Chronology - Quarter 4 1992

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1992 October 1 -

Senate ratifies second Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty Nation: USA.

1992 October 1 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.

Atlantis OMDP-1 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Spacecraft: Atlantis. Shuttle Atlantis undergoes its OMDP-1 Orbiter Maintenance Down Period at the Palmdale, returning to service in May 1994. These are undertaken every 10 to 12 shuttle missions. Modifications made include: nose wheel steering changes, EDO cargo pallet provisions, and Mir ODS docking system fitting. Provisions for the Long Duration Orbiter 28-day pallet are installed, and 331 Master Change Requests are implemented. References: 44.

1992 October 6 - 06:20 GMT - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: LA2B. Launch Pad: LA2B?. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2C. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2C CZ2C-13 (29).

Freja Nation: Sweden. Payload: FSW-1 4 / Freja. Mass: 259 kg (570 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Freja. Agency: SSC. Perigee: 590 km (360 mi). Apogee: 1,763 km (1,095 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 108.90 min. COSPAR: 1992-064A. USAF Sat Cat: 22161. Ionospheric, auroral, amgnetospheric studies. Freja is a Swedish/German satellite designed for research into the aurora. The satellite was launched piggyback on a Long March 2C (CZ-2C) rocket and weighs 214 kg in orbit. It is a sun-pointing spinner (10 rpm) with a 2.2 m diameter. It will make high re solution measurements in the upper ionosphere and lower magnetosphere. Data will be received at Esrange, Kiruna, Sweden and at the Prince Albert Satellite Station in Canada's Saskatchewan Province. Launch time 0620 UT. References: 2, 6.

FSW-1 No. 4 Nation: China. Payload: FSW-1 No. 04. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: FSW. Agency: MAI. Perigee: 213 km (132 mi). Apogee: 309 km (192 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1992-064B. USAF Sat Cat: 22162. Duration: 6.00 days. Decay Date: 1992-10-31. Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable imaging satellite; carried remote sensing, microgravity experiments; capsule recovered October 13 after 6 days in orbit. References: 2, 6.

Freja Nation: Sweden. Spacecraft: Freja. Agency: PRC. COSPAR: 1992-064xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22161. References: 2, 279.

1992 October 8 -

Pioneer Venus Burnup In Venus' Atmosphere Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Pioneer 12.

1992 October 8 - 19:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.

Foton 8 Nation: Russia. Payload: Foton s/n 8L. Mass: 6,200 kg (13,600 lb). Class: Materials. Spacecraft: Foton. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 218 km (135 mi). Apogee: 359 km (223 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1992-065A. USAF Sat Cat: 22173. Duration: 15.60 days. Decay Date: 1992-10-24. 250 orbits. Microgravity research. Space materials research (conducted jointly with Germany). References: 2, 6, 69.

1992 October 9 -

Peekskill Meteorite Fall (Hit Car) Nation: USA.

1992 October 12 - 09:47 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D215.

DFS 3 Nation: Germany. Program: DFS. Payload: Kopernikus 3. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 100. Agency: Bundespo. Perigee: 35,773 km (22,228 mi). Apogee: 35,799 km (22,244 mi). Inclination: 0.50 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1992-066A. USAF Sat Cat: 22175. Stationed at 33.5 deg E. Communication satellite. Longitude 33.5 deg E. Delta II flight no 212. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 31 deg E in 1992; 23 deg E in 1993-1999 As of 1 September 2001 located at 23.45 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 29.79E drifting at 1.955W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.

1992 October 14 - 19:58 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML.

Molniya 3-42 Nation: Russia. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 50. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 2,167 km (1,346 mi). Apogee: 38,190 km (23,730 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1992-067A. USAF Sat Cat: 22178. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system, transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and international cooperation. References: 2, 6.

1992 October 16 - Launch Site: Wake Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Castor-Orbus. LV Configuration: Castor-Orbus-1 SPFE 6. FAILURE: Failure.

Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: OSC. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 2.

1992 October 19 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 DASO-10.

DASO-10 demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.

1992 October 20 - 12:58 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.

Cosmos 2211 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 75. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,402 km (871 mi). Apogee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 113.90 min. COSPAR: 1992-068A. USAF Sat Cat: 22182. Six satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 2, 6, 105.

