1959 in spaceflight

1959 in spaceflight
Orbital launches
First2 January
Last26 November
Total23
Successes10
Failures11
Partial failures2
Catalogued14
Rockets
Maiden flightsThor-Agena
Atlas-Able
Atlas D (suborbital test)
RetirementsVanguard

Luna 1 was the first spacecraft to leave the gravitational influence of Earth. Also in 1959, Luna 2 was the first spacecraft to reach the surface of another celestial body, impacting the Moon, and Luna 3 returned the first images of the far side of the Moon.

1959 in spaceflight
← 1958
1960 →

Orbital launches

[edit]

January-December

[edit]
January-December launches
Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
2 January
16:41:21 		Soviet UnionLuna 8K72 Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
Soviet UnionMechta (Luna 1/E1-4) MVS Intended: HEO to Lunar impact
Achieved: Heliocentric 		Lunar impactor In orbit Launch failure
Missed Moon due to premature cutoff of upper stage caused by control system malfunction. First spacecraft to be placed in Heliocentric orbit.
17 February
15:55 		United StatesVanguard United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18A United StatesUS Navy
United StatesVanguard 2 (20in Cloud Cover 2)[1] NRL Medium Earth Atmospheric In orbit Partial spacecraft failure
Transmitted data for 19 days, poor quality data returned due to uncontrolled rotation of spacecraft
28 February
21:41:16 		United StatesThor DM-18 Agena-A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-3-4 United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesDiscoverer 1 (KH-1 prototype) CIA DST Low Earth (Polar) Technology 6 March Successful
Maiden flight of Thor-Agena, first spacecraft to be placed in polar orbit
3 March
05:10:56 		United StatesJuno II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-5 United StatesABMA
United StatesPioneer 4 NASA/ABMA Heliocentric Lunar flyby In orbit Partial launch failure
Second stage burned for longer than planned, resulting in more distant flyby than planned[2]
13 April
21:18:39 		United StatesThor DM-18 Agena-A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-3-4 United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesDiscoverer 2 (KH-1 prototype) CIA DST Low Earth Technology 26 April Partial spacecraft failure
Capsule recovery failed due to timer error. May have been recovered by the Soviet Union, inspiring plot of 1963 Alistair MacLean novel Ice Station Zebra
14 April
02:49:46 		United StatesVanguard United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18A United StatesUS Navy
United States20in Radiation Balance 1[1] NRL Intended: Medium Earth Radiation 14 April Launch failure
United StatesVanguard Balloon[1] NRL Intended: Medium Earth Air density
Second stage damaged during separation, failed to reach orbit, first launch of multiple satellites on a single rocket
3 June
20:09:20 		United StatesThor DM-18 Agena-A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-3-4 United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesDiscoverer 3 (KH-1 Prototype) CIA DST Intended: Low Earth Technology 3 June Launch failure
Loss of signal after upper stage ignition
18 June
08:08 		Soviet UnionLuna 8K72 Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
Soviet UnionLuna E-1A No.1 MVS Intended: Heliocentric Lunar impactor 18 June Launch failure
Internal guidance system failed 153 seconds after launch
22 June
20:16:09 		United StatesVanguard United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18A United StatesUS Navy
United States20in Radiation Balance[1] NRL Intended: Medium Earth Radiation 22 June Launch failure
Second stage propulsion system malfunctioned, failed to reach orbit
25 June
22:47:45 		United StatesThor DM-18 Agena-A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-3-5 United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesDiscoverer 4 (KH-1) 9001 CIA DST Intended: Low Earth Optical imaging 25 June Launch failure
Upper stage underperformed, failed to reach orbit
16 July
17:37:03 		United StatesJuno II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-5 United StatesABMA
United StatesExplorer S-1 NASA Intended: Low Earth Scientific +5.5 seconds Launch failure
Destroyed by range safety after rocket went out of control
7 August
14:24:20 		United StatesThor DM-18 Able-III United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesExplorer 6 US Air Force Highly elliptical Radiation
Imaging		 30 June 1961 Successful
13 August
19:00:08 		United StatesThor DM-18 Agena-A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-3-4 United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesDiscoverer 5 (KH-1 9002) CIA DST Low Earth Optical imaging 11 February 1961 Spacecraft failure
Electrical system malfunction. Deorbit burn conducted in incorrect direction, raising orbit
15 August
00:31:00 		United StatesJuno II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26B United StatesABMA
United StatesBeacon 2 NASA/US Army Intended: Low Earth Technology 15 August Launch failure
Premature cutoff of first stage, failed to reach orbit
19 August
19:24:44 		United StatesThor DM-18 Agena-A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-3-5 United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesDiscoverer 6 (KH-1 9003) CIA DST Low Earth Optical imaging 20 October Spacecraft failure
Retrorocket malfunctioned
12 September
06:39:42 		Soviet UnionLuna 8K72 Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
Soviet UnionLuna 2 (E-1A-2) MVS Heliocentric Lunar impactor 14 September
22:02		 Successful
First spacecraft to reach the surface of the Moon
17 September
14:34 		United StatesThor DM-18 Able-II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesTransit 1A US Air Force Intended: Low Earth Navigation
Technology		 17 September Launch failure
Third stage malfunctioned
18 September
05:20:07 		United StatesVanguard/Altair United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18A United StatesUS Navy
United StatesVanguard 3 (20in MXE)[1] NRL Medium Earth Scientific In orbit Partial launch failure
Final flight of Vanguard rocket, satellite failed to separate from carrier rocket, otherwise successful, spacecraft operated until 11 December
4 October
00:43:39 		Soviet UnionLuna 8K72 Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
Soviet UnionLuna 3 (E-2A-1) MVS High Earth Lunar flyby 29 April 1960 Successful
Placed on a circumlunar trajectory, returned first images of the far side of the Moon
13 October
15:30:04 		United StatesJuno II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-5 United StatesABMA
United StatesExplorer 7 (S-1A) NASA Low Earth Scientific In orbit Successful
Broadcast data until 24 August 1961
7 November
20:28:41 		United StatesThor DM-18 Agena-A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-3-4 United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesDiscoverer 7 (KH-1 9004) CIA DST Low Earth Optical imaging 26 November Spacecraft failure
Satellite tumbled out of control
20 November
19:25:24 		United StatesThor DM-18 Agena-A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-3-5 United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesDiscoverer 8 (KH-1 9005) CIA DST Low Earth Optical imaging 8 March 1960 Launch failure
Inserted into useless orbit with greater eccentricity than planned
26 November
07:26 		United StatesAtlas-Able United StatesCape Canaveral LC-14 United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesPioneer P-3 NASA Intended: Selenocentric Lunar orbiter +45 seconds Launch failure
Payload fairing separated prematurely, rocket disintegrated

