| astronautix.com | Chronology - 1971 - Quarter 3 |
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- 1971 Jul 8 - - 22:58 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Wallops Island . Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Vehicle: Scout B. LV Configuration: Scout B s/n S177C.
Solar radition data. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1971 Jul 16 - - 01:40 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Vostok 8A92M.
Acquisition of meteorological information needed for use by the weather service. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1971 Jul 16 - - 10:50 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: SLC1W. Launch Vehicle: LT Thor Agena D. LV Configuration: Thor 2L s/n 550 / Agena D s/n 2737.
- 1971 Jul 20 - - 10:04 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1971 Jul 22 - Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M s/n Yu149-32. FAILURE: Launch vehicle failed to orbit - unknown cause.
- 1971 Jul 23 - - 11:02 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1971 Jul 23 - Nation: USA.
Maximum Speed - 788 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18440 m. Flight Time - 353 sec. References: 49 , 97 .
- 1971 Jul 26 - - 13:34 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Complex: LC39A. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V. LV Configuration: Saturn V s/n SA-510.
Apollo 15 (AS-510) with astronauts David R. Scott, Alfred M. Worden, and James B. Irwin aboard was launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, KSC, at 9:34 a.m. EDT July 26. The spacecraft and S-IVB combination was placed in an earth parking orbit 11 minutes 44 seconds after liftoff. Activities during earth orbit and translunar injection (insertion into the trajectory for the moon) were similar to those of previous lunar landing missions. Translunar injection was at about 12:30 p.m., with separation of the CSM from the LM/S-IVB/IU at 12:56 p.m. At 1:08 p.m., onboard color TV showed the docking of the CSM with the LM.
S-IVB auxiliary propulsion system burns sent the S-IVB/IU stages toward the moon, where they impacted the lunar surface at 4:59 p.m. EDT July 29. The point of impact was 188 kilometers northeast of the Apollo 14 landing site and 355 kilometers northeast of the Apollo 12 site. The impact was detected by both the Apollo 12 and Apollo 14 seismometers, left on the moon in November 1969 and February 1971.
After the translunar coast, during which TV pictures of the CSM and LM interiors were shown and the LM communications and other systems were checked, Apollo 15 entered lunar orbit at 4:06 p.m. EDT July 29.
The LM-10 Falcon, with astronauts Scott and Irwin aboard, undocked and separated from the Endeavor (CSM 112) with astronaut Worden aboard. At 6:16 p.m. EDT July 30, the Falcon landed in the Hadley-Apennine region of the moon 600 meters north-northwest of the proposed target. About two hours later, following cabin depressurization, Scott performed a 33-minute standup EVA in the upper hatch of the LM, during which he described and photographed the landing site.
The first crew EVA on the lunar surface began at 9:04 a.m. July 31. The crew collected and stowed a contingency sample, unpacked the ALSEP and other experiments, and prepared the lunar roving vehicle (LRV) for operations. Some problems were encountered in the deployment and checkout of the LRV, used for the first time, but they were quickly resolved. The first EVA traverse was to the Apennine mountain front, after which the ALSEP was deployed and activated, and one probe of a Heat Flow experiment was emplaced. A second probe was not emplaced until EVA-2 because of drilling difficulties. The first EVA lasted 6 hours 33 minutes.
At 7:49 a.m. EDT August 1, the second EVA began. The astronauts made a maintenance check on the LRV and then began the second planned traverse of the mission. On completion of the traverse, Scott and Irwin completed the placement of heat flow experiment probes, collected a core sample, and deployed the American flag. They then stowed the sample container and the film in the LM, completing a second EVA of 7 hours 12 minutes.
The third EVA began at 4:52 a.m. August 2, included another traverse, and ended 4 hours 50 minutes later, for a total Apollo 15 lunar surface EVA time of 18 hours 35 minutes.
While the lunar module was on the moon, astronaut Worden completed 34 lunar orbits in the CSM operating scientific instrument module experiments and cameras to obtain data concerning the lunar surface and environment. X-ray spectrometer data indicated richer abundance of aluminum in the highlands, especially on the far side, but greater concentrations of magnesium in the maria.
