first time an Atlas launched a payload towards the ISS. The AV-061 Centaur reached a 234 x 237 km orbit at 2203 UTC, released Cygnus 3 min later, and performed a 10s deorbit burn at 2232 UTC for disposal of the Centaur in the ocean south of Australia at about 132E 49S. The Deke Slayton II reached the ISS on Dec 9, with SSRMS grapple at 1119 UTC and berthing on Harmony at 1426 UTC. Aboard the Cygnus were the small NovaWurks SIMPL satellite, 12 Flock 2e cubesats from Planet Labs, and the CADRE, STMSat-1, MinXSS-1, Nodes 1 and Nodes 2 cubesats. Mass of ISS after the OA-4 arrival was 418 metric tons. The Canadarm-2 unberthed the Cygnus OA-4 cargo ship, SS Deke Slayton II, from the Unity node on Feb 19 at 1040 UTC and released it into orbit at about 1227 UTC. The Cygnus was deorbited over the S Pacific at about 1600 UTC Feb 20.

• USA 266 - . Payload: Navstar 76 / GPS SVN 70. Nation: USA. Class: Navigation. Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Navstar. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2F. USAF Sat Cat: 41328 . COSPAR: 2016-007A. Apogee: 20,442 km (12,702 mi). Perigee: 20,438 km (12,699 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg.

• SS Rick Husband - . Payload: Cygnus OA-5. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Manufacturer: OSC. Program: ISS. Class: Manned. Type: Manned logistics spacecraft. Spacecraft: Cygnus. Decay Date: 2016-06-22 . USAF Sat Cat: 41393 . COSPAR: 2016-019A. Apogee: 250 km (150 mi). Perigee: 240 km (140 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg.

  Cygnus cargo ship OA-6, "SS Rick Husband", was launched aboard Atlas V flight AV-064. A mixture ratio problem on the Atlas caused an 5-seconds-early first stage cutoff, which required a full extra minute's burn on the Centaur upper stage to make the correct orbit. After deploying Cygnus, the Centaur's second burn was intended to deorbit the stage south of Australia, but because of insufficient remaining propellant the engine cutoff early, and reentry occurred downrange south of New Zealand. SS Rick Husband arrived at the ISS on schedule, and was grappled by the Canadarm-2 at 1051 UTC Mar 26. On Jun 14 the Canadarm-2 unberthed Cygnus OA-6 from the Unity module at 1143 UTC and released it into orbit at 1330 UTC. Cygnus then performed the SAFIRE-1 experiment igniting a significant fire inside an experiment chamber in the Cygnus pressurized PCM module. Mounted on the Cygnus service module was the first NRCSD-E external cubesat deployer carrying 5 Lemur-2 satellites. On Jun 21 two pairs of Lemur-2 cubesats were ejected. A third deployer silo with a single Lemur-2 failed to open, and the cubesat remained inside when then following day Cygnus made its deorbit burn and reentered over the South Pacific at 1329 UTC Jun 22.

• MUOS 5 - . Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 41622 . COSPAR: 2016-041A. Apogee: 35,670 km (22,160 mi). Perigee: 3,880 km (2,410 mi). Inclination: 19.10 deg.

  US Navy Multiple User Object System's Space Vehicle 3 was launched as MUOS 5. The Atlas 5 rocket made three burns to 167 x 659 km x 28 deg, 191 x 32930 x 26 deg and then 3802 x 35786 km x 19 deg, and deployed MUOS which will use its Japanese BT-4 thruster to reach GEO over the Indian Ocean as an in-orbit spare for the system, whose 4 operational satellites were over the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the Americas. MUOS 5 had problems with its propulsion system and was parked in a 15242 x 35703 km x 9.8 deg intermediate geotransfer orbit.

• USA 269 - . Payload: QUASAR. Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: Quasar. USAF Sat Cat: 41724 . COSPAR: 2016-047A. Apogee: 35,996 km (22,366 mi). Perigee: 35,576 km (22,105 mi). Inclination: 5.00 deg.

  NROL-61 mission was launched on Atlas AV-065 into a geostationary transfer orbit. The satellite was thought to be an NRO (National Reconnaissance Office) data relay communications satellite in the QUASAR series, although there was a chance that it instead had a signals intelligence payload. The payload made orbital maneuvers to raise its perigee, and hobbyists tracked the satellite in geostationary orbit at 92 deg E, over the Indian Ocean.

• OSIRIS-REx - . Nation: USA. Class: Astronomy. Type: Space probe. Spacecraft: OSIRIS-Rex. USAF Sat Cat: 41757 . COSPAR: 2016-055A. Apogee: -40,174 km (-40,174 mi). Perigee: 203 km (126 mi). Inclination: 29.50 deg.

  Asteroid sample return mission launched by a ULA Atlas V. The model 411 vehicle, serial AV-067, injected O-REx on a hyperbolic trajectory; the probe entered a 0.77 x 1.17 AU heliocentric orbit on Sep 12. OSIRIS-REx had a mass of 834 kg, and carried 1230 kg of propellant and a 46 kg sample return capsule identical to the one used by the Stardust mission. OSIRIS-REx was to make an Earth flyby in Sep 2017 to change its orbit to 0.90 x 1.35 AU x 6.4 deg, allowing it to rendezvous with asteroid (101955) Bennu in Aug 2018. The spacecraft was to sample the asteroid and return to Earth in 2023.

• GOES 16 - . Payload: GOES R. Nation: USA. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 41866 . COSPAR: 2016-071A. Apogee: 35,269 km (21,915 mi). Perigee: 8,157 km (5,068 mi). Inclination: 10.60 deg.

  Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R, which became GOES 16 when operational, was the first in a new series of Lockheed-Martin-built GOES weather satellites for NOAA. The satellite mass was 2857 kg dry, 5192 kg when full of propellant. GOES-R carried the Advanced Baseline Imager, a new camera similar in capabilities to those on the Japanese Himawari 8/9 series. Also aboard were the Geostationary Lightning Mapper, a Space Environment suite, a Solar Ultraviolet Imager, an EUV/X-Ray Irradiance Sensor, a Search and Rescue comm payload, and comm payloads to relay weather data.

• Echostar 19 - . Nation: USA. Class: Communications. Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: FS-1300. USAF Sat Cat: 41893 . COSPAR: 2016-079A. Apogee: 65,110 km (40,450 mi). Perigee: 164 km (101 mi). Inclination: 25.60 deg.

• USA 273 - . Payload: SBIRS GEO-3 / A2100M. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Nation: USA. Class: Surveillance. Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100. USAF Sat Cat: 41937 . COSPAR: 2017-004A. Apogee: 35,847 km (22,274 mi). Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Inclination: 23.30 deg. See SBIRS-GEO 3 (USA 273). Atlas AV-066 launched the third SBIRS GEO early warning sat into geotransfer orbit. SBIRS GEO used an infrared telescope to detect missile launches..

• SS John Glenn - . Payload: Cygnus OA-7. Mass: 7,221 kg (15,919 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Manufacturer: OSC. Program: ISS. Class: Manned. Type: Manned logistics spacecraft. Spacecraft: Cygnus. Decay Date: 2017-06-11 . USAF Sat Cat: 42681 . COSPAR: 2017-019A. Apogee: 412 km (256 mi). Perigee: 398 km (247 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg.

  See Cygnus CRS-7 (OA 7, SS John Glenn). Cygnus mission OA-7, the S.S. John Glenn, was launched on ULA Atlas AV-070. The 7221 kg cargo ship carried about 140 kg of small satellites for later deployment and about 3250 kg of other cargo. OA-7 arrived at ISS on Apr 22.