Suborbital launches

[edit]

January

[edit]
January launches
Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
10 January
11:00 		Soviet UnionA-1 Soviet UnionOstrov Kheysa Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Ionospheric
Aeronomy		 10 January Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
16 January
04:00 		United StatesSM-65B Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-14 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 16 January Launch failure
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
19 January
15:42 		United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 19 January Launch failure
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
22 January
00:10 		United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-5 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 22 January Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
23 January United StatesThor DM-18 Able-II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesRVX-1 US Air Force Suborbital REV test 23 January Launch failure
27 January
17:00 		FranceDaniel FranceCERES FranceONERA
ONERA Suborbital Aeronomy 27 January Successful
Apogee: 127 kilometres (79 mi)
27 January
23:34 		United StatesSM-65C Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-12 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 27 January Successful
Apogee: 990 kilometres (620 mi)
28 January United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWallops Island United StatesARPA
United StatesBeacon Test 4 ARPA/NASA Suborbital Technology 28 January Successful
Apogee: 122 kilometres (76 mi)
30 January
22:53 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 30 January Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)

February

[edit]
February launches
Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
4 February
08:01 		United StatesSM-65B Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-11 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 4 February Successful
Apogee: 990 kilometres (620 mi), final flight of Atlas B
5 February
14:45 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 5 February Successful
Apogee: 212 kilometres (132 mi)
6 February
21:22 		United StatesHGM-25A Titan I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-15 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 6 February Successful
Maiden flight of Titan I, battleship second stage, apogee: 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
20 February
05:38 		United StatesSM-65C Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-12 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 20 February Launch failure
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
25 February
19:45 		United StatesHGM-25A Titan I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-15 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 25 February Successful
Battleship second stage, apogee: 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
27 February
15:44 		United StatesAerobee United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Solar 27 February Successful
Apogee: 210 kilometres (130 mi)
27 February
19:16 		United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 27 February Launch failure
Apogee: 2 kilometres (1.2 mi)
27 February
23:50 		United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 28 February Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
28 February
07:58 		United StatesThor DM-18 Able-II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesRVX-1 US Air Force Suborbital REV test 28 February Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)