Cosmos 2212 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 76. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,410 km (870 mi). Apogee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.00 min. COSPAR: 1992-068B. USAF Sat Cat: 22183. References: 2, 6, 105.

Cosmos 2213 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 77. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1992-068C. USAF Sat Cat: 22184. References: 2, 6, 105.

Cosmos 2214 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 78. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,411 km (876 mi). Apogee: 1,423 km (884 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.20 min. COSPAR: 1992-068D. USAF Sat Cat: 22185. References: 2, 6, 105.

Cosmos 2215 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 79. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,411 km (876 mi). Apogee: 1,429 km (887 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.20 min. COSPAR: 1992-068E. USAF Sat Cat: 22186. References: 2, 6, 105.

Cosmos 2216 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 80. Mass: 220 kg (480 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,410 km (870 mi). Apogee: 1,416 km (879 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1992-068F. USAF Sat Cat: 22187. References: 2, 6, 105.

1992 October 21 - 10:21 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-2BL.

Cosmos 2217 Nation: Russia. Payload: Oko #70. Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 3,642 km (2,263 mi). Apogee: 36,700 km (22,800 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 717.50 min. COSPAR: 1992-069A. USAF Sat Cat: 22189. Covered Oko constellation plane 8 - 201 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 6, 100.

1992 October 22 - 17:09 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-52.

STS-52 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Columbia F13 / Lageos 2 [Iris] / CTA. Mass: 9,106 kg (20,075 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 304 km (188 mi). Apogee: 307 km (190 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 90.60 min. COSPAR: 1992-070A. USAF Sat Cat: 22194. Duration: 9.87 days. Decay Date: 1992-11-01. Crew: Baker Mike, Jernigan, MacLean, Shepherd, Veach, Wetherbee. Flight: STS-52. Deployed Lageos 2, CTA. Payloads: Laser Geodynamic Satellite (LAGEOS) II/ Italian Research Interim Stage (IRIS), Canadian Experiments (CANEX) 2, United States Micro-gravity Payload (USMP) 1, Attitude Sensor Pack-age (ASP), Tank Pressure Control Experiment (TPCE), Physiological Systems Experiment (PSE), Heat Pipe Performance (HPP) experiment, Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG), Shuttle Plume Impingement Experiment (SPIE), Commercial Materials ITA Experiment (CMIX), Crystals by Vapor Transport Experiment (CVTE). References: 2, 6, 7.

Lageos 2 Nation: Italy. Payload: Columbia F13 / Lageos 2 [Iris] / CTA. Mass: 400 kg (880 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Geodetic. Spacecraft: Lageos. Agency: ASI. Perigee: 5,616 km (3,489 mi). Apogee: 5,952 km (3,698 mi). Inclination: 52.70 deg. Period: 222.50 min. COSPAR: 1992-070B. USAF Sat Cat: 22195. 60 cm diameter sphere with laser reflectors; deployed from STS-52 10/23/92. References: 2, 6.

CTA Nation: Canada. Program: STS. Payload: Columbia F13 / Lageos 2 [Iris] / CTA. Mass: 82 kg (180 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: CTA. Agency: CSA. Perigee: 212 km (131 mi). Apogee: 219 km (136 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1992-070C. USAF Sat Cat: 22214. Decay Date: 1992-11-01. Canadian Target Assembly; deployed from STS-52 10/22/92. References: 2, 6.

USMP-1 Fwd Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: MPESS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1992-070xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22194. Decay Date: 1992-11-01. References: 2, 279.

USMP-1 Aft Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: MPESS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1992-070xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22194. Decay Date: 1992-11-01. References: 2, 279.

1992 October 25 - 01:06 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. FAILURE: Failure.

RSLP AST-DT 2 Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.

1992 October 26 -

Contract for Landsat 6 development Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Landsat 6. General Electric received the $ 398 million contract to develop the satellite, including Hughes' $ 120 million infrared thematic mapper.

1992 October 27 - 17:19 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U2 15000-061.

Mak 2 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Mak. Class: Earth. Type: Atmosphere. Spacecraft: Mak. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 394 km (244 mi). Apogee: 398 km (247 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 92.50 min. COSPAR: 1986-017GX. USAF Sat Cat: 22225. Decay Date: 1993-04-01. Flight: Mir EO-12. Deployed from MIR on 11/20/92. Launched from Mir airlock. Conduct of experiments to study physical processes in the Earth's ionosphere. Small satellite launched from the Mir station. References: 2, 6.

