Chronology - Quarter 4 2002 home
topic index

PreviousHomeNext

2002 October 7 - 19:46 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: Space Shuttle STS-112.
  • STS-112 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Payload: Atlantis F26 / S1. Mass: 116,640 kg (257,140 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Atlantis. Manufacturer: Boeing. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 273 km (169 mi). Apogee: 405 km (251 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.30 min. COSPAR: 2002-047A. USAF Sat Cat: 27537. Duration: 10.83 days. Decay Date: 2002-10-18. Crew: Ashby, Melroy, Wolf, Sellers, Magnus, Yurchikhin. Flight: STS-112. ISS Assembly flight delayed from March 22, April 4, August 22, September 28, October 2 due to payload delays and then SSME problems. American shuttle spacecraft STS-112 carried a crew of five Americans and one Russian to the International Space Station (ISS). During the 11-day mission, the crew extended the truss system of the exterior rail line with a 14-m, 13-ton girder. The crew also tested a manual cart on the rails. The cart, named CETA (Crew and Equipment Transportation Aid), was designed to increase mobility of crew and equipment during the later installation phases. STS-112 landed back in Cape Canaveral at 15:43 UT on 2002 October 18 carrying the same crew of six. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 October 8 - Launch Site: Sonmiani. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shaheen. Model: Shaheen 1.
  • Test mission Nation: Pakistan. Agency: Pakistan. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
2002 October 9 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 6 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 0.9 hours Pilot: Shane Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Evaluate rudder mass balance modifications. Effectiveness of engine bleed air heating of the fuselage aft of the cabin (first test of SpaceShipOne Nitrous heating system). Results: Rudder vibration problem resolved. Flight cut short due to suspected over-temp of aft cabin bulkhead from engine bleed air. References: 392.
2002 October 10 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 7 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 3.0 hours Pilot: Shane Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Completion of Flight 6 objectives. Airspeed and altitude envelope expansion, 45,000 feet / 160 knots / 0.5M Results: No structural damping issues found. Engine operation satisfactory. Some window fogging on descent. Some degradation of pneumatic actuators due to cold soaking. Insufficient dihedral effect at high speed/high altitude. References: 392.
2002 October 10 - 15:21 GMT -
  • EVA STS-112-1 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Crew: Wolf, Sellers. Flight: STS-112. EVA Duration: 0.29 days. The astronauts exited from the ISS Quest module at 1518 UTC. They connected fluid lines and installed equipment on the S1 truss installed to the ISS five hours earlier.
2002 October 12 - 09:12 GMT - Launch Site: Okhotsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Shtil. LV Configuration: Shtil VMF RF.
  • Operational test Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
2002 October 12 - 09:52 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol.
  • Operational test Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
2002 October 12 - 09:55 GMT - Launch Site: Barents Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 69.5 N x 34.2 E. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Shtil. LV Configuration: Shtil VMF RF.
  • Operational test Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
2002 October 12 - 14:31 GMT -
  • EVA STS-112-2 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Crew: Wolf, Sellers. Flight: STS-112. EVA Duration: 0.26 days. Second spacewalk to continue installation activities on the S1 truss began at 1429 UTC.
2002 October 14 - 14:08 GMT -
  • EVA STS-112-3 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Crew: Wolf, Sellers. Flight: STS-112. EVA Duration: 0.28 days. Third spacewalk to complete installation of the S1 truss began at 1408 UTC. The pair carried out repairs to the Mobile Transporter on S0, connected fluid lines, and removed the keel pins on S1.
2002 October 15 - 02:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minotaur. Model: Minotaur 2. LV Configuration: Minotaur 2 TLV-3.
  • GMDS (OSP/TLV-4?) target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). ABM target, launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base towards the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein. The target suite consisted of a mock warhead and a number of decoys. References: 2.
2002 October 15 - 02:23 GMT - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: Meck. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 PLV PLV IFT-9.
  • IFT-9 EKV Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA SSDC. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Successful intercept. The target suite consisted of a mock warhead and a number of decoys launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, towards the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein. IFT-9 (largely a replay of IFT-8) was designed to increase confidence in the GMD capability to execute hit-to-kill intercepts. Overall, the test execution was nominal although the EKV experienced the track gate anomaly previously observed in IFT-7 and IFT-8. The software changes incorporated in IFT-9 to mitigate this problem were not successful. The Aegis SPY-1 radar was used for the first time in a national missile defense capacity. References: 2.