March

[edit]
March launches
Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
3 March United StatesTrailblazer 1 United StatesWallops Island United StatesNASA
NASA Suborbital REV test 3 March Successful
Apogee: 260 kilometres (160 mi)
4 March
11:14 		United KingdomSkylark-2 AustraliaWoomera LA-2 United KingdomRAE
RAE
UCL
Queen's 		Suborbital Aeronomy 4 March Launch failure
Apogee: 30 kilometres (19 mi)
7 March
19:34 		FranceVéronique FranceHammaguir Blandine FranceCASDN
CASDN Suborbital Aeronomy 7 March Launch failure
Apogee: 35 kilometres (22 mi), released sodium
10 March
18:40 		FranceVéronique FranceHammaguir Blandine FranceCASDN
CASDN Suborbital Aeronomy 10 March Successful
Apogee: 124 kilometres (77 mi), released sodium
12 March
05:44 		FranceVéronique FranceHammaguir Blandine FranceCASDN
CASDN Suborbital Aeronomy 12 March Successful
Apogee: 174 kilometres (108 mi), released sodium
12 March
10:50 		United KingdomBlack Knight 201 AustraliaWoomera LA-5A United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Test flight 12 March Successful
Apogee: 537 kilometres (334 mi)
12 March
15:44 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 12 March Successful
Apogee: 210 kilometres (130 mi)
13 March
13:50 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesWhite Sands LC-35 United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital 13 March Successful
Apogee: 170 kilometres (110 mi)
17 March
01:46 		Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 17 March Successful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
17 March United StatesHonest John-Nike-Nike-20"SM United StatesWallops Island United StatesNASA
NASA Suborbital Test flight 17 March Successful
Apogee: 1,380 kilometres (860 mi)
19 March
00:59 		United StatesSM-65C Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-12 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 19 March Launch failure
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
21 March
06:19 		United StatesThor DM-18 Able-II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesRVX-1 US Air Force Suborbital REV test 21 March Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
22 March
00:58 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 22 March Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
25 March
05:25 		Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 25 March Successful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
27 March
04:02 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 27 March Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
30 March
15:01 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 30 March Successful
Apogee: 201 kilometres (125 mi)
30 March
16:45 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesWhite Sands LC-35 United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital 30 March Successful
Apogee: 238 kilometres (148 mi)
30 March
22:53 		Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 30 March Launch failure
Apogee: 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
30 March Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 30 March Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)

April

[edit]
April launches
Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
3 April
17:11 		United StatesHGM-25A Titan I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-15 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 3 April Successful
Battleship second stage, apogee: 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
4 April
00:34 		United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 4 April Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
4 April United StatesWS-199B Bold Orion II United StatesB-47, Cape Canaveral United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 4 April Successful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
7 April
14:46 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesWhite Sands LC-35 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 7 April Launch failure
Apogee: 317 kilometres (197 mi)
8 April
06:35 		United StatesThor DM-18 Able-II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesRVX-1 US Air Force Suborbital REV test 8 April Successful
Apogee: 1,230 kilometres (760 mi)
11 April Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 11 April Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
14 April
21:46 		United StatesSM-65D Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-13 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 14 April Launch failure
Apogee: 1 kilometre (0.62 mi)
14 April Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 14 April Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
15 April
14:46 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 15 April Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
16 April
20:46 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-2-8 United KingdomRoyal Air Force
Royal Air Force Suborbital Missile test 16 April Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
20 April
15:30 		United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 20 April Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
21 April
01:05 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 21 April Successful
Apogee: 235 kilometres (146 mi)
22 April
19:29 		United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesHolloman United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Ionospheric 22 April Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
23 April
05:30 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 23 April Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
25 April
05:00 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 25 April Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
29 April Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 29 April Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)