Progress M-15 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Progress M s/n 215. Mass: 7,250 kg (15,980 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 187 km (116 mi). Apogee: 205 km (127 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.40 min. COSPAR: 1992-071A. USAF Sat Cat: 22203. Duration: 102.56 days. Completed Operations Date: 1993-02-07 06:54:51. Decay Date: 1993-02-07 06:54:51. Flight: Mir EO-12. Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Docked with Mir on 29 Oct 1992 19:05:51 GMT. Undocked on 4 Feb 1993 00:44:53 GMT. After completion of the Znamya and autonomous operation experiments, destroyed in reentry on 7 Feb 1993 06:43:20 GMT. Total free-flight time 5.32 days. Total docked time 97.24 days. References: 2, 6, 275.

Znamya-2 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Znamya-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 389 km (241 mi). Apogee: 393 km (244 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 92.38 min. COSPAR: 1992-071C. USAF Sat Cat: 22449. Decay Date: 1993-02-05. Flight: Mir EO-12. Reflector mirror, deployed from Progress M-15 after separation from Mir space station. References: 2, 279.

1992 October 27 - 18:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.098UE.

NCAR / CU-3 Solar ultraviolet mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 298 km (185 mi). References: 2.

1992 October 28 - 00:15 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 42P. LV Configuration: Ariane 42P+ V54.

Galaxy 7 Nation: USA. Program: Galaxy. Mass: 2,968 kg (6,543 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Agency: HCI. Perigee: 35,917 km (22,317 mi). Apogee: 35,968 km (22,349 mi). Inclination: 1.50 deg. Period: 1,444.10 min. COSPAR: 1992-072A. USAF Sat Cat: 22205. Duration: 2,947.00 days. Geostationary at 91 deg W. The Galaxy 7 satellite failed on November 22, 2000, the third such satellite to fall victim to a design flaw in the on-board computers. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 91 deg W in 1992-1999 As of 1 September 2001 located at 32.55 deg E drifting at 2.022 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 141.47W drifting at 2.077W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.

1992 October 29 - 10:40 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC133/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65078-424.

Cosmos 2218 Nation: Russia. Mass: 825 kg (1,818 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 967 km (600 mi). Apogee: 1,014 km (630 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1992-073A. USAF Sat Cat: 22207. Military navigation satellite. Positioned in plane 3 of constellation. References: 2, 6, 107.

1992 October 30 - 14:59 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 372-01.

Ekran 20 Nation: Russia. Payload: Ekran-M s/n 15L. Mass: 1,970 kg (4,340 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Ekran-M . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,803 km (22,246 mi). Inclination: 0.70 deg. Period: 1,436.30 min. COSPAR: 1992-074A. USAF Sat Cat: 22210. Transmission of television programmes to a network of multiple user receiving stations. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 99 deg E in 1992-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 79.69 deg E drifting at 0.201 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 78.67E drifting at 0.192E degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 274.

1992 November -

Mir-2 joint use with ESA discussed Nation: Russia. Spacecraft: Mir-2, Space Station Freedom, ESA MTFF-Derived Space Station. Further financial difficulties in Russia and uncertainties with America's Freedom space station led Russia and the European Space Agency to open discussions on joint development and use of Mir-2.

1992 November 1 -

Landing of STS-52 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Flight: STS-52. STS-52 landed at 14:13 GMT.

1992 November 4 -

Russian Parliament approves START treaty Nation: Russia.

1992 November 4 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF04. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. FAILURE: Failure.

FOT GT150GM Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF ACC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.

1992 November 8 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.

Columbia OMDP-1 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Spacecraft: Columbia. Shuttle Columbia begins its OMDP-1 Orbiter Maintenance Down Period at the Palmdale, returning to service in 1995 for the STS-73 mission. These are undertaken every 10 to 12 shuttle missions. Modifications made included a complete mid-life refurbishment, corrosion control on the wing leading edge spar, and implementation of 96 Master Change Requests. References: 44.

1992 November 8 - 10:25 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Maxus. LV Configuration: Maxus MAXUS 1B.

Microgravity mission Nation: Germany. Agency: SSC/DLR. Apogee: 717 km (445 mi). Microgravity experiments. Relaunch of the Maxu 1 mission. References: 2.