2002 October 15 - 18:20 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. LV Configuration: Soyuz 11A511U PVB 066. FAILURE: Contamination in hydrogen peroxide line of fuel pump system led to explosion of Strap-on D 29 seconds after launch. The rocket crashed near the pad, debris from the explosion killing one soldier.
  • Foton-M Nation: Russia. Payload: Foton M-1 / Foton 13. Mass: 6,425 kg (14,164 lb). Class: Materials. Spacecraft: Foton. Manufacturer: TsSKB-Progress. Agency: Rosaviakosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe). COSPAR: F021015. Launch delayed from October 9. Foton-M No. 1 (Foton-13) was an improved version of the Foton materials processing satellite. The 6425 kg satellite carried a variety of microgravity experiments including those of the European Space Agency. The satellite was destroyed in the accident. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 October 16 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 8 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 1.6 hours Pilot: Melvill Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Envelope expansion above 50,000 feet and 0.55M. Avionics software upgrade. Practice SpaceShipOne glide approaches Results: Climbed to 53,000 feet and 0.53M in Military power. Cleared the full required envelope needed for SpaceShipOne launch operations. Flying qualities at highest altitude are satisfactory and will not require dampers. Window fogging not an issue until the cabin was depressurized at 10,000 feet. References: 392.
2002 October 17 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 9 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 2.2 hours Pilot: Binnie Copilot: Siebold. Objectives: Boost phase pilot training. Formation flying and air-to-air photography with the Proteus aircraft. Results: Adequate visibility and satisfactory flying qualities for formation flying. A photo from this flight later appeared on the cover of Aviation Week (21Apr03 issue). References: 392.
2002 October 17 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 10 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 1.1 hours Pilot: Siebold Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: SpaceshipOne boost profile and steering capture practice. Simulated SS1 glide approaches. Results: SS1 simulation good up to at least ~ 70 degree flight path angle. References: 392.
2002 October 17 - 04:41 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/17S40. LV Configuration: Proton-K/17S40 (DM2) 409-01.
  • Integral Nation: Europe. Mass: 4,100 kg (9,000 lb). Class: Astronomy. Type: Gamma Ray. Spacecraft: Integral. Perigee: 9,283 km (5,768 mi). Apogee: 153,435 km (95,339 mi). Inclination: 53.40 deg. Period: 4,310.60 min. COSPAR: 2002-048A. USAF Sat Cat: 27540. INTEGRAL (INTErnational Gamma Ray Astrophysics Laboratory) was a European (ESA) astrophysics satellite. The orbit had a very high apogee to escape magnetospheric radiation. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 October 18 -
  • Landing of STS-112 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Flight: STS-112. STS-112 landed at 15:43 GMT.
2002 October 22 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 FCET-28.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
2002 October 24 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 12 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 0.3 hours Pilot: Melvill Copilot: Shane. Objectives: FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating". Results: Rating issued References: 392.
2002 October 24 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 13 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 0.3 hours Pilot: Binnie Copilot: Siebold. Objectives: FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating". Results: Rating issued References: 392.
2002 October 24 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 14 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 0.3 hours Pilot: Siebold Copilot: Shane. Objectives: FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating". Results: Rating issued References: 392.
2002 October 24 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 11 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 0.3 hours Pilot: Shane Copilot: Melvill. Objectives: FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating". Results: Rating issued References: 392.
2002 October 27 - 03:17 GMT - Launch Site: Taiyuan. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-4B. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 4B CZ4B-5 (68).
  • ZY-2 Nation: China. Payload: Zi Yuan 2-2. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: ZY. Agency: Chinese Academy of Space Technology. Perigee: 470 km (290 mi). Apogee: 483 km (300 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg. Period: 94.10 min. COSPAR: 2002-049A. USAF Sat Cat: 27550. JB-3 2 was nominally a Chinese (PRC) remote sensing satellite, although US intelligence sources indicated it had primarily an intelligence imaging mission. JB-3 2 was the name adopted by the USSPACECOM. Most news reports from China and elsewhere use different names: ZY-2B (acronym for ZiYuan-2B, translated as Resource-2B), and Zhong Guo Zi Yuan Er Hao, translated as China Resource 2. No information was available on the instruments onboard the JB-3 2, but officially it was intended 'for territorial survey, environment monitoring and protection, urban planning, crop yield assessment, disaster monitoring, and space scientific experiments'. The initial orbital parameters of this sun-synchronous satellite were period 94.1 min, apogee 483 km, perigee 470 km, and inclination 97.4°. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 October 30 - 03:11 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz FG. LV Configuration: Soyuz-FG E15000-004.