May

[edit]
May launches
Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
1 May United StatesTerrier-ASROC-Cajun United StatesPoint Arguello United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Test flight 1 May Launch failure
2 May FranceOPd-56-39-22D (Antares) FranceCERES FranceONERA
ONERA Suborbital REV test 2 May Successful
Apogee: 150 kilometres (93 mi)
4 May
18:30 		United StatesHGM-25A Titan I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-15 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 4 May Successful
Battleship second stage, apogee: 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
5 May
01:45 		United StatesAerobee AJ10-34 United StatesWhite Sands LC-35 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy 5 May Successful
Apogee: 113 kilometres (70 mi)
7 May
01:47 		United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 7 May Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
8 May
19:28 		United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 8 May Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
9 May
18:59 		Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 9 May Launch failure
Apogee: 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
12 May
11:39 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 12 May Successful
Apogee: 145 kilometres (90 mi)
12 May
17:35 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 12 May Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
12 May Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 12 May Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
14 May
05:52 		United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-5 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 14 May Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
14 May Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 14 May Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
15 May
22:10 		United StatesArcon United StatesWallops Island United StatesNASA
NASA Suborbital Test flight 15 May Launch failure
Apogee: 1 kilometre (0.62 mi)
15 May Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 15 May Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
18 May
23:16 		United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 18 May Launch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
19 May
04:30 		United StatesSM-65D Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-14 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 19 May Launch failure
Apogee: 1 kilometre (0.62 mi)
21 May
06:40 		United StatesThor DM-18 Able-II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesRVX-1 US Air Force Suborbital REV test 21 May Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
22 May
11:15 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 22 May Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
23 May
02:42 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 23 May Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
27 May
04:51 		United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWhite Sands United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy 27 May Successful
Apogee: 169 kilometres (105 mi)
27 May
19:55 		United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWhite Sands United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy 27 May Successful
Apogee: 177 kilometres (110 mi)
28 May
07:35:02 		United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26B United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesBioflight 2 US Air Force Suborbital Biological
Missile test		 28 May Successful
Apogee: 483 kilometres (300 mi)
30 May
21:42 		Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 30 May Launch failure
Apogee: 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
30 May Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 30 May Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
May AustraliaLong Tom AustraliaWoomera LA-2 AustraliaWRE
WRE Suborbital Aeronomy   Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)

June

[edit]
June launches
Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
2 June Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 2 June Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
5 June
04:15 		United StatesTrailblazer 1 United StatesWallops Island United StatesNASA
NASA Suborbital REV test 6 June Successful
Apogee: 260 kilometres (160 mi)
6 June
17:39 		United StatesSM-65D Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-13 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 6 June Launch failure
Apogee: 80 kilometres (50 mi)
8 June United StatesWS-199B Bold Orion I United StatesB-47, Cape Canaveral United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 8 June Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
9 June
20:34 		Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 9 June Launch failure
Apogee: 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
10 June
16:40 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 10 June Successful
Apogee: 225 kilometres (140 mi)
11 June
06:44 		United StatesThor DM-18 Able-II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesRVX-1 US Air Force Suborbital REV test 11 June Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
11 June
13:03 		United KingdomBlack Knight 201 AustraliaWoomera LA-5A United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Test flight 11 June Successful
Apogee: 803 kilometres (499 mi)
12 June
18:57 		United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 12 June Launch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
15 June Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 15 June Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
16 June
21:45 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-2-7 United KingdomRoyal Air Force
Royal Air Force Suborbital Missile test 16 June Launch failure
Guidance system failed to engage as remove before flight safety wires had not been removed. Vehicle ascended vertically before being destroyed by range safety.[3]
17 June Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 17 June Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
19 June United StatesWS-199B Bold Orion I United StatesB-47, Cape Canaveral United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 19 June Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
21 June Soviet UnionR-5V Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital Solar 21 June Successful
Apogee: 400 kilometres (250 mi)
22 June
14:32 		United StatesAerobee United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Solar 22 June Successful
Apogee: 110 kilometres (68 mi)
23 June
01:26 		United KingdomSkylark-1 AustraliaWoomera LA-2 United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Test flight 23 June Launch failure
Apogee: 91 kilometres (57 mi)
24 June
12:10 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 24 June Successful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
26 June United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 26 June Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
26 June United StatesTerrier-ASROC-Cajun United StatesPoint Arguello United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital 26 June Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
29 June
11:33 		United KingdomBlack Knight 201 AustraliaWoomera LA-5A United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Test flight 29 June Successful
Apogee: 442 kilometres (275 mi)
30 June
02:37 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 30 June Successful
Apogee: 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
29 June
15:42 		United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 29 June Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
June Soviet UnionR-13 Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionVMF
VMF Suborbital Missile test   Successful
Apogee: 150 kilometres (93 mi)

