2004 April 1 - -
 Genesis, End of Science Collection Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Genesis.
2004 April 5 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One. - White Knight Flight 52 Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Flight Time: 2.0 hours. White Knight Pilot: Siebold. White Knight Copilot: Karkow. Objectives: Avionics checkout flight, pilot proficiency and landing practice. References: 392.
2004 April 5 - - Spirit Mars Rover, End of Primary Mission Nation: USA. Spacecraft: MER.
2004 April 8 - 15:11 GMT - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: RW12/30. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One. - SpaceShipOne Flight 13P Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Duration: 0.0114 days. Crew: Siebold. White Knight/SpaceShipOne Flight 53L / 13P. 40 second motor burn time. Handling qualities during boost, through transonic and supersonic. Reaction control system functionality in-flight and feather configuration stability during transonic re-entry. Evaluation of radar tracking capability. Launch conditions were 13.96 km and 230 kph. A planned immediate motor ignition was delayed about 2 minutes to evaluate a shock induced stall buffet resulting in an ignition altitude of only 11.7 km. The 40 second rocket boost was smooth with good control. Pilot commented that the motor was surprisingly quiet; however the boost was heard by ground observers. Burnout occurred at 1.6M and apogee was over 32 km. There was no noted flight control flutter or buzz during the climb. Feather recovery was nominal. Maximum feathered speed on entry was 0.9 Mach. The wing was de-feathered and locked by 12 km. Handling quality assessments during descent were satisfactory and a smooth landing made to runway 30 at Mojave. All video and tracking systems performed well with spectacular footage obtained onboard, from chase and from ground stations.
References: 2.
2004 April 13 - 03:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Terrier. Model: Terrier Mk 70 Orion. LV Configuration: Terrier Mk 70 Orion NASA 12.54GT. - NMACS test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 122 km (75 mi). References: 2.
2004 April 16 - 00:45 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36A. Launch Pad: SLC36A. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas IIAS. LV Configuration: Atlas IIAS AC-163. -
 Superbird 6 Nation: Japan. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Agency: Japanese Communications Corporation. Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2004-011A. USAF Sat Cat: 28218. The satellite was to provide Ka and Ku band communications for Japan's Space Communications Corporation. References: 2.
2004 April 18 - 15:59 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1?. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2C. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2C CZ2C-23 (76). -
 Tansuo 1 Nation: China. Payload: Shiyan 1. Mass: 204 kg (449 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Shiyan. Agency: University of Harbin. Perigee: 598 km (371 mi). Apogee: 616 km (382 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.80 min. COSPAR: 2004-012A. USAF Sat Cat: 28220. China's first transmission-type small satellite capable of stereo mapping. It was jointly designed by the Harbin Polytechnic University, Chinese Research Institute of Space Technology, Changchun Photomechanical Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)and Xi'an Surveys and Designs Institute. The experiment satellite carried out photographic surveys of China's land resources, monitored the geographical environment and conducted scientific research on mapping. It was handed over for use to the Satellite Remote-Sensing Ground Station of CAS following the on-orbit testing.
References: 2.
- Naxing 1 Nation: China. Mass: 25 kg (55 lb). Class: Surveillance. Spacecraft: OlympicSat. Agency: Tsinghua University. Perigee: 599 km (372 mi). Apogee: 616 km (382 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.80 min. COSPAR: 2004-012B. USAF Sat Cat: 28221. Naxing 1 (a contraction of Nami Weixing 'Nanosatellite') was designed for high-tech experiments. The satellite was developed and will be used by the elite Qinghua University and the Aerospace Qinghua Satellite Technologies Co. Ltd. References: 2.
- Unannounced Chinese satellite? Nation: China. Class: Surveillance. Agency: PLA?. Perigee: 339 km (210 mi). Apogee: 532 km (330 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 93.30 min. COSPAR: 2004-012D. USAF Sat Cat: 28223. The announced mass of the two satellites launched was far less than the payload capability of the CZ-2C. It was believed that an unannounced military satellite may have been orbited. Object 2004-12D was in a much lower perigee orbit of 350 x 606 km x 97 deg and may have separated prior to second stage vernier cutoff.
References: 2.
