Chronology - Quarter 1 1997 home
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1997 During the Year -
  • X-43 Hyper-X contracted Nation: USA. Spacecraft: X-43. NASA selected MicroCraft Inc., Tullahoma, Tenn., in March 1997 to fabricate the unpiloted research aircraft for the flight research missions, two flights at Mach 7 and one at Mach 10 beginning in 2000.
1997 January 10 - Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M (Block-2BL).
  • Oko launch abort Nation: USA. Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Manufacturer: NPO Lavochkin, Moskva. Agency: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Oko launch aborted at moment of engine ignition. Spacecraft was intended to cover Oko constellation planes 8/9 - 209 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 2, 100.
1997 January 12 - 09:27 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-81.
  • STS-81 Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Payload: Atlantis F18 / Spacehab Double Module. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Atlantis. Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 343 km (213 mi). Apogee: 380 km (230 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 91.80 min. COSPAR: 1997-001A. USAF Sat Cat: 24711. Duration: 10.20 days. Decay Date: 1997-01-22. Crew: Baker Mike, Jett, Wisoff, Grunsfeld, Ivins, Linenger. Flight: Mir NASA-2, Mir EO-22, STS-81, Mir NASA-3. After a night launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis, the Shuttle docked with Mir at 03:55 GMT on January 14. STS-81 transferred 2,715 kg of equipment to and from the Mir, the largest transfer of items to that date. During the docked phase, 640 kg of water, 515 kg of U.S. science equipment, 1,000 kg of Russian logistics, and 120 kg of miscellaneous material were transferred to Mir. Returned to Earth aboard Atlantis were 570 kg of U.S. science material, 405 kg of Russian logistics and 98 kg of miscellaneous material. At 02:16 GMT January 19, Atlantis separated from Mir after picking up John Blaha, who had arrived aboard STS-79 on September 19, 1996, and dropping off Jerry Linenger, who was to stay aboard Mir for over four months. The Shuttle backed off along the -RBAR (i.e. toward the Earth) to a distance of 140 m before beginning a flyaround at 02:31 GMT. Most of the flyaround was at a distance from Mir of 170 m. The first 'orbit' around Mir was complete at 03:15, and the second was completed at 04:02 GMT. Then the Orbiter fired its jets to drift away from the orbit of Mir. NASA's first Shuttle mission of 1997 came to a close with a landing at the Kennedy Space Center at 14:22 GMT on January 22 (after the first opportunity was waved off due to cloud cover at the Cape). References: 2, 7, 276.
  • Spacehab Double Module Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Spacelab. Spacecraft: Spacehab. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-001xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24711. Decay Date: 1997-01-22. References: 2, 279.
  • External Airlock/ODS Nation: USA. Program: Mir. Payload: EAL/ODS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-001xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24711. Decay Date: 1997-01-22. References: 2, 279.
1997 January 15 - Launch Site: Barents Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 69.5 N x 34.2 E. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Volna.
  • Operational test Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1997 January 17 - 01:17 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF03. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-1.
  • IFT-1 EKV Target Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Minuteman launched an MSLS target vehicle for the EKV anti-ballistic missile interceptor launched from Kwajalein Atoll. References: 2.
1997 January 17 - 16:28 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7925. LV Configuration: Delta 7925 D241. FAILURE: T+12 sec GEM strap-on number 2 structural failure.
  • GPS 42 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS 2R-1 / GPS SVN 42. Mass: 2,030 kg (4,470 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2R. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Valley Forge. Agency: MDSSC. COSPAR: F970117A. Destroyed in launch vehicle failure. References: 4.
1997 January 22 - 1997 January 29 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Storm-2. FAILURE: Failure.
  • MTTV/MTD-2 PAC Targ Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA SSDC. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 2.
1997 January 30 - Launch Site: Point Mugu. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: SR19. FAILURE: Failure.
  • AltAir (Have Gold) test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF NAIC. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). References: 2.
1997 January 30 - 07:30 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: L. Launch Pad: K. Launch Vehicle: S. Model: S-520. LV Configuration: S-520-18.
  • Lunar Penetrator test technology mission Nation: Japan. Agency: ISAS. Apogee: 309 km (192 mi). References: 2.
1997 January 30 - 08:42 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 GT163GB.
  • FOT GT163GB Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1997 January 30 - 22:04 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L-3 V93.
