1959 in spaceflight (July-December)

Last updated

This article lists orbital and suborbital launches during the second half of the year 1959.

Contents

For all other spaceflight activities, see 1959 in spaceflight. For launches in the first half of 1959 see List of spaceflight launches in January–June 1959. [1] [2]

Orbital launches

Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload
(⚀ = CubeSat)
Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC)Outcome
Remarks

July

16 July
17:37:03
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Juno II AM-16 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-5 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg ABMA
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Explorer S-1 NASAIntended: Low EarthScientific+5.5 secondsLaunch failure
Destroyed by range safety after rocket went out of control.

August

7 August
14:24:20
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Thor DM-18 Able-III Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-17A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Explorer 6 US Air Force Highly elliptical Radiation
Imaging
30 June 1961Successful
13 August
19:00:08
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Thor DM-18 Agena-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-3-4 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Discoverer 5 (KH-1 2/9002)CIA DSTLow EarthOptical imaging11 February 1961Spacecraft failure
Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg SRV 111 CIA DSTLow EarthTechnology 
Electrical system malfunction. Deorbit burn conducted in incorrect direction, raising orbit.
15 August
00:31:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Juno IIAM-19B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-26B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg ABMA
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Beacon 2 NASA/US Army Intended: Low EarthTechnology15 AugustLaunch failure
Premature cutoff of first stage, failed to reach orbit.
19 August
19:24:44
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Thor DM-18 Agena-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-3-5 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Discoverer 6 (KH-1 3/9003)CIA DSTLow EarthOptical imaging20 OctoberSpacecraft failure
Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg SRV 105 CIA DSTLow EarthTechnology 
Retrorocket malfunctioned.

September

12 September
06:39:42
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Luna (8K72)I1-7B Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Luna 2 (Ye-1A №6)MVSHeliocentricLunar impactor14 September
22:02
Successful
First spacecraft to reach the surface of the Moon.
17 September
14:34
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Thor DM-18 Able-II Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-17A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Transit 1A US Air ForceIntended: Low EarthNavigation
Technology
17 SeptemberLaunch failure
Third stage malfunctioned.
18 September
05:20:07
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vanguard / Altair SLV-7 (TV-4BU) Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vanguard 3 (Magne-Ray Satellite) [3] NRLMedium EarthScientificIn orbitPartial launch failure
Final flight of Vanguard rocket, satellite failed to separate from carrier rocket, otherwise successful, spacecraft operated until 11 December.
24 September Flag of the United States.svg Atlas-C Able Flag of the United States.svg Cape Canaveral LC-14 Flag of the United States.svg US Air Force
Flag of the United States.svg Pioneer P-1 NASA Planned: Selenocentric Lunar Orbiter N/ADestroyed prior to launch
Destroyed prior to launch.

October

4 October
00:43:39
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Luna (8K72)I1-8 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Luna 3 (Ye-2A №1)MVS High Earth Lunar flyby29 April 1960Successful
Placed on a circumlunar trajectory, returned first images of the far side of the Moon.
13 October
15:30:04
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Juno IIAM-19A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-5 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg ABMA
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Explorer 7 (S-1A)NASALow EarthScientificIn orbitSuccessful
Broadcast data until 24 August 1961.

November

7 November
20:28:41
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Thor DM-18 Agena-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-3-4 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Discoverer 7 (KH-1 4/9004)CIA DSTLow EarthOptical imaging26 NovemberSpacecraft failure
Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg SRV 109 CIA DSTLow EarthTechnology 
Satellite tumbled out of control.
20 November
19:25:24
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Thor DM-18 Agena-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-3-5 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Discoverer 8 (KH-1 5/9005)CIA DSTLow EarthOptical imaging8 March 1960Launch failure
Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg SRV 107 CIA DSTLow EarthTechnology8 March 1960Launch failure
Inserted into useless orbit with greater eccentricity than planned.
26 November
07:26
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Atlas-D Able Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-14 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Pioneer P-3 NASAIntended: SelenocentricLunar orbiter+45 secondsLaunch failure
Payload fairing separated prematurely, rocket disintegrated.