2004 April 19 - 03:19 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz FG. LV Configuration: Soyuz-FG Zh15000-009.
2004 April 20 - 16:57 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7920-10C. LV Configuration: Delta 7920-10C D304. - Gravity Probe B Nation: USA. Mass: 3,145 kg (6,933 lb). Class: Astronomy. Spacecraft: Gravity Probe-B. Agency: NASA. Perigee: 640 km (390 mi). Apogee: 646 km (401 mi). Inclination: 90.00 deg. Period: 97.60 min. COSPAR: 2004-014A. USAF Sat Cat: 28230. Gravity Probe B's mission was to confirm a prediction of Einstein's theory of relativity. The physics experiment, developed by Stanford University and Lockheed Martin, was to observe the magnitude 5 star IM Pegasi for over a year, attempting to measure the tiny shifts in the spacecraft gyroscopes' orientation caused by the Lense-Thirring gravitomagnetic (or `frame-dragging') effect. To accomplish this the spacecraft carried four gyroscopes kept at 1.8 deg Kelvin by a liquid helium dewar, laser retroreflectors and two GPS receivers for orbit determination, a drag compensation system, and a 14 cm aperture quartz telescope. The satellite was also to make an accurate measurement of the already-established gravitostatic warping of spacetime due to the Earth's mass.
References: 2.
2004 April 20 - 17:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol M. -
 Pacific operational test launch Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
2004 April 26 - - Opportunity Mars Rover, End of Primary Mission Nation: USA. Spacecraft: MER.
2004 April 26 - 20:37 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2M. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2M 410-06. - Ekspress AM-11 Nation: Russia. Mass: 2,542 kg (5,604 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Ekspress. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoy Mekhaniki, Alcatel. Agency: PO Kosmicheskaya Sviaz. Perigee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Apogee: 35,788 km (22,237 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2004-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 28234. Delayed from April 10. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 79.96W drifting at 3.741W degrees per day. References: 2.
2004 April 30 - - Landing of Soyuz TMA-3 Nation: Russia. Program: ISS. Flight: ISS EO-8, ISS EO-9, ISS Delta. The ISS EO-8 crew of Kaleri and Foale, together with the ESA Delta mission astronaut Kuipers, undocked Soyuz TMA-3 from the International Space Station at 20:52 GMT on 29 April. There was minor concern due to a helium leak in the Soyuz engine pressurisation system. The Soyuz capsule made a soft landing at 00:11 GMT on 30 April near the city of Arkalyk. The recovery forces consisted of 160 people, eight helicopters, two aircraft and two all-terrain vehicles.The EO-9 crew of Fincke and Padalka remained aboard the ISS on a six-month caretaking mission.
2004 May 1 - - Genesis, Earth Flyby, Successful Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Genesis.
2004 May 3 - 04:06 GMT - Launch Site: Midway Island SDZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 25.0 N x 178.0 W. Launch Vehicle: LRALT. - LRALT Demo test Nation: USA. Agency: USA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Air-launched from a C-17. The LRALT missile boosted a simulated reentry vehicle from a point just south of Midway Island to the vicinity of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. References: 2.
2004 May 4 - 12:42 GMT - Launch Site: Kiritimati. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 0.0 N x 154.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-3SL. - DirecTV 7S Nation: USA. Program: DirecTV. Mass: 5,483 kg (12,087 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Manufacturer: Space Systems/Loral. Agency: DirecTV. Perigee: 35,730 km (22,200 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,434.80 min. COSPAR: 2004-016A. USAF Sat Cat: 28238. Delayed from February 29, May 2. Transferred from Ariane 5 under launch backup agreement. Record single payload to geosynchronous transfer orbit. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 119.04W drifting at 0.000E degrees per day. References: 2.
2004 May 6 - - NASA Astronaut Training Group 19 selected. Nation: USA. The group was selected to provide pilot and mission specialists for post-ISS spaceflights to the moon and beyond. 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.. Due to a surplus of astronauts and a dearth of missions, NASA cancelled the planned 2002 astronaut selection. The next call for applications was made in May 2003, with a due date of 1 July. 'Educator astronauts' were especially requested, and 1100 applications were received in this category. The final selection was two pilots and nine mission specialists; nine men and two women. Given the drastic reduction if shuttle flights and ISS crew size planned for the post-Columbia disaster period, the chances for astronauts from this group flying in the next decade seemed slim indeed. Also training in this group were three NASDA astronauts from Japan.