  • Soyuz TMA-1 Nation: Russia. Program: ISS. Payload: Soyuz TMA s/n 211. Mass: 7,250 kg (15,980 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz TMA. Manufacturer: Energia. Agency: RAKA. Perigee: 278 km (172 mi). Apogee: 295 km (183 mi). Inclination: 51.62 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 2002-050A. USAF Sat Cat: 27552. Duration: 185.96 days. Decay Date: 2003-05-04. Crew: Zalyotin, De Winne, Lonchakov. Flight: ISS EP-4. Launch delayed from October 22, 28 pending investigation of causes of failure of another Soyuz booster on 15 October. Soyuz-TMA 1 was a Russian automatic passenger craft. It carried the EP-4 visiting crew of three astronauts (two Russians and one Belgian) to automatically dock with the International Space Station (ISS). This was the first flight of the new Soyuz-TMA model. It was to remain parked at the ISS as the escape craft, relieving the Soyuz TM-34. The crew conducted several microgravity experiments on the ISS during their 10-day stay before returning in Soyuz TM-34. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 November 2 -
  • Stardust, Asteroid 5535 Annefrank Flyby, Successful Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Stardust.
2002 November 5 -
  • Galileo, Amalthea 34 Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Galileo.
2002 November 6 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 15 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 2.4 hours Pilot: Siebold Copilot: Binnie. Objectives: Continued engine, ECS and avionics evaluation. High-rate nose wheel steering assessment. Results: Difficulty maintaining afterburner on left engine near 50,000 feet. Improved ECS configuration showed improved resistance to fogging. Nose wheel steering gearing change about the same. References: 392.
2002 November 10 -
  • Landing of Soyuz TM-34 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Flight: ISS EP-4. On November 9 the Soyuz TMA-1/EP-4 crew boarded Soyuz TM-34 and undocked from the Zarya nadir port at 20:44 GMT, leaving Soyuz TMA-1 for the resident crew. Soyuz TM-34 landed in Kazakstan at 00:04 GMT on November 10.
2002 November 12 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One.
  • White Knight Flight 16 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 2.0 hours Pilot: Binnie Copilot: Siebold. Objectives: Continued engine, ECS and avionics evaluation. Simulated wheel brake failure landing rollout. Results: Conclusion: aircraft can be landed at MHV if a wheel brake fails. More engine irregularities at high altitude. Engines removed and sent to test cell for fuel control calibration and adjustments. References: 392.
2002 November 14 - 19:25 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF7632. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Scud B.
  • GMDS Nation: USA. Agency: MDA. Apogee: 46 km (28 mi). References: 2.
2002 November 18 - 02:32 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.197UG.
  • ISIS Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
2002 November 20 - 01:33 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Orion. LV Configuration: Terrier Orion NASA 41.039DP.
  • VALPE (fairing) test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 135 km (83 mi). References: 2.
2002 November 20 - 22:39 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC37B. Launch Pad: SLC37B. Launch Vehicle: Delta IV. Model: Delta IV Medium+ (4.2). LV Configuration: Delta 4M+(4,2) D4-1 (293) 4240.
  • Eutelsat W5 Nation: Europe. Program: Eutelsat. Payload: W1A. Mass: 3,170 kg (6,980 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. Manufacturer: Alcatel Space. Agency: Eutelsat. Perigee: 35,788 km (22,237 mi). Apogee: 35,801 km (22,245 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.50 min. COSPAR: 2002-051A. USAF Sat Cat: 27554. Maiden flight of the Delta 4 EELV booster, delayed due to development problems from January and November 2001, April 30, July 15, August 31, October 9, November 3, 16 and 19. EUTELSAT W5 was a European (EUTELSAT Consortium) geostationary communication spacecraft. EUTELSAT W5 was to provide voice, video, and Internet services to all countries in western Europe, central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent through its 24 Ku-band transponders after being parked over 70.5° E longitude. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 70.55E drifting at 0.004W degrees per day. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 November 22 - 00:30 GMT - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aries. LV Configuration: Aries LEAP FM4 Target.
  • SMD FM-4 TTV-5 Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 325 km (201 mi). References: 2.
2002 November 22 - 00:32 GMT - Launch Site: Barking Sands. Launch Complex: POA. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Standard-ER. Model: Standard SM-3. LV Configuration: SM-3 LEAP FM-4.
  • Stellar Viper test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 152 km (94 mi). References: 2.