Suborbital flights

Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload
(⚀ = CubeSat)
Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC)Outcome
Remarks
2 July
06:40
Flag of East Germany.svg Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-2 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbital2 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 220 kilometres (140 mi)
7 July
11:15
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Javelin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
AFSWC SuborbitalTest flight7 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 1,045 kilometres (649 mi)
10 July
01:01
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-19 Jupiter Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-26B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test10 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
10 July
04:47
Flag of East Germany.svg Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-2 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbital10 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
14 July
03:40
Flag of East Germany.svg Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-2 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbital14 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 203 kilometres (126 mi)
14 July
17:45
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
NASASuborbitalSolar14 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
15 July
16:59
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris AX Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-25A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test15 JulyLaunch failure
Apogee: 2 kilometres (1.2 mi)
17 July
17:40
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbital17 JulyLaunch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
18 July
18:15
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-7 Semyorka Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test18 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
20 July Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-11A Zemlya Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg AN
ANSuborbital20 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
21 July
02:00
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-11A Zemlya Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbital21 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 105 kilometres (65 mi)
21 July
05:22
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65C Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-12 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test21 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 900 kilometres (560 mi)
21 July
07:33
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-17B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test21 JulyLaunch failure
Apogee: 1 kilometre (0.62 mi)
21 July
14:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-150 (Hi) Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands LC-35 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
NRLSuborbital21 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 197 kilometres (122 mi)
21 July
14:00
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-11A Zemlya Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbital21 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 105 kilometres (65 mi)
21 July Flag of East Germany.svg Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-2 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbital21 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 105 kilometres (65 mi)
21 July Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Javelin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
AFSWCSuborbitalTest flight21 JulyLaunch failure
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
22 July
01:14
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-11A Zemlya Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbital22 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 211 kilometres (131 mi)
24 July
12:47
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-18B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test24 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
24 July
16:34
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalSolar24 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 227 kilometres (141 mi)
24 July Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test24 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
25 July Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test25 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
26 July Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test26 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
28 July Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test28 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
29 July
04:10
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-11 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test29 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
30 July
04:00
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-7 Semyorka Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test30 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
31 July Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test31 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
3 August
21:41
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-1-1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Royal Air Force
Royal Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test3 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
6 August
02:48
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-17B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test6 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
6 August Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris AX Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-25A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test6 AugustLaunch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
7 August
17:05
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalSolar7 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 225 kilometres (140 mi)
7 August Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test7 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
7 August Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Arcon Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbitalTest flight7 AugustLaunch failure
Apogee: 20 kilometres (12 mi)
7 August Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Arcon Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbitalTest flight7 AugustLaunch failure
Apogee: 50 kilometres (31 mi)
7 August Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Arcon Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbitalTest flight7 AugustLaunch failure
Apogee: 104 kilometres (65 mi)
11 August
18:01
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-13 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test11 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
12 August Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Terrier-ASROC-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbital12 AugustLaunch failure
13 August
23:14
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-7 Semyorka Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test13 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
13 August Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test13 AugustLaunch failure
14 August
09:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-18B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test14 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
14 August
16:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg HGM-25A Titan I Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-19 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test+0 secondsLaunch failure
First all-up test of Titan I, hold-down bolts released prematurely, rocket exploded on launch pad [4]
14 August
16:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalSolar14 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 237 kilometres (147 mi)
14 August
19:30
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris AX Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-25B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test14 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
14 August
19:36:04
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-2-6 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Royal Air Force
Royal Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test14 AugustLaunch failure
17 August
09:18
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
US NavySuborbitalAeronomy17 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 236 kilometres (147 mi), released sodium
19 August
00:20
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Skylark-2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Woomera LA-2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg RAE
UCLSuborbitalIonospheric19 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 144 kilometres (89 mi)
19 August
00:34
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbitalAeronomy19 AugustLaunch failure
Apogee: 30 kilometres (19 mi), released sodium
22 August
00:45
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-150 (Hi) Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands LC-35 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbital22 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 230 kilometres (140 mi)
22 August
02:30
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalSolar22 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
24 August
15:33
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65C Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-12 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test24 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 1,400 kilometres (870 mi)
24 August
22:47
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbital24 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