2004 May 13 - 15:31 GMT - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: RW12/30. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One. - SpaceShipOne Flight 14P Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Apogee: 65 km (40 mi). Duration: 0.0144 days. Crew: Melvill. White Knight/SpaceShipOne Flight 56L / 14P. 55 second motor burn time. Handling qualities during boost and performance verification. Reaction control system use for reorientation to entry attitude. Supersonic feather stability and control. Launch conditions were 14 km and 220 kph. Motor light off occurred 10 seconds after release and the vehicle boosted smoothly to 46 km and Mach 2.5. Subsequent coast to apogee of 64.5 km. During a portion of the boost, the flight director display was inoperative, however the pilot continued the planned trajectory referencing the external horizon. Reaction control authority was as predicted and the vehicle recovered in feather experiencing 1.9M and 3.5G’s. Feather oscillations were actively damped by the pilot and the wing was de-feathered starting at 17 km. The onboard avionics was re-booted and a smooth and uneventful landing made to Mojave.
References: 2.
2004 May 17 - 18:13 GMT - Launch Site: Black Rock Desert. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: GoFast. - GoFast test Nation: USA. Agency: CSXT. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi). First civilian rocket, built by volunteers, to reach outer space. Launched from Black Rock Desert, Nevada - Latitude: 41.00 N - Longitude: 119.00 W. The payload was recovered the next day and the data download showed the rocket had reached 124 km alitutde and a maximum velocity of mach 5.5.
References: 2.
2004 May 19 - - Hayabusa (MUSES-C), Earth Gravity Assist, Successful Nation: Japan. Spacecraft: Hayabusa.
2004 May 19 - 22:22 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC36B. Launch Pad: SLC36B. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas IIAS. LV Configuration: Atlas IIAS AC-166. - AMC-11 (GE-11) Nation: USA. Program: Americom. Mass: 2,316 kg (5,105 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: AS 2100. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Commercial Space. Agency: SES Americom. Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. COSPAR: 2004-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 28252. Delayed from May 17. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 131.04W drifting at 0.000E degrees per day. References: 2.
2004 May 20 - 17:47 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576E. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Taurus. Model: Taurus 3210. LV Configuration: Taurus 3210 T7 (XL). -
 ROCSAT 2 Nation: Taiwan. Payload: LeoStar 500XO. Mass: 760 kg (1,670 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Civilian. Spacecraft: ROCSAT. Manufacturer: EADS Astrium. Agency: NSPO (Taiwan). Perigee: 887 km (551 mi). Apogee: 891 km (553 mi). Inclination: 99.10 deg. Period: 102.80 min. COSPAR: 2004-018A. USAF Sat Cat: 28254. Delayed from October, November 25, 2003; January 17, February 26, April 9 and 22, May 17, 2004. References: 2.
2004 May 25 - 12:34 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz-U. LV Configuration: Soyuz-U D15000-684. - Progress M-49 Nation: Russia. Program: ISS. Payload: Progress M s/n 249. Mass: 7,283 kg (16,056 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Logistics. Spacecraft: Progress M. Manufacturer: Energia. Agency: Rosaviakosmos. Perigee: 359 km (223 mi). Apogee: 367 km (228 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 91.80 min. COSPAR: 2004-019A. USAF Sat Cat: 28261. Duration: 66.00 days. Decay Date: 2004-07-30. Flight: ISS EO-9. Docked at the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station on 27 May at 13:55 GMT. Delivered two and a half tons of food, water, fuel, spare parts and supplies. Progress M-49 undocked from the Zvezda module on 30 July 2004 at 7:05 GMT, after having been filled with a tonne of trash. Fincke filmed its departure, and Station exterior cameras captured rare footage of the Progress' fiery re-entry into Earth's atmosphere after it was deorbited.
References: 2.
2004 May 28 - 06:00 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/20. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. - Cosmos 2405 Nation: Russia. Program: EORSAT. Mass: 3,150 kg (6,940 lb). Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: US-PU. Manufacturer: KB Arsenal. Agency: Russian Navy. Perigee: 405 km (251 mi). Apogee: 417 km (259 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 92.80 min. COSPAR: 2004-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 28350. Original reported name Cosmos 2407. References: 2.