2002 November 23 - 22:18 GMT - Launch Site: Alcantara. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sonda. Model: VS-30/Orion. LV Configuration: VS-30/Orion XV-02.
  • Piraperna Ionosphere mission Nation: Brazil. Agency: AEB. Apogee: 434 km (269 mi). References: 2.
2002 November 24 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. LV Configuration: STS-113.
  • MEPSI Nation: USA. Mass: 2.00 kg (4.40 lb). Class: Technology. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 332 km (206 mi). Apogee: 349 km (216 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 91.30 min. COSPAR: 2002-052B. USAF Sat Cat: 27562. Decay Date: 2003-01-31. MEPSI (Micro-Electromechanical-based Picosat Satellite Inspection Experiment) consisted of two 1 kg boxes attached to each other by a 15-m tether. The boxes included an imaging camera and a MEM transceiver. They were ejected from the PLA (Picosat Launch Assembly) of shuttle Endeavour, a 6 kg box attached to an Adaptive Payload Carrier (APC) on the payload bay side wall. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • STS-113 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Payload: Endeavour F19 / P1. Mass: 115,000 kg (253,000 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Endeavour. Manufacturer: Boeing. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 379 km (235 mi). Apogee: 397 km (246 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 2002-052A. USAF Sat Cat: 27556. Duration: 13.78 days. Decay Date: 2002-12-07. Crew: Wetherbee, Lockhart, Lopez-Alegria, Herrington, Bowersox, Budarin, Pettit. Flight: STS-113, ISS EO-6. ISS assembly mission ISS-11A delayed from August 22, September 6, 19, October 6, November 2, 10, 11, 19 and 23 due to SSME problems and then damage to the Shuttle's manipulator arm. Shuttle mission STS-113 carried a crew of seven astronauts (six American and one Russian) and a 13.7-m truss of 12.5 tons to the International Space Station (ISS). During several hours of EVA, the crew installed and secured the truss assembly. The truss was to provide structural support for the station's thermal control radiators, and brought the total mass of the ISS to over 200 tons. Prior to leaving the ISS, the shuttle released a pair of tethered (15-m long) picosatellites. It was to leave the ISS on December 2. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 November 25 - 18:30 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF7632. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-17. Model: Scud B.
  • GMDS test Nation: USA. Agency: MDA. Apogee: 84 km (52 mi). References: 2.
2002 November 25 - 23:04 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2M. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2M (DM3) 408-02. FAILURE: The Block DM upper stage failed to ignite for its second burn, leaving the satellite in parking orbit.
  • Astra 1K Nation: Europe. Program: Astra. Mass: 5,250 kg (11,570 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. Manufacturer: Alcatel Space. Agency: SES. Perigee: 244 km (151 mi). Apogee: 317 km (196 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 90.10 min. COSPAR: 2002-053A. USAF Sat Cat: 27557. Decay Date: 2002-12-10. Delayed from December 2001 and July 15, August 16 and 25. Astra 1K was to be a European (Luxembourg-based) geostationary communications spacecraft. The 5.0-ton, 13-kW spacecraft was the most massive of civilian communications spacecraft ever launched. Its 52 Ku-band and two Ka-band transponders could cover 1,100 channels and were to replace three earlier Astra satellites. However the DM-3 upper stage, after operating successfully to place itself and the satellite in parking orbit, failed to ignite for transfer orbit injection, leaving the spacecraft stranded in parking orbit. In an effort to prevent imminent re-entry, the spacecraft was raised to a circular orbit at an altitude of 290 km. Three options were considered: force re-entry over the Pacific Ocean; retrieval by a US shuttle; or use of all the fuel aboard the satellite to attempt to move it to a geostationary orbit at 19.2° E longitude. The decision was taken in December to deorbit the spacecraft, resulting in a huge insurance loss and bringing into question both continued use of the Block D series of upper stages and the 'bigger is better' comsat philosophy. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 November 27 - 19:49 GMT -
  • EVA STS-113-1 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Crew: Lopez-Alegria, Herrington. Flight: STS-113. EVA Duration: 0.28 days. The first spacewalk for installation of the P1 truss began at 1947 UTC. The astronauts emerged from the Quest module, attached the P1/S0 umbilicals, removed the P1 drag links and the CETA-B cart's launch restraints. They also installed more SPD disconnects on the ammonia lines, and attached a TV camera to the truss.
2002 November 28 - 05:52 GMT - Launch Site: Anhueng. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: KSR. Model: KSR-III. LV Configuration: KSR-I-1.