25 August Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris AX Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-25A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test25 AugustLaunch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
26 August
17:35
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Zeus A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands LC-38 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Army
US ArmySuborbitalTest flight26 AugustLaunch failure
26 August Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test26 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
27 August
01:30
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-19 Jupiter Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-5 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
27 August
16:57
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris AX Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg USNS Observation Island, ETR Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
28 August
16:10
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalSolar28 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 214 kilometres (133 mi)
27 August
12:30
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-17B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
28 August
18:45
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-150 (Hi) Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands LC-35 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbital28 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 235 kilometres (146 mi)
28 August Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test28 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
31 August
22:53
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Sunflare II US NavySuborbitalSolar31 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
1 September
01:01
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalSolar1 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
1 September
19:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbital1 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 210 kilometres (130 mi)
2 September
00:03
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello LC-A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalSolar2 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
2 September Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test2 SeptemberLaunch failure
5 September
15:27
Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Black Brant I Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg CARDE
CARDESuborbitalTest flight5 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), maiden flight of Black Brant
5 September Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test5 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
8 September
15:14
Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Black Brant I Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg CARDE
CARDESuborbitalTest flight8 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 130 kilometres (81 mi)
9 September
08:19
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-14 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Big Joe 1 NASASuborbitalTest flight08:32Partial launch failure
Apogee: 153 kilometres (95 mi), Boilerplate Mercury test, booster engines failed to separate, spacecraft recovered
9 September
17:50:42
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-576A-2 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SAC
SACSuborbitalMissile test9 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
10 September
21:48
Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Black Brant I Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg CARDE
CARDESuborbitalTest flight10 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 127 kilometres (79 mi)
11 September
19:12
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-150 (Hi) Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbital11 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 227 kilometres (141 mi)
12 September Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-18B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test12 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
14 September
17:27
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-150 (Hi) Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbital14 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 218 kilometres (135 mi)
15 September
21:45
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-19 Jupiter Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-26B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Bioflight 3 US Air ForceSuborbitalBiological
Missile test
15 SeptemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
15 September Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test15 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
15 September Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands LC-35 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalTest flight15 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
17 September
00:12
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Skylark-2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Woomera LA-2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg RAE
Birmingham
UCL
SuborbitalIonospheric
Solar
17 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 132 kilometres (82 mi)
17 September
02:09
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-13 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test17 SeptemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
17 September
18:37
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-150 (Hi) Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg DRTE.01 NASASuborbitalIonospheric17 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 256 kilometres (159 mi)
17 September
21:09
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-1-2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Royal Air Force
Royal Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test17 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
18 September
16:02
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-7 Semyorka Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test18 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
18 September
16:55
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy18 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
20 September
17:35
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-150 (Hi) Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg DRTE.02 NASASuborbitalIonospheric20 SeptemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
21 September Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris A1 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-29A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test21 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
22 September
18:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-17B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test22 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
22 September Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-100 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands LC-35 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalTest flight22 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 110 kilometres (68 mi)
24 September
00:29
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Skylark-2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Woomera LA-2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg RAE
Birmingham
UCL
SuborbitalIonospheric24 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 158 kilometres (98 mi)
25 September Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test25 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
28 September Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test28 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
28 September Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris AX Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-25A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test28 SeptemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
29 September
10:59
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy29 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 124 kilometres (77 mi)
30 September
10:57
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy30 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 122 kilometres (76 mi)
30 September Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Terrier-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Point Arguello Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbital30 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
1 October
01:28
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-19 Jupiter Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-6 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test1 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
1 October
10:49
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy1 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 138 kilometres (86 mi)
2 October
11:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy2 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 143 kilometres (89 mi)
2 October
18:11
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris AX Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-25A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test2 OctoberLaunch failure
Apogee: 2 kilometres (1.2 mi)
3 October
11:03
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy3 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 122 kilometres (76 mi)
5 October
11:01
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy5 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 127 kilometres (79 mi)
6 October
05:55
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-11 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test6 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
6 October
16:41
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-18B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test6 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
6 October
18:26