2004 May 29 - Launch Site: Tilla. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ghauri. -
 Ghauri test Nation: Pakistan. Agency: Pakistan. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
2004 June 1 - 07:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.209UG. - ISIS (Cyg Loop) Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
2004 June 1 - 22:01 GMT - Launch Site: Bay of Biscay Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 47.5 N x 4.5 W. Launch Vehicle: MSBS. Model: MSBS M45. LV Configuration: MSBS M45 5. -
 ME-34 Teutates test Nation: France. Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Launched from Zone de lancement SNLE, Golfe de Gascogne, Bretagne - Latitude: 47.50 N - Longitude: 4.50 W. References: 2.
2004 June 4 - Launch Site: Tilla. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ghauri. - Test mission Nation: Pakistan. Agency: Pakistan. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2.
2004 June 9 - 10:35 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Orion. LV Configuration: Orion NASA 30.60NO. - Student rocket Education mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 43 km (26 mi). References: 2.
2004 June 10 - 01:28 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-2. LV Configuration: Zenit-2 1-95. - Cosmos 2406 Nation: Russia. Mass: 3,200 kg (7,000 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-2. Manufacturer: NPO Yuzhnoye. Agency: VKA. Perigee: 846 km (525 mi). Apogee: 866 km (538 mi). Inclination: 71.00 deg. Period: 102.10 min. COSPAR: 2004-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 28352. Delayed from February 17 and 18; March 17 and 31; April 6, 25 and 26. References: 2.
2004 June 11 - - Cassini, Phoebe Flyby, Successful Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Cassini.
2004 June 16 - 22:27 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC200/39. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-M/Briz-M. LV Configuration: Proton-M/Briz-M 535-06. - Intelsat 10-02 Nation: USA. Program: Intelsat. Payload: Eurostar 3000H. Mass: 5,575 kg (12,290 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000. Manufacturer: EADS Astrium. Agency: Intelsat. Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,803 km (22,246 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2004-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 28358. Heaviest single payload to geosynchronous transfer orbit to that date. Delayed from late 2003, June 10 and 15, 2004. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 0.99W drifting at 0.002W degrees per day. References: 2.
2004 June 21 - 14:50 GMT - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: RW12/30. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tier One. LV Configuration: Spaceship One 60L/15P. - SpaceShipOne Flight 15P - First Private Manned Spaceflight Nation: USA. Agency: Scaled. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). White Knight/SpaceShipOne Flight 60L / 15P. First private manned spaceflight. A control system failure during ascent caused 90 degree rolls to left and right. This led to spacecraft not reaching the planned altitude and re-entering 35 km away from the intended point. Nevertheless pilot Melvill took SpaceShipOne just over 100 km, thereby becoming the first private citizen, third person born in Africa, second person born in South Africa, and oldest pilot in command to reach outer space.
References: 2.
2004 June 23 - 08:32 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF10. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 GT185GM. - GT185GM Functional Dependency gate operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Missile Test Flight. Delayed from February. References: 2.
2004 June 23 - 22:54 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: SLC17B. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7925-9.5. LV Configuration: Delta 7925-9.5 D305. - USA 178 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS 2R-12 / Navstar 55. Mass: 2,032 kg (4,479 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 2R. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 20,090 km (12,480 mi). Apogee: 20,273 km (12,597 mi). Inclination: 55.10 deg. Period: 717.90 min. COSPAR: 2004-023A. USAF Sat Cat: 28361. Delayed from February 17. Delayed from June 5, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20 and 21. Moved up from July 20. References: 2.
2004 June 24 - 21:57 GMT - - EVA ISS EO-9-1 Nation: USA. Program: ISS. Crew: Fincke, Padalka. Flight: ISS EO-9. EVA Duration: 0.0097 days. The astronauts exited the station at 21:56 GMT on what was to be a six hour spacewalk to replace a failed gyroscope electronics module. The EVA had already been delayed from 10, then 16 June. The original plan was to use American suits, but a coolant leak in one of those forced the crew to use Russian suits. This in turn meant they would have to exist from the airlock in the station's Russian Pirs module, which in turn extended the distance they would have to travel outside the station to 30 m. Eight minutes after exiting the hatch, a serious leak was detected by Russian ground controllers in Fincke's suit. The crew was called back in and it was planned that the EVA would be repeated six days later.