  • KSR-III Launch Vehicle Technology Test / Aeronomy mission Nation: Korea South. Agency: KARI. Apogee: 43 km (26 mi). The rocket reached 42 km altitude and a speed of 902 meters per second. It impacted in the West Sea 85 km from the coastal launch site, 231 seconds after launch. In preparation for the launch, KARI and related agencies successfully carried out ignition tests in May and August. References: 2.
2002 November 28 - 06:07 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53779-802.
  • ALSAT-1 Nation: Algeria. Mass: 80 kg (176 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Civilian. Spacecraft: MicroSat-100. Manufacturer: Surrey. Agency: National Center for Space Technologies (Algeria). Perigee: 681 km (423 mi). Apogee: 745 km (462 mi). Inclination: 98.20 deg. Period: 99.00 min. COSPAR: 2002-054A. USAF Sat Cat: 27559. Delayed from September 12, October 29. ALSAT 1 was an Algerian imaging minisatellite. The 90-kg satellite was the first part of an international Disaster Monitoring System (DMS) for alerting natural/man-made disasters. ALSAT was built by Surrey Satellite for the CNTS (Centre National des Techniques Spatiales) in Algiers. It carriee a 32-m resolution 3-band imager, a 100 mN resistojet thruster for small orbit corrections, and a GPS receiver. The SSTL Microsat-100 class satellite was a 0.60m cube with a 6m gravity gradient boom. As well as gravity gradient stabilization, it used a momentum wheel to improve stability for imaging. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • Mozhaets Nation: Russia. Mass: 80 kg (176 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Strela-1M. Agency: National Center for Space Technologies (Algeria). Perigee: 683 km (424 mi). Apogee: 746 km (463 mi). Inclination: 98.20 deg. Period: 99.10 min. COSPAR: 2002-054B. USAF Sat Cat: 27560. Delayed from September 12, October 29. Mozhaets was a Russian experimental, 90-kg minisatellite. It was designed and built by the cadets and teachers of a military space academy to learn about spacecraft operations. It may have been based on the Strela-1M small communications satellite bus. It included a GLONASS/GPS receiver, a particle detector, and an amateur radio payload. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • Rubin-3-DSI Nation: Russia. Mass: 80 kg (176 lb). Class: Technology. Manufacturer: PO Polyot/OHB. Agency: National Center for Space Technologies (Algeria). Perigee: 687 km (426 mi). Apogee: 748 km (464 mi). Inclination: 98.20 deg. Period: 99.10 min. COSPAR: 2002-054C. USAF Sat Cat: 27561. Delayed from September 12, October 29. Rubin-3-DSI, with a mass of 45 kg, was built by PO Polyot of Omsk (builders of the Kosmos-3M) and OHB System of Bremen. It remained attached to the booster final stage and measured the launch vehicle environment and performance References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 November 29 - 18:36 GMT -
  • EVA STS-113-2 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Crew: Lopez-Alegria, Herrington. Flight: STS-113. EVA Duration: 0.26 days. The astronauts emerged from the Quest module at about 1845 UTC. They removed P1 keel pins and installed TV cameras, and moved the CETA-2 cart from P1 to S1.
2002 December 1 - 12:33 GMT - Launch Site: Alcantara. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sonda. Model: VS-30. LV Configuration: VS-30 XV-06. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Cuma Microgravity mission Nation: Brazil. Agency: AEB. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi). References: 2.
2002 December 1 - 19:25 GMT -
  • EVA STS-113-3 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Crew: Lopez-Alegria, Herrington. Flight: STS-113. EVA Duration: 0.29 days. It was planned to use the Mobile Transporter as a base for the SSRMS arm during the spacewalk. The MT was moved from worksite 4 on S0 to worksite 7 at the end of P1. Motion began at 1621 UTC but the MT got stuck a few meters short of its goal. The crew fell back on contingency training and opened the hatch of the Quest module at 1924 UTC. Instead of using the SSRMS for transport they spacewalked down the truss to the location of the MT. Here it was found that the MT was blocked by the undeployed P1 UHF antenna. The astronauts deployed it, clearing the MT's path. The MT finally reached its destination at 0011 UTC. This incident indicated problems with ISS configuration control but also showed the value of the astronauts' ability to handle unforeseen contingencies. During the spacewalk, the astronauts installed more fixes to the Station's ammonia line connectors, although dealing with the MT problem meant not all of the planned work could be completed.
2002 December 5 - 02:42 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36A. Launch Pad: SLC36A. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas IIA. LV Configuration: Atlas IIA AC-144.