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-2-8 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Royal Air Force
Royal Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test6 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
8 October Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test8 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
9 October
08:40
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy9 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 143 kilometres (89 mi)
9 October
11:17
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy9 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 143 kilometres (89 mi)
9 October Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test9 OctoberLaunch failure
9 October Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test9 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
10 October
03:10
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-13 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test10 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
10 October
12:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee AJ10-34 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands LC-35 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMeteorite research10 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 111 kilometres (69 mi)
12 October
09:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy12 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 123 kilometres (76 mi)
12 October
10:12
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy12 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 123 kilometres (76 mi)
12 October
18:18
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris A1 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-29A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test12 OctoberLaunch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
13 October
11:17
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy13 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 116 kilometres (72 mi)
13 October Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg WS-199B Bold Orion II Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg B-47, Cape Canaveral Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test13 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
14 October
04:15
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-17B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test14 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
15 October
11:05
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy15 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 122 kilometres (76 mi)
16 October
11:17
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy16 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 139 kilometres (86 mi)
15 October Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-11A Zemlya Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Ostrov Kheysa Flag of the Soviet Union.svg AN
ANSuborbital15 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
15 October Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-11A Zemlya Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Ostrov Kheysa Flag of the Soviet Union.svg AN
ANSuborbital15 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
20 October
14:25
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee AJ10-34 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalIonospheric20 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 113 kilometres (70 mi)
21 October
22:57
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-1-1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Royal Air Force
Royal Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test21 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
22 October
03:20
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-19 Jupiter Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-26A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test22 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
22 October
17:30
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-7 Semyorka Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test22 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
22 October Flag of France.svg OPd-56-39-22D (Antares) Flag of France.svg CERES Flag of France.svg ONERA
ONERASuborbitalREV test22 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 150 kilometres (93 mi)
24 October Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test24 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
25 October
17:32
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-7 Semyorka Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test25 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
25 October
17:44
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-300 Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air Force/Utah SuborbitalIonospheric25 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 386 kilometres (240 mi)
26 October
17:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalIonospheric26 AugustLaunch failure
27 October Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test27 OctoberLaunch failure
28 October
14:47
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-300 Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air Force/UtahSuborbitalIonospheric28 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 135 kilometres (84 mi)
28 October
22:40
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Shotput Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Echo E60 NASA/ARPASuborbitalTechnology28 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 400 kilometres (250 mi)
29 October
02:12
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-18B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test29 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
29 October
07:20
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-11 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test29 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
30 October
11:49
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Black Knight 201 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Woomera LA-5A Flag of the United Kingdom.svg RAE
RAESuborbitalREV test30 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 732 kilometres (455 mi)
1 November
21:23
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-7 Semyorka Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test1 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
3 November Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-17B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test3 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
4 November
21:37
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-13 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test4 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
5 November
00:38
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-19 Jupiter Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-6 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test5 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
6 November
07:25
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-150 (Hi) Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands LC-35 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
NRLSuborbitalAeronomy6 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 142 kilometres (88 mi)
6 November
16:36
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-300 Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air Force/UtahSuborbitalIonospheric6 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 393 kilometres (244 mi)
10 November
12:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Strongarm Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Army
BRL SuborbitalIonospheric10 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi), maiden flight of Strongarm
12 November
19:24
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-1-2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Royal Air Force
Royal Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test12 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
14 November
22:38
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-300 Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy14 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 138 kilometres (86 mi)
18 November
19:30
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Elgin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalIonospheric18 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 206 kilometres (128 mi)
18 November
22:17
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbitalAeronomy18 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 250 kilometres (160 mi), released sodium
18 November Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Strongarm Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Army
BRLSuborbitalIonospheric18 NovemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 20 kilometres (12 mi)
19 November
01:31
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-19 Jupiter Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-26B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test19 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
19 November
07:44
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-150 (Hi) Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalIonospheric19 NovemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 106 kilometres (66 mi)
19 November
10:36
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy19 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 119 kilometres (74 mi)
19 November
10:51
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbitalAeronomy19 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 255 kilometres (158 mi), released sodium
19 November Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-17B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test19 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
20 November
10:51
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Asp Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbitalAeronomy20 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 236 kilometres (147 mi), released sodium