  • GE 2 Nation: USA. Program: Americom. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 2100. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Telecommunications, East Windsor (formerly RCA). Agency: GE Americom. Perigee: 35,772 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,801 km (22,245 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-002A. USAF Sat Cat: 24713. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 84.9W Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 85 deg W in 1997-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 84.89 deg W drifting at 0.007 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 85.05W drifting at 0.004W degrees per day. References: 2.
  • Nahuel 1A Nation: Argentina. Program: Nahuel. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 2000. Manufacturer: Aerospatiale, Cannes, France. Agency: Nahuelsa. Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Apogee: 35,798 km (22,243 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-002B. USAF Sat Cat: 24714. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 71.8W Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 72 deg W in 1997-1999 As of 3 September 2001 located at 71.82 deg W drifting at 0.007 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 71.83W drifting at 0.002W degrees per day. References: 2.
1997 January 31 - 01:55 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 AGRE (D75MG).
  • Flaksus-1 (Fluxus) Plasma/Active mission Nation: Russia. Agency: AN RF/APL. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 1 -
  • Khrunichev Engineer Cosmonaut Training Group selected. Nation: Russia.
1997 February - Launch Vehicle: Shahab. Model: Shahab 4.
  • Russo-Iranian technical assistance in rocketry Nation: Iran. Israel provided US intelligence agencies with a copy of a $7 million contract between NPO Trud and Iran for equipment related to the R-12 IRBM. Other Russian contributions included wind tunnel, software, and mathematical modelling services from TsAGI, Polyus for laser gyro systems, and development of a solid-fuel capability.
1997 February 5 - 02:16 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. LV Configuration: MR-12 AGRE (D75MG).
  • Flaksus-2 Plasma/Active mission Nation: Russia. Agency: AN RF/APL. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 7 -
  • Starchaser LEXX launch. Nation: UK. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: Starchaser 5. Starchaser Industries (Hyde, England, UK) successfully launches LEXX vehicle.
1997 February 7 - Launch Site: Bigen Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Scud. LV Configuration: Scud FMA.
  • Willow Dune Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 10 - 05:17 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 12. LV Configuration: Black Brant XII NASA 40.10UE.
  • PHAZE 2 Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 945 km (587 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 10 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: Nevada Test Site. Launch Complex: Area 26. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Castor-Orbus. LV Configuration: Castor-Orbus Fusing Test.
  • Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 10 - 14:09 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Soyuz TM-25 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Soyuz TM 11F732 s/n 74. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz TM. Manufacturer: RKK Energiya im. S.P. Korolyov, Kaliningrad-Korolyov. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 385 km (239 mi). Apogee: 392 km (243 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 1997-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 24717. Duration: 184.92 days. Decay Date: 1997-08-14. Crew: Tsibliyev, Lazutkin, Ewald. Flight: Mir EO-23, Mir 97, Mir NASA-3, Mir EO-22. Mir Expedition EO-23. Soyuz TM-25 docked with Mir at the forward port on February 12 at 15:51:13 GMT. References: 2, 9,51, 276.
1997 February 11 - 08:36 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 12. LV Configuration: Black Brant XII NASA 40.11UE.
  • Auroral Turbulence 2 Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 546 km (339 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 11 - 08:55 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-82.
  • STS-82 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: Discovery F22 / SAC. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery. Manufacturer: Boeing North American, Palmdale (formerly Rockwell). Agency: NASA JSC. Perigee: 584 km (362 mi). Apogee: 618 km (384 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 96.70 min. COSPAR: 1997-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 24719. Duration: 9.98 days. Decay Date: 1997-02-21. Crew: Bowersox, Horowitz, Lee, Tanner, Hawley, Harbaugh, Smith Steven. Flight: STS-82. After a spectacular night launch, the Shuttle completed its rendezvous with Hubble Space Telescope on February 13. Over the next four days five spacewalks were undertaken to renovate Hubble.

    The Hubble Space Telescope was released back into orbit at 06:41 GMT on February 19. Discovery landed on Runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center at 08:32 GMT on February 21. References: 2, 7, 276.

  • External Airlock Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: EAL. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-004xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24719. Decay Date: 1997-02-21. References: 2, 279.
  • SAC Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-004xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24719. Decay Date: 1997-02-21. References: 2, 279.
  • ORUC Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-004xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24719. Decay Date: 1997-02-21. References: 2, 279.
  • FSS Nation: USA. Program: STS. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1997-004xx. USAF Sat Cat: 24719. Decay Date: 1997-02-21. References: 2, 279.
1997 February 12 - 04:50 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: M-V. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: M-V. Model: M-V. LV Configuration: M-V M-V-1.