2004 June 29 - 03:58 GMT - Launch Site: Kiritimati. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 0.0 N x 154.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-3SL. LV Configuration: Zenit-3SL 11. FAILURE: Partial failure - upper stage left satellite stranded in useless orbit. - Apstar 5 Nation: China. Program: Apstar. Payload: Apstar 1R, Telstar 18, LS-1300. Mass: 4,640 kg (10,220 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Manufacturer: Space Systems/Loral. Agency: APT Satellite (China). Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Apogee: 35,799 km (22,244 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 2004-024A. USAF Sat Cat: 28364. Delayed from November 2003, April 28 2004. Partial failure (upper stage). As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 138.01E drifting at 0.009W degrees per day. References: 2.
2004 June 29 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC109. Launch Pad: LC109/95. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: Dnepr. -
 Aprizesat 2 (LatinSat D) Nation: Argentina. Mass: 12 kg (26 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Store-dump. Spacecraft: AprizeSat. Manufacturer: Aprize Satellite. Agency: Aprize Satellite. Perigee: 695 km (431 mi). Apogee: 853 km (530 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 100.30 min. COSPAR: 2004-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 28366. Delayed from March. 31 References: 2.
- Demeter Nation: France. Mass: 125 kg (275 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Seismology. Agency: CNES. Perigee: 695 km (431 mi). Apogee: 723 km (449 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 99.00 min. COSPAR: 2004-025C. USAF Sat Cat: 28368. Demeter studied disturbances of the ionosphere due to seismo electromagnetic effects and human activities (power lines, VLF transmitters, HF broadcasting stations). Study of natural electromagnetic emissions in the ULF/ELF/VLF range related to seismic or volcanic activity could be used to predict earthquatkes or eruptions in advance. Demeter tracked these emissions and other space plasma parameters (ion composition, electron density and temperature, energetic particles). The scientific payload consisted of three electric and three magnetic sensors (covering six components of the electromagnetic field from DC to 3.5 MHz); a Langmuir probe; an ion spectrometer; and an energetic particle analyzer. 8 Gbits of onboard memory recorded the data, which was returned to earth as 18 Mb/s high bit rate telemetry in the X band. The two-year mission was handled from a control center in Toulouse.
References: 2.
-
 Saudicomsat 1 Nation: Saudi Arabia. Mass: 12 kg (26 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: SaudiSat. Manufacturer: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Tech, Riyadh. Agency: Riyadh Space Research Institute (Saudi Arabia). Perigee: 699 km (434 mi). Apogee: 751 km (466 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 99.30 min. COSPAR: 2004-025D. USAF Sat Cat: 28369. Amateur store-forward communications payload. References: 2.
- Saudicomsat 2 Nation: Saudi Arabia. Mass: 12 kg (26 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: SaudiSat. Manufacturer: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Tech, Riyadh. Agency: Riyadh Space Research Institute (Saudi Arabia). Perigee: 698 km (433 mi). Apogee: 783 km (486 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 99.60 min. COSPAR: 2004-025E. USAF Sat Cat: 28370. Amateur store-forward communications payload. References: 2.
- Saudisat 2 Nation: Saudi Arabia. Mass: 35 kg (77 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: SaudiSat. Manufacturer: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Tech, Riyadh. Agency: Riyadh Space Research Institute (Saudi Arabia). Perigee: 698 km (433 mi). Apogee: 736 km (457 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 99.10 min. COSPAR: 2004-025F. USAF Sat Cat: 28371. Experimental technology satellite that included imaging with resolution better than 15 m for remote sensing. References: 2.
- Aprizesat 1 (LatinSat C) Nation: Argentina. Mass: 12 kg (26 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Store-dump. Spacecraft: AprizeSat. Perigee: 698 km (433 mi). Apogee: 767 km (476 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 99.50 min. COSPAR: 2004-025G. USAF Sat Cat: 28372. References: 2.
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 Unisat 3 Nation: Italy. Mass: 12 kg (26 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: UniSat. Agency: La Sapienza. Perigee: 684 km (425 mi). Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 99.80 min. COSPAR: 2004-025H. USAF Sat Cat: 28373. References: 2.
- Amsat Echo Nation: USA. Mass: 12 kg (26 lb). Class: Communications. Agency: AmSat-NA. Perigee: 697 km (433 mi). Apogee: 818 km (508 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 100.00 min. COSPAR: 2004-025K. USAF Sat Cat: 28375. References: 2.
2004 June 29 - 07:25 GMT - Launch Site: Barents Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 69.5 N x 34.2 E. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Shtil. - Operational test Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
2004 June 30 - - Cassini, Saturn Orbit Insertion, Successful Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Cassini.
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