1992 November 10 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 CET.

Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.

1992 November 10 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 CET.

Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.

1992 November 10 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 CET.

Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.

1992 November 10 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 CET.

Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.

1992 November 11 -

Cosmonaut Aleksandr Yakovlevich Petrushenko dies at age of 50 -- Natural causes. Nation: Russia.

1992 November 15 - 21:45 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.

Resurs-500 Nation: Russia. Program: Resurs. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs F1-14F43. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 177 km (109 mi). Apogee: 237 km (147 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 88.60 min. COSPAR: 1992-075A. USAF Sat Cat: 22217. Duration: 6.00 days. Decay Date: 1992-11-22. Carried descent module with greetings to American people. Delivery of a humanitarian cargo (messages to the American people, promotional materials of Russian and foreign firms, etc.) to the United States of America in connection with the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus. References: 2, 6.

1992 November 17 - 07:47 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-2.

Cosmos 2219 Nation: Russia. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-2 no. 13. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-2. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 845 km (525 mi). Apogee: 854 km (530 mi). Inclination: 71.00 deg. Period: 101.90 min. COSPAR: 1992-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 22219. References: 2, 6.

1992 November 20 - 15:29 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.

Cosmos 2220 Nation: Russia. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4K1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 164 km (101 mi). Apogee: 341 km (211 mi). Inclination: 67.20 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1992-077A. USAF Sat Cat: 22226. Duration: 59.00 days. Decay Date: 1993-01-18. High resolution photo reconnaissance; returned film in two small SpK capsules during the mission and with the main capsule at completion of the mission. References: 2, 6, 179.

1992 November 21 - 13:45 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout G. LV Configuration: Scout G-1 S210C.

MSTI Nation: USA. Payload: MSTI 1. Mass: 180 kg (390 lb). Class: Military. Type: SDI. Spacecraft: MSTI. Agency: USAF/SDI. Perigee: 289 km (179 mi). Apogee: 366 km (227 mi). Inclination: 96.70 deg. Period: 91.10 min. COSPAR: 1992-078A. USAF Sat Cat: 22229. Decay Date: 1993-07-18. BMDO technology demonstration; Miniature Seeker Technology Demonstration. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 2, 6.

1992 November 22 - 09:22 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: S. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7. LV Configuration: Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-199.

TEXUS 29 Microgravity mission Nation: USA. Agency: DASA. Apogee: 230 km (140 mi). References: 2.

1992 November 22 - 23:54 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D216.

USA 85 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS 2A-16 / GPS SVN 32. Mass: 1,816 kg (4,003 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2 and 2A. Manufacturer: Boeing North American, Seal Beach (formerly Rockwell). Agency: USAF. Perigee: 20,038 km (12,451 mi). Apogee: 20,325 km (12,629 mi). Inclination: 55.50 deg. Period: 718.00 min. COSPAR: 1992-079A. USAF Sat Cat: 22231. Global Positioning System. Placed in Plane F Slot 4. References: 2, 6.

1992 November 24 -

Council of Chief Designers review revised Mir-2 design Nation: Russia. Spacecraft: International Space Station, ISS Zvezda, Mir-2. With abandonment of the Buran shuttle and 37K modules, the Mir-2 design was cut back again. Mir-2 returned to its original planned 65 degree orbit, and would be assembled and flown separately from Mir. It would now consist of the DOS-8 core module, and a cross beam called the NEP (scientific-energy platform). This was equipped with equipment already proven on Mir: MSB retractable solar panels, Sfora thruster packages, small scientific packages as demonstrated on Kvant.The add-on modules now used the Progress-M service module as a tug, and were reduced in size for launch by either the Soyuz or Zenit launch vehicles.

1992 November 24 - 04:09 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.

Cosmos 2221 Nation: Russia. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 71. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 630 km (390 mi). Apogee: 662 km (411 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 97.70 min. COSPAR: 1992-080A. USAF Sat Cat: 22236. Investigation of outer space. References: 2, 6.

1992 November 25 - 12:18 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-2BL.

Cosmos 2222 Nation: Russia. Payload: Oko #71. Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 5,330 km (3,310 mi). Apogee: 35,026 km (21,764 mi). Inclination: 67.10 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1992-081A. USAF Sat Cat: 22238. Covered Oko constellation plane 1 - 270 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 6, 100.