July

[edit]
July launches
Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
2 July
06:40 		East GermanySoviet UnionR-2 Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital 2 July Successful
Apogee: 220 kilometres (140 mi)
7 July
11:15 		United StatesJavelin United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
AFSWC Suborbital Test flight 7 July Successful
Apogee: 1,045 kilometres (649 mi)
10 July
01:01 		United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 10 July Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
10 July
04:47 		East GermanySoviet UnionR-2 Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital 10 July Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
14 July
03:40 		East GermanySoviet UnionR-2 Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital 14 July Successful
Apogee: 203 kilometres (126 mi)
14 July
17:45 		United StatesNike-Asp United StatesPoint Arguello LC-A United StatesUS Navy
NASA Suborbital Solar 14 July Successful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
15 July
16:59 		United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 15 July Launch failure
Apogee: 2 kilometres (1.2 mi)
17 July
17:40 		United StatesNike-Asp United StatesPoint Arguello LC-A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital 17 July Launch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
18 July
18:15 		Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 18 July Successful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
20 July Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 20 July Successful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
21 July
02:00 		Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital 21 July Successful
Apogee: 105 kilometres (65 mi)
21 July
05:22 		United StatesSM-65C Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-12 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 21 July Successful
Apogee: 900 kilometres (560 mi)
21 July
07:33 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 21 July Launch failure
Apogee: 1 kilometre (0.62 mi)
21 July
14:00 		United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesWhite Sands LC-35 United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital 21 July Successful
Apogee: 197 kilometres (122 mi)
21 July
14:00 		Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital 21 July Successful
Apogee: 105 kilometres (65 mi)
21 July East GermanySoviet UnionR-2 Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital 21 July Successful
Apogee: 105 kilometres (65 mi)
21 July United StatesJavelin United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
AFSWC Suborbital Test flight 21 July Launch failure
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
22 July
01:14 		Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital 22 July Successful
Apogee: 211 kilometres (131 mi)
24 July
12:47 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 24 July Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
24 July
16:34 		United StatesNike-Asp United StatesPoint Arguello LC-A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Solar 24 July Successful
Apogee: 227 kilometres (141 mi)
24 July Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 24 July Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
25 July Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 25 July Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
26 July Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 26 July Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
28 July Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 28 July Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
29 July
04:10 		United StatesSM-65D Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-11 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 29 July Successful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
30 July
04:00 		Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 30 July Successful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
31 July Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 31 July Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)

August

[edit]
August launches
Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
3 August
21:41 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-1-1 United KingdomRoyal Air Force
Royal Air Force Suborbital Missile test 3 August Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
6 August
02:48 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 6 August Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
6 August United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 6 August Launch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
7 August
17:05 		United StatesNike-Asp United StatesPoint Arguello LC-A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Solar 7 August Successful
Apogee: 225 kilometres (140 mi)
7 August Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 7 August Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
7 August United StatesArcon United StatesWallops Island United StatesNASA
NASA Suborbital Test flight 7 August Launch failure
Apogee: 20 kilometres (12 mi)
7 August United StatesArcon United StatesWallops Island United StatesNASA
NASA Suborbital Test flight 7 August Launch failure
Apogee: 50 kilometres (31 mi)
7 August United StatesArcon United StatesWallops Island United StatesNASA
NASA Suborbital Test flight 7 August Launch failure
Apogee: 104 kilometres (65 mi)
11 August
18:01 		United StatesSM-65D Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-13 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 11 August Successful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
12 August United StatesTerrier-ASROC-Cajun United StatesPoint Arguello United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital 12 August Launch failure
13 August
23:14 		Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 13 August Successful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
13 August Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test 13 August Launch failure
14 August
09:00 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 14 August Successful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
14 August
16:00 		United StatesHGM-25A Titan I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-19 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test +0 seconds Launch failure
First all-up test of Titan I, hold-down bolts released prematurely, rocket exploded on launch pad[4]
14 August
16:00 		United StatesNike-Asp United StatesPoint Arguello LC-A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Solar 14 August Successful
Apogee: 237 kilometres (147 mi)
14 August
19:30 		United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25B United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 14 August Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
14 August
19:36:04 		United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-2-6 United KingdomRoyal Air Force
Royal Air Force Suborbital Missile test 14 August Launch failure
17 August
09:18 		United StatesNike-Asp United StatesWallops Island United StatesNASA
US Navy Suborbital Aeronomy 17 A