  • Haruka Nation: Japan. Program: Muses. Payload: MUSES B. Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: Haruka. Manufacturer: Nippon Electric Corp, Tokyo. Agency: ISAS. Perigee: 569 km (353 mi). Apogee: 21,415 km (13,306 mi). Inclination: 31.40 deg. Period: 379.30 min. COSPAR: 1997-005A. USAF Sat Cat: 24720. References: 2.
1997 February 12 - 21:00 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Super Chief. Model: LCLV. LV Configuration: LCLV MSX CEP 1.
  • MDT IV Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: OSC. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 14 - 03:47 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3.
  • Gonets-D1 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Gonets-D1 No. 4. Mass: 225 kg (496 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Gonets-D1. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, Zhelenogorsk. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,428 km (887 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.20 min. COSPAR: 1997-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 24725. Six satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 2, 105.
  • Gonets-D1 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Gonets-D1 No. 5. Mass: 225 kg (496 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Gonets-D1. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, Zhelenogorsk. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,422 km (883 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.20 min. COSPAR: 1997-006B. USAF Sat Cat: 24726. References: 2, 105.
  • Gonets-D1 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Gonets-D1 No. 6. Mass: 225 kg (496 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Gonets-D1. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, Zhelenogorsk. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,414 km (878 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-006C. USAF Sat Cat: 24727. References: 2, 105.
  • Cosmos 2337 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 108. Mass: 225 kg (496 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, Zhelenogorsk. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,403 km (871 mi). Apogee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.00 min. COSPAR: 1997-006D. USAF Sat Cat: 24728. References: 2.
  • Cosmos 2338 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 109. Mass: 225 kg (496 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, Zhelenogorsk. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,410 km (870 mi). Apogee: 1,413 km (877 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.00 min. COSPAR: 1997-006E. USAF Sat Cat: 24729. References: 2.
  • Cosmos 2339 Nation: Russia. Program: Strela. Payload: Strela-3 no. 110. Mass: 225 kg (496 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-3. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, Zhelenogorsk. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 1,412 km (877 mi). Apogee: 1,415 km (879 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 114.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-006F. USAF Sat Cat: 24730. References: 2.
1997 February 14 - 04:34 GMT -
  • EVA STS-82-1 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery, HST. Crew: Lee, Smith Steven. Flight: STS-82. EVA Duration: 0.28 days. Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 2 - NICMOS installation. References: 66.
1997 February 15 - 03:25 GMT -
  • EVA STS-82-2 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery, HST. Crew: Harbaugh, Tanner. Flight: STS-82. EVA Duration: 0.31 days. Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 2 - Guidance sensor replacement. References: 66.
1997 February 16 - 02:53 GMT -
  • EVA STS-82-3 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery, HST. Crew: Lee, Smith Steven. Flight: STS-82. EVA Duration: 0.30 days. Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 2 - Data interface unit replacement. References: 66.
1997 February 17 - 01:42 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas IIAS. LV Configuration: Atlas IIAS AC-127.
  • JCSAT 4 Nation: Japan. Program: JCSAT. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: JSAT. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-007A. USAF Sat Cat: 24732. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 150.0E Launch vehicle put payload into supersynchronous earth orbit with IFR/MRS trajectory option. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 150 deg E in 1997-1998; 124 deg E in 1998-1999; 127 deg E in 1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 127.02 deg E drifting at 0.015 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 7 located at 150.01E drifting at 0.008W degrees per day. References: 2, 278.
1997 February 17 - 03:45 GMT -
  • EVA STS-82-4 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery, HST. Crew: Harbaugh, Tanner. Flight: STS-82. EVA Duration: 0.27 days. Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 2 - Solar array drive replacement. References: 66.
1997 February 18 - 03:15 GMT -
  • EVA STS-82-5 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Discovery, HST. Crew: Lee, Smith Steven. Flight: STS-82. EVA Duration: 0.22 days. Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 2 - Insulation blanket repair. References: 66.
1997 February 19 -
  • Deng Xiaoping, Chinese leader, dead at 92 Nation: China.
1997 February 20 -
  • Galileo, Europa 6 Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Galileo.
1997 February 20 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-48.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 20 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-48.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 20 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-48.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 20 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 FCET-48.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 21 -
  • Landing of STS-82 Nation: USA. Flight: STS-82. STS-82 landed at 08:32 GMT.