1992 November 27 - 13:10 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 364-01.

Gorizont 27 Nation: Russia. Payload: Gorizont s/n 38L. Mass: 2,125 kg (4,684 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Gorizont . Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.60 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. COSPAR: 1992-082A. USAF Sat Cat: 22245. Stationed at 53 deg E. Development of the communications and television broadcasting system. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 53 deg E in 1992-1996; 96 deg E in 1996-1998; 50 deg E in 1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 26.46 deg E drifting at 0.193 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 26.21E drifting at 0.345W degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 111, 274.

1992 November 28 - 21:34 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 404A. LV Configuration: Titan 404A K-3 (45J-1).

USA 86 Nation: USA. Mass: 19,600 kg (43,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Improved Crystal. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 256 km (159 mi). Apogee: 911 km (566 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.40 min. COSPAR: 1992-083A. USAF Sat Cat: 22251. Decay Date: 2000-06-05. Optical reconnaisance satellite built for the US National Reconnaissance Office. References: 2, 6.

1992 December 1 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Standard-ER. Model: Standard SM-2ER Block IV.

Block IV Demo test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 2.

1992 December 1 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: UR-100N. Model: UR-100NU. FAILURE: Failure.

Operational missile test Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.

1992 December 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MERA.

Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: TsAO. Apogee: 85 km (52 mi). References: 2.

1992 December 1 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MERA.

Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: TsAO. Apogee: 85 km (52 mi). References: 2.

1992 December - Launch Vehicle: SHARP.

The SHARP (Super High Altitude Research Project) light gas gun began operation Nation: USA. SHARP began operation and demonstrated velocities of 3 km/sec with 5 kg projectiles. However the $ 1 billion funding to elevate the tube and begin space launch tests of smaller projectiles at speeds of up to 7 km/sec was not forthcoming. By 1996 the gun was relegated to occasional test of sub-scale Mach 9 scramjet models.

1992 December 1 - 22:48 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 42P. LV Configuration: Ariane 42P+ V55.

Superbird A1 Nation: Japan. Program: Superbird. Mass: 2,780 kg (6,120 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Agency: SCC. Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Apogee: 35,800 km (22,200 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1992-084A. USAF Sat Cat: 22253. Stationed at 158 deg E. Domestic communications. Launching states: Japan and France. Launch time 2248 GMT. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 158 deg E in 1993-1999 As of 31 August 2001 located at 157.95 deg E drifting at 0.011 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 158.03E drifting at 0.006W degrees per day. References: 2, 6.

1992 December 2 - 01:57 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML.

Molniya 3-43 Nation: Russia. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 56. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,169 km (726 mi). Apogee: 39,109 km (24,301 mi). Inclination: 64.20 deg. Period: 716.20 min. COSPAR: 1992-085A. USAF Sat Cat: 22255. Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system, transmission of television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and international cooperation. References: 2, 6.

1992 December 2 - 13:24 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-53.

STS-53 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Discovery F15 / USA-89. Mass: 11,868 kg (26,164 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 365 km (226 mi). Apogee: 376 km (233 mi). Inclination: 57.00 deg. Period: 92.00 min. COSPAR: 1992-086A. USAF Sat Cat: 22259. Duration: 7.31 days. Decay Date: 1992-12-09. Crew: Bluford, Cabana, Clifford, Voss, Walker Dave. Flight: STS-53. Manned five crew. Deployed classified military satellite USA 89. The ODERACS payload was unable to be deployed because of payload equipment malfunction. Payloads: Department of Defense (DOD)1; Glow Experiment/Cryogenic Heat Pipe Experiment Payload (GCP); Orbital Debris Radar Calibration System (ODERACS); Battlefield Laser Acquisition Sensor Test (BLAST); Cloud Logic To Optimize Use of Defense Systems (CLOUDS) 1A; Cosmic Radiation Effects and Activation Monitor (CREAM); Fluid Acquisition and Resupply Equipment (FARE); Hand-held, Earth-oriented, Real-time, Cooperative, User-friendly, Location-targeting and Environmental System (HER-CULES); Microencapsulation in Space (MIS)-1; Radiation Monitoring Equipment (RME) III; Spare Tissue Loss (STL); Visual Function Tester (VFT)2. References: 2, 6, 7.