20 November
17:11
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris A1 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-29A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test20 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
20 November
18:16
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Cajun Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalAeronomy20 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 119 kilometres (74 mi)
20 November
21:06
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-7 Semyorka Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test20 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
22 November
18:35
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee-300 Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg Churchill Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air Force/UtahSuborbitalIonospheric22 NovemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 35 kilometres (22 mi)
24 November
19:48
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-13 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test24 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
27 November
01:12:33
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-7 Semyorka Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test27 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
30 November
09:58
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Aerobee Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
NRLSuborbitalUV Astronomy30 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 140 kilometres (87 mi)
30 November
10:16
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Skylark-2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Woomera LA-2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg RAE
Queen'sSuborbitalAeronomy30 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 151 kilometres (94 mi), released sodium
30 November
12:35
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Skylark-2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Woomera LA-2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg RAE
UCLSuborbitalAeronomy30 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 163 kilometres (101 mi)
30 November Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test30 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
November Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-13 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Project 611 submarine Flag of the Soviet Union.svg VMF
VMFSuborbitalMissile test Successful
Apogee: 150 kilometres (93 mi)
1 December
11:36
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Skylark-2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Woomera LA-2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg RAE
UCL
Birmingham
SuborbitalAeronomy1 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 159 kilometres (99 mi)
1 December
17:00
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-18B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test1 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
1 December Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Trailblazer 1 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbitalREV test1 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 260 kilometres (160 mi)
2 December
05:29
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-1-2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Royal Air Force
Royal Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test2 DecemberLaunch failure
3 December Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-11A Zemlya Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Ostrov Kheysa Flag of the Soviet Union.svg AN
ANSuborbital3 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
3 December Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-11A Zemlya Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Ostrov Kheysa Flag of the Soviet Union.svg AN
ANSuborbital3 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
12 December
17:11
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg HGM-25A Titan I Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-16 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test+0 secondsLaunch failure
Vibrations from ignition erroneously triggered self-destruct system whilst rocket was still on pad [4] [5]
17 December
20:13
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris A1 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-29A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test7 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
9 December
00:10
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-13 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test9 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
10 December
00:08
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-19 Jupiter Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-6 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test10 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
15 December
02:14
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Vandenberg LC-75-1-1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Royal Air Force
Royal Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test15 DecemberLaunch failure
15 December Flag of France.svg OPd-56-39-22D (Antares) Flag of France.svg CERES Flag of France.svg ONERA
ONERASuborbitalREV test15 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 150 kilometres (93 mi)
16 December
04:50
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris A1 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-29A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test16 DecemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
16 December Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test16 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
16 December Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Nike-Zeus A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg White Sands LC-38 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Army
US ArmySuborbitalTest flight16 DecemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
17 December
00:03
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-19 Jupiter Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-26B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test17 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
17 December Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg PGM-17 Thor DM-18A Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-17B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test17 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
18 December Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test18 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
19 December
00:48
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg SM-65D Atlas Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-13 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Air Force
US Air ForceSuborbitalMissile test19 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,800 kilometres (1,100 mi)
21 December Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test21 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
22 December
07:56
Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Javelin Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Wallops Island Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbitalTest flight22 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 901 kilometres (560 mi)
23 December
19:05
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-7A Semyorka Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Baikonur Site 1/5 Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test23 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
23 December Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg UGM-27 Polaris A1 Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg Cape Canaveral LC-25B Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg US Navy
US NavySuborbitalMissile test23 DecemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 1 kilometre (0.62 mi)
26 December Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-5A Pobeda Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Chelkar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg RVSN
RVSNSuborbitalTarget26 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
27 December Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test27 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
28 December Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-12 Dvina Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Kapustin Yar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg MVS
MVSSuborbitalMissile test28 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
December Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-5A Pobeda Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Chelkar Flag of the Soviet Union.svg RVSN
RVSNSuborbitalTargetDecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
Unknown Flag of the Soviet Union.svg R-11FM Zemlya Flag of the Soviet Union.svg B-67, Beloye More Flag of the Soviet Union.svg VMF
VMFSuborbitalMissile test Launch failure
Unknown Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg ALSOR Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg F-104, Edwards Flag of the United States (1959-1960).svg NASA
NASASuborbitalTest flight Successful
Apogee: 117 kilometres (73 mi)

Reference

    1. "Worldwide Space Launches" . Retrieved 8 August 2024.
    2. "Orbital Launches of 1959" . Retrieved 8 August 2024.
    3. Krebs, Gunter. "Vanguard". Gunter's Space Page. Archived from the original on 12 February 2009. Retrieved 2 March 2009.
    4. 1 2 Powell, Joel W.; LeBrun, Art (2006). Go For Launch: An Illustrated History of Cape Canaveral. Canada: Apogee Books. p. 128. ISBN   1-894959-43-4.
    5. Powell, Joel W.; LeBrun, Art (2006). Go For Launch: An Illustrated History of Cape Canaveral. Canada: Apogee Books. pp. 81–85. ISBN   1-894959-43-4.
    Generic references:
    RocketSunIcon.svg Spaceflightportal

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