1997 February 22 - Launch Site: Wake Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Castor 4B. LV Configuration: Castor 4B TCMP II.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: OSC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 23 - Launch Site: Balasore. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Prithvi. LV Configuration: Prithvi 2-3.
  • Test mission Nation: India. Agency: IDRDL. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 23 - 10:06 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Super Chief. Model: LCLV. LV Configuration: LCLV MSX CEP 2.
  • MDT III Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: OSC. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). References: 2.
1997 February 23 - 20:20 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 402B/IUS. LV Configuration: Titan 402B/IUS 4B-24 (K-24, 45D-4).
  • USA 130 Nation: USA. Payload: DSP-1 Block 18 F18. Mass: 2,380 kg (5,240 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: DSP. Manufacturer: TRW, Redondo Beach. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. COSPAR: 1997-008A. USAF Sat Cat: 24737. DSP-1 Block 14 ballistic missile launch detection satellite. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 70 deg E in 1999. Still in service as of March 2007. References: 2.
1997 February 26 - 20:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.161NP.
  • DARTFire 3 Microgravity mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1997 March 1 - Launch Site: Wake Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Castor 4B. LV Configuration: Castor 4B TCMP IIC.
  • Re-entry Vehicle test Nation: USA. Agency: OSC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1997 March -
  • Construction of XMM spacecraft begins Nation: Europe. Spacecraft: XMM.
1997 March 1 - 01:07 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44P. LV Configuration: Ariane 44P-3 V94.
  • Intelsat 801 Nation: International. Program: Intelsat. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 7000. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 35,772 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,798 km (22,243 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 24742. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 64.2E. The Intelsat 8 and 8A vehicles are the latest in the Intelsat satellite series. Spacecraft: 3-axis stabilised. Two large solar panels with 1-axis articulation. Payload: 38 C-Band and 6 Ku-Band transponders.22,000 telephone calls and 3 colour TV broadcasts simultaneously. Or up to 112,500 telephone circuits using digital circuit multiplication equipment (DCME). Two independently steerable Ku-band spot beams. Interconnected operation between C- and Ku-bands.
    Financial/Operational:
    Lockheed/General Electric contract October 16 1992 $ 165 million for 2 units- potential 5 units. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 47 deg E in 1997; 62 deg E in 1997; 64 deg E in 1997-1998; 31 deg W in 1998-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 31.47 deg W drifting at 0.013 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 5 located at 31.46W drifting at 0.006W degrees per day. References: 2.
1997 March 2 -
  • Landing of Soyuz TM-24 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Flight: Mir 97, Mir NASA-3, Mir EO-23, Mir EO-22. Korzun, Kaleri and Ewald undocked from Mir in the Soyuz TM-24 spaceship at 03:24 GMT on March 2 and landed at 06:44 GMT near Arkaylk in Kazakstan.
1997 March 4 - 02:00 GMT - Launch Site: Svobodniy. Launch Complex: LC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Start-1.2.
  • Zeya Nation: Russia. Payload: Zeya No. 1. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Zeya. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, Zhelenogorsk. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 460 km (280 mi). Apogee: 472 km (293 mi). Inclination: 97.30 deg. Period: 93.60 min. COSPAR: 1997-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 24744. Decay Date: 1999-10-25. References: 2.
1997 March 6 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: THAAD. LV Configuration: THAAD FT-07.
  • ABM test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1997 March 6 - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC94. Launch Pad: FIX. Launch Vehicle: Hera. LV Configuration: Hera 7.
  • BRV/THAAD Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1997 March 8 - 06:01 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas IIA. LV Configuration: Atlas IIA AC-128.
  • Tempo 2 Nation: USA. Program: Tempo. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Manufacturer: Space Systems/Loral, Palo Alto. Agency: TCI. Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1997-011A. USAF Sat Cat: 24748. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 118.7W Launch vehicle put payload into subsynchronous earth orbit with MRS trajectory option. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 119 deg W in 1997-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 118.82 deg W drifting at 0.001 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 42.64E drifting at 4.479W degrees per day. References: 2, 278.
1997 March 13 - 10:20 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.139UE.
  • Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1997 March 18 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-17.
  • Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1997 March 18 - 00:16 GMT - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-17.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1997 March 19 - Launch Site: Bigen Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Scud. LV Configuration: Scud FMA.
  • Willow Dune Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). References: 2.
1997 March 25 - 03:15 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.158UL.
  • Hale-Bopp Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 282 km (175 mi). References: 2.
1997 March 30 - 03:25 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.155CL.
  • EUVS Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
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