  • TDRS 10 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Payload: TDRS-J. Mass: 3,190 kg (7,030 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Boeing Satellite Systems. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 35,765 km (22,223 mi). Apogee: 35,804 km (22,247 mi). Inclination: 7.00 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. COSPAR: 2002-055A. USAF Sat Cat: 27566. Delayed from October 29, November 21 and 23. The third and final Advanced Tracking and Data Relay Satellite satellite separated from the Centaur upper stage 30 minutes after launch. This completed the $800 million, three satellite contract. Last launch of the Atlas 2A booster. Flight delayed from October 29, November 21 and 23. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 40.92W drifting at 0.012E degrees per day. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 December 7 - 2002 December 9 -
  • Stardust, End of second Interstellar Dust Collection Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Stardust.
2002 December 10 - 05:15 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: UR-100N. Model: UR-100NU.
  • OT 6RVs operational test launch Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Suborbital ICBM test with dummy warhead. Test delayed from November 1, December 5. References: 2.
2002 December 11 - Launch Site: ETR Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident D-5. LV Configuration: Trident D-5 DASO-18.
  • Operational test Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
2002 December 11 - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5. Model: Ariane 5ECA. LV Configuration: Ariane 5ECA V157 (517). FAILURE: The Ariane 5 core's Vulcain-2 engine began failing at T+178 seconds. The rocket veered off course and the destruct signal was sent.
  • Hot Bird 7 Nation: Europe. Program: Eutelsat. Mass: 3,350 kg (7,380 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Eurostar 2000. Manufacturer: Astrium. Agency: Eutelsat. COSPAR: F20021211A. Maiden flight of Ariane 5 EC-A. Delayed from October, November 20 and 28. Hot Bird 7, a Eutelsat geostationary communications satellite, was lost in the failed first flight of the Ariane 5 EC-A. Value of the lost satellite was Euro 250 million. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • Stentor Nation: France. Program: Eutelsat. Payload: Modified Spacebus 3000. Mass: 2,210 kg (4,870 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. Manufacturer: Astrium. Agency: Eutelsat (France). COSPAR: F20021211B. Maiden flight of Ariane 5 EC-A. Delayed from October, November 20 and 28. Stentor, a French experimental geostationary direct broadcast communications satellite, was lost in the failed first flight of the Ariane 5 EC-A. Value of the lost satellite was Euro 388 million. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 December 11 - 08:26 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minotaur. Model: Minotaur 2. LV Configuration: Minotaur 2 TLV-4.
  • GMDS (OSP/TLV-5?) target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). ABM target.This was to have been the first night-test of the GMDS, and presumably the decoy suite was more complex than previously used. References: 2.
2002 December 11 - 08:46 GMT - Launch Site: Kwajalein. Launch Complex: Meck. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. LV Configuration: Minuteman 2 PLV PLV IFT-10.
  • IFT-10 EKV Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA SSDC. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Attempted anti-ballistic missile night intercept. The EKV failed to separate from the surrogate boost vehicle. The failure to separate was attributed to a quality control failure combined with shank and vibration loads on the EKV. As a result, corrective measures taken to fix the track gate anomaly found in previous tests could not be tested. GMD suspended intercept flight testing after IFT-10. IFT-11 and IFT-12 that employed the problematic surrogate booster were eliminated from the schedule. References: 2.
2002 December 13 - Launch Vehicle: Atlas V, Delta IV.
  • USAF to subsidise EELV's Nation: USA. The US Air Force asked the Congress to provide $1 billion of subsidies in 2004-2009 for the Atlas V and Delta 4 EELV launch vehicles. The collapse of the commercial satellite market invalidated the cost model on which the manufacturers invested their own funds in development. Lack of adequate sales could have meant the closure of the production line of one or both of the launch vehicles on which the US government would rely for future space missions. The US Air Force asked for a $200-million first tranche n FY2004.
2002 December 14 - 11:16 GMT - Launch Site: SvalRak. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 10CM1. LV Configuration: Black Brant 10CM1 NASA 35.033GE.
  • Plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 772 km (479 mi). References: 2.
2002 December 14 - 23:04 GMT - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Complex: Y. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: H-2. Model: H-IIA 202. LV Configuration: H-IIA 202 H-IIA-4F.