USA 89 Nation: USA. Payload: SDS B-3. Mass: 5,900 kg (13,000 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: SDS-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 366 km (227 mi). Apogee: 377 km (234 mi). Inclination: 56.90 deg. Period: 92.00 min. COSPAR: 1992-086B. USAF Sat Cat: 22518. Deployed from STS-53 12/2/92. References: 2, 6.

ODERACS A Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1992-086xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22259. Decay Date: 1992-12-09. References: 2, 279.

ODERACS B Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1992-086xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22259. Decay Date: 1992-12-09. References: 2, 279.

ODERACS C Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1992-086xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22259. Decay Date: 1992-12-09. References: 2, 279.

ODERACS D Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1992-086xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22259. Decay Date: 1992-12-09. References: 2, 279.

ODERACS E Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1992-086xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22259. Decay Date: 1992-12-09. References: 2, 279.

ODERACS F Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1992-086xx. USAF Sat Cat: 22259. Decay Date: 1992-12-09. References: 2, 279.

1992 December 5 -

Cosmonaut Sergei Aleksandrovich Yemelyanov dies at age of 41 -- Natural causes. Nation: Russia.

1992 December 5 -

NASA Astronaut Training Group 14 selected. Nation: USA. The group was selected to provide pilot, engineer, and scientist astronauts for space shuttle flights.. Qualifications: Pilots: Bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. Advanced degree desirable. At least 1,000 flight-hours of pilot-in-command time. Flight test experience desirable. Excellent health. Vision minimum 20/50 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 vision; maximum sitting blood pressure 140/90. Height between 163 and 193 cm.
Mission Specialists: Bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics and minimum three years of related experience or an advanced degree. Vision minimum 20/150 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20. Maximum sitting blood pressure of 140/90. Height between 150 and 193 cm.. Four pilots and 15 mission specialists, nine civilians and ten military. Chosen from 2054 applicants, 87 of which screened in December 1991/January 1992. Five additional international astronauts.

1992 December 6 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.94UU.

CWAS 27 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.

1992 December 8 -

Galileo, second Earth Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Galileo.

1992 December 9 - Launch Site: Biscarosse. Launch Complex: CE. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9CM1.

VERT (POIVRE) Test / imaging mission Nation: France. Agency: MATRA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.

1992 December 9 - 00:00 GMT - Launch Site: Pacific Ocean. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 40.0 N x 170.0 E. Launch Vehicle: R-27. Model: Zyb.

Efir Technology mission Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Payload was the 650-kilogram Efir reentry vehicle with the 80-kilogram Meduza biomedical zero-G experiment. The capsule was recovered, but it was found that the experiment failed to function. References: 2.

1992 December 9 - 11:25 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2.

Cosmos 2223 Nation: Russia. Mass: 6,600 kg (14,500 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Yantar-4KS1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 238 km (147 mi). Apogee: 271 km (168 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1992-087A. USAF Sat Cat: 22260. Duration: 372.00 days. Decay Date: 1993-12-16. Photo/digital surveillance. References: 2, 6.

1992 December 9 -

Landing of STS-53 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Flight: STS-53. STS-53 landed at 20:45 GMT.

1992 December 10 -

Air Force Space Command assumed management responsibility for the SDIO's National Test Facility. Nation: USA. References: 569.

1992 December 10 -

Mihonoseki Meteor Fall (Fell Through Roof of A House In Japan) Nation: Japan.

1992 December 11 - 22:45 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.95UU.

CWAS 28 Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2.

1992 December 15 - 03:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.085UG.

JHU FOT 11 (HUT Cal) Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 302 km (187 mi). References: 2.

1992 December 17 - 12:45 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2 357-02.

Cosmos 2224 Nation: Russia. Payload: SPRN Generation 2 No. 2. Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Prognoz SPRN. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 35,757 km (22,218 mi). Apogee: 35,806 km (22,248 mi). Inclination: 4.80 deg. Period: 1,435.80 min. COSPAR: 1992-088A. USAF Sat Cat: 22269. Completed Operations Date: 1999-06-01. Geosynchronous ballistic missile early warning satellite. Stationed at 12 deg E. Declared purpose: 'Investigation of outer space and of processes occurring in the Earth's atmosphere. Prognoz series'. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 12 deg E in 1993; 24 deg W in 1994; 12 deg E in 1994-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 53.14 deg E drifting at 0.397 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 8 located at 142.40E drifting at 0.029E degrees per day. References: 2, 6, 67, 107, 274.