  • Adeos 2 Nation: Japan. Payload: Midori 2. Mass: 3,730 kg (8,220 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Adeos. Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Electric. Agency: NASDA (Japan). Perigee: 804 km (499 mi). Apogee: 806 km (500 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 101.00 min. COSPAR: 2002-056A. USAF Sat Cat: 27597. Environment Monitoring, Aeronomy. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • Mu-Labsat Nation: Japan. Mass: 65 kg (143 lb). Class: Technology. Manufacturer: NASDA. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 793 km (492 mi). Apogee: 806 km (500 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 100.90 min. COSPAR: 2002-056B. USAF Sat Cat: 27598. Technology. In 2003 the satellite released two tiny subsatellites in an experiment to test an onboard tracking imager for inspector satellites. The RITE (Remote Inspection Technology Experiment) targets are disks about 0.1m in diameter. They were released from Micro-LabSat on 2003 Mar 14 at 0140 UTC and 2003 May 14 at 0150 UTC References: 2, 552, 554.
  • FedSat Nation: Australia. Mass: 58 kg (127 lb). Class: Communications. Manufacturer: Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems. Agency: Centre for Satellite Systems (Australia). Perigee: 791 km (491 mi). Apogee: 805 km (500 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 100.80 min. COSPAR: 2002-056C. USAF Sat Cat: 27599. FedSat contained high-tech communication, space science, navigation and computing equipment and was intended to help bring broadband Internet services to remote parts of Australia. Data from its three-year mission was to be shared between Japan and Australia. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • WEOS Kanta-Kun Nation: Japan. Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Manufacturer: Chiba Institute of Technology (Japan). Agency: Chiba Institute of Technology (Japan). Perigee: 789 km (490 mi). Apogee: 804 km (499 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 100.80 min. COSPAR: 2002-056D. USAF Sat Cat: 27600. Ecology. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 December 17 - 23:04 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44L. LV Configuration: Ariane 44L-3 V156.
  • NSS 6 Nation: Netherlands. Program: Intelsat. Payload: A-2100AX. Mass: 4,575 kg (10,086 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 2100. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Commercial Space. Agency: New Skies Satellites (International). Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,796 km (22,242 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2002-057A. USAF Sat Cat: 27603. Launch delayed from late November, then December 12. The Dutch New Skies Satellites' NSS-6 telecommunications spacecraft was developed by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems. It was to be positioned at 95 deg E to provide broadcasting and business services coverage of the Pacific Rim, Australia, India, the Middle East and southern Africa. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 95.01E drifting at 0.008W degrees per day. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 December 18 - 11:15 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: HYSR.
  • SOAREX-2 Technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA ARC. Apogee: 70 km (43 mi). First test flight of a large hybrid propulsion system. The Suborbital Aerodynamic Reentry Experiment payload, a joint project between Ames and Wallops, included a 'wave rider' flying wedge, a linear aerobrake (or hypersonic parachute), and a Slotted Compression Ramp Probe (SCRAMP), a super stable planetary reentry probe. The wedge was 127 centimeters long and was to free fly like a glider after deployment. References: 2.
2002 December 20 -
  • Nozomi, Earth Flyby Nation: Japan. Spacecraft: Nozomi.
2002 December 20 - 17:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC109. Launch Pad: LC109/95. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: Dnepr.
  • LatinSat 1 Nation: Argentina. Payload: AprizeSat 3. Mass: 12 kg (26 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AprizeSat. Manufacturer: Aprize Satellite. Agency: Aprize Satellite. Perigee: 635 km (394 mi). Apogee: 679 km (421 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 97.90 min. COSPAR: 2002-058A. USAF Sat Cat: 27605. Messaging satellite. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • LatinSat 2 Nation: Argentina. Payload: AprizeSat 4. Mass: 12 kg (26 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AprizeSat. Manufacturer: Aprize Satellite. Agency: Aprize Satellite. Perigee: 632 km (392 mi). Apogee: 702 km (436 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 98.10 min. COSPAR: 2002-058B. USAF Sat Cat: 27606. Messaging satellite. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • SaudiSat 1S Nation: Saudi Arabia. Payload: SaudiSat 2. Mass: 10 kg (22 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: SaudiSat. Manufacturer: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Tech, Riyadh. Agency: Riyadh Space Research Institute (Saudi Arabia). Perigee: 633 km (393 mi). Apogee: 690 km (420 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 98.00 min. COSPAR: 2002-058C. USAF Sat Cat: 27607. Amateur store-forward communications payload. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • UniSat 2 Nation: Italy. Mass: 10 kg (22 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: UniSat. Manufacturer: La Sapienza, University of Rome (Italy). Agency: La Sapienza, University of Rome (Italy). Perigee: 636 km (395 mi). Apogee: 667 km (414 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 97.80 min. COSPAR: 2002-058D. USAF Sat Cat: 27608. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • Rubin 2 Nation: Germany. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Class: Communications. Manufacturer: OHB-System. Agency: OHB-System. Perigee: 639 km (397 mi). Apogee: 645 km (400 mi). Inclination: 64.60 deg. Period: 97.60 min. COSPAR: 2002-058E. USAF Sat Cat: 27609. Messaging technology satellite. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 December 24 - 12:20 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC16/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-2BL 77045-865.
  • Cosmos 2393 Nation: Russia. Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Oko. Manufacturer: NPO Lavochkin. Agency: VKS. Perigee: 542 km (336 mi). Apogee: 39,722 km (24,682 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 716.00 min. COSPAR: 2002-059A. USAF Sat Cat: 27613. Launch delayed from September, then October 22. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 December 25 - 10:37 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2M. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2M 409-02.
  • Cosmos 2394 Nation: Russia. Payload: Glonass. Mass: 1,415 kg (3,119 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Glonass. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoy Mekhaniki. Agency: KNITs. Perigee: 19,124 km (11,883 mi). Apogee: 19,136 km (11,890 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 675.70 min. COSPAR: 2002-060A. USAF Sat Cat: 27617. Three navigation satellites of the GLONASS system were launched to replenish the constellation. This was the third end-of-year replenishment launch since 2000. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • Cosmos 2395 Nation: Russia. Payload: Glonass. Mass: 1,415 kg (3,119 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Glonass. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoy Mekhaniki. Agency: KNITs. Perigee: 19,130 km (11,880 mi). Apogee: 19,335 km (12,014 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 679.80 min. COSPAR: 2002-060B. USAF Sat Cat: 27618. References: 2, 552, 554.
  • Cosmos 2396 Nation: Russia. Payload: Glonass-M. Mass: 1,480 kg (3,260 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Glonass. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoy Mekhaniki. Agency: KNITs. Perigee: 18,915 km (11,753 mi). Apogee: 19,135 km (11,889 mi). Inclination: 64.80 deg. Period: 671.60 min. COSPAR: 2002-060C. USAF Sat Cat: 27619. References: 2, 552, 554.
2002 December 29 - 16:49 GMT - Launch Site: Jiuquan. Launch Complex: SLS. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2F. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2F CZ2F-4 (69).
  • Shenzhou 4 Nation: China. Mass: 7,794 kg (17,182 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Shenzhou. Manufacturer: China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. Agency: China Aerospace Corp. (China). Perigee: 331 km (205 mi). Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). Inclination: 42.40 deg. Period: 91.20 min. COSPAR: 2002-061A. USAF Sat Cat: 27630. Duration: 6.77 days. Decay Date: 2003-01-05. Final unmanned test of the Shenzhou spacecraft. First night launch of the CZ-2F was viewed by Party leaders on a very cold but clear night. The spacecraft carried fifty-two science payloads in four main areas: microwave Earth observation, space environment monitoring, microgravity fluid physics, and biological technology research. The spacecraft's reentry capsule was successfully recovered on 5 January 2003 at 1116 UT. The Chinese released the news and photographs of the capsule in the dusk snow only an hour later. The landing site was 40 km from Hohhot (40.51deg N, 111.38 deg E). As in prior missions, the orbital module continued in orbit. Chinese astronauts trained on the actual flight hardware before the launch and it was officially announced that this successful mission set the stage for a first Chinese manned spaceflight in the second half of 2003. Western observors noted that the orbit and ground track allowed launch of a second rendezvous vehicle, an indication of future manned space station missions. Shenzhou 4 carried 52 scientific payloads including a microwave radiometer using a reflector antenna, installed on top of the orbital module. References: 2, 110, 460, 552, 554.
2002 December 29 - 23:17 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/24. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-M/Briz-M. LV Configuration: Proton-M/Briz-M 535-02.
  • Nimiq 2 Nation: Canada. Mass: 3,600 kg (7,900 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 2100. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Commercial Space. Agency: Télésat Canada. Perigee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Apogee: 35,796 km (22,242 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.30 min. COSPAR: 2002-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 27632. Payload moved from Atlas 5. Direct broadcast satellite. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 82.05W drifting at 0.004W degrees per day. References: 2, 552, 554.

PreviousHomeNext


Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments.
Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site..
To contact astronauts or cosmonauts.

© Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.