1992 December 18 - Launch Vehicle: VKS. Model: VKS-DM.

First flight of Molniya-1 triplane. Nation: Russia. Subscale proof-of-concept vehicle for Gerakl / Molniya-1000 catamaran subsonic 900 tonne aircraft design that would be used for VKS-DM spaceplane.

1992 December 18 - 22:16 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D217.

USA 87 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS 2A-17 / GPS SVN 29. Mass: 1,816 kg (4,003 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2 and 2A. Manufacturer: Boeing North American, Seal Beach (formerly Rockwell). Agency: USAF. Perigee: 20,038 km (12,451 mi). Apogee: 20,324 km (12,628 mi). Inclination: 54.70 deg. Period: 718.00 min. COSPAR: 1992-089A. USAF Sat Cat: 22275. Global Positioning System. Placed in Plane F Slot 5. References: 2, 6.

1992 December 21 - 11:21 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2E. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2E CZ2E-3 (30). FAILURE: Shortcomings in the guidance system lead to the vehicle not anticipating the true effects of horizontal wind-shear once the mountains surrounding the launch site were cleared. This caused the nose fairing to collapse 45 seconds after launch.

Aussat B2 / Optus B2 Nation: Australia. Program: Aussat. Payload: Optus B2 / Star 63F. Mass: 2,760 kg (6,080 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Agency: Hughes. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 816 km (507 mi). Inclination: 28.10 deg. Period: 94.90 min. COSPAR: 1992-090A. USAF Sat Cat: 22278. Decay Date: 1995-06-29. Despite collapse of the nose fairing and near-desctruction of the payload, the launch vehicle continued on to place the wreckage of Optus-B2, and the Star-63F Kick-Motor into low earth orbit. References: 2, 6.

1992 December 22 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U2.

Cosmos 2225 Nation: Russia. Program: Orlets. Payload: Orlets-1 no. 4. Mass: 6,500 kg (14,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Orlets-1. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 313 km (194 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.30 min. COSPAR: 1992-091A. USAF Sat Cat: 22280. Duration: 58.00 days. Decay Date: 1993-02-18. Long duration film return military reconnaissance satellite. After returning multiple film capsules, the spacecraft was deorbited. References: 2, 6, 102, 106.

1992 December 22 - 12:36 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.

Cosmos 2226 Nation: Russia. Payload: Geo-IK no. 13. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Geodetic. Spacecraft: Geo-IK. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,479 km (919 mi). Apogee: 1,525 km (947 mi). Inclination: 73.60 deg. Period: 116.00 min. COSPAR: 1992-092A. USAF Sat Cat: 22282. Investigation of outer space. References: 2, 6, 114.

1992 December 25 - 05:56 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-2.

Cosmos 2227 Nation: Russia. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-2 no. 14. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-2. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 845 km (525 mi). Apogee: 855 km (531 mi). Inclination: 71.00 deg. Period: 101.90 min. COSPAR: 1992-093A. USAF Sat Cat: 22284. References: 2, 6.

1992 December 25 - 20:07 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: LC32/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.

Cosmos 2228 Nation: Russia. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D no. 72. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 628 km (390 mi). Apogee: 666 km (413 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 97.70 min. COSPAR: 1992-094A. USAF Sat Cat: 22286. Investigation of outer space. References: 2, 6.

1992 December 29 - 13:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.

Cosmos 2229 Nation: Russia. Payload: Bion no. 10. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Biology. Spacecraft: Bion. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 216 km (134 mi). Apogee: 372 km (231 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1992-095A. USAF Sat Cat: 22300. Duration: 12.00 days. Decay Date: 1993-01-10. Biological research; carried monkeys Ivasha and Krosha. International study of the adaptation of living organisms to conditions of space flight. After 12 days in Earth orbit, the capsule was recovered 50 deg 46 min N, 73 deg 08 min E, about 100 kilometers north of the city of Karaganda. The Cosmos 2229 mission was also referred to as Bion 10, because it was the tenth in a series of Soviet/Russian unmanned satellites carrying biological experiments. Additional Details: Cosmos 2229. References: 2, 6, 104, 297.

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