Liftoff of the ascent stage of the LM, the first one to be televised, occurred at 1:11 p.m. EDT August 2. About two hours later the LM and CSM rendezvoused and docked, and film, equipment, and 77 kilograms of lunar samples were transferred from the LM to the CSM. The ascent stage was jettisoned and hit the lunar surface at 11:04 p.m. EDT August 2. Its impact was recorded by the Apollo 12, Apollo 14, and Apollo 15 seismometers, left on the moon during those missions. Before leaving the lunar orbit, the spacecraft deployed a subsatellite, at 4:13 p.m. August 4, in an orbit of 141.3 by 102 kilometers. The satellite would measure interplanetary and earth magnetic fields near the moon. It also carried charged-particle sensors and equipment to detect variations in lunar gravity caused by mascons (mass concentrations).
A transearth injection maneuver at 5:23 p.m. August 4 put the CSM on an earth trajectory. During the transearth coast, astronaut Worden performed an inflight EVA beginning at 11:32 a.m. August 5 and lasting for 38 minutes 12 seconds. He made three trips to the scientific instrument module (SIM) bay of the SM, twice to retrieve cassettes and once to observe the condition of the instruments in the SIM bay.
CM and SM separation, parachute deployment, and other reentry events went as planned, but one of the three main parachutes failed, causing a hard but safe landing. Splashdown - at 4:47 p.m. EDT August 7, after 12 days 7 hours 12 minutes from launch - was 530 kilometers north of Hawaii and 10 kilometers from the recovery ship U.S.S. Okinawa. The astronauts were carried to the ship by helicopter, and the CM was retrieved and placed on board. All primary mission objectives had been achieved. Additional Details: Apollo 15. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 26 , 27 , 33 , 60 .
Released from Apollo 15 into lunar orbit on 4 August 1971; studied lunar particles and included fields experiments. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 26 , 27 .
- 1971 Jul 28 - - 03:36 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M.
Operation of a system of long range telephone-telegraph radiocommunication, and transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to the stations of the Orbita network. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 64 .
- 1971 Jul 30 - - 08:38 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1971 Jul 30 - Nation: USA.
Photographed lunar surface panorama from top hatch of LM. References: 66 .
- 1971 Jul 31 - Nation: USA.
Explored lunar surface near LM and deployed ALSEP unmanned scientific station equipment. References: 66 .
- 1971 Aug 1 - Nation: USA.
Drove in lunar rover to Hadley Delta. References: 66 .
- 1971 August - Nation: USSR.
If the Soyuz 11 crew had not perished during return to the earth, a second crew would have been sent to the Salyut 1 space station. Further missions to Salyut 1 were cancelled after the disaster. References: 344 .
- 1971 Aug 2 - Nation: USA.
Drove in lunar rover to Hadley Rille. References: 66 .
- 1971 Aug 2 - Nation: USA.
Threw excess equipment out of LM before lift-off. References: 66 .
- 1971 Aug 3 - - 11:00 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC133/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K63. FAILURE: Second stage failed 204 seconds after launch.
- 1971 Aug 5 - - 10:04 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1971 Aug 5 - Nation: USA.
Deep space retrieval of film cartridges from Service Module. References: 66 .
- 1971 Aug 7 - - 00:11 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: BMRSA2. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F. LV Configuration: Atlas F / OV-1 (2x).
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .
- 1971 Aug 9 - - 23:44 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: R-36-O.
Possible Fractional Orbital Bombardment System test. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1971 Aug 9 - Nation: USA.
Maximum Speed - 1035 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18898 m. Flight Time - 415 sec. References: 49 , 97 .
- 1971 Aug 12 - - 05:30 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511L.
Final LK moon lander test using the T2K version.
Maneuver Summary:
188km X 267km orbit to 190km X 1261km orbit. Delta V: 266 m/s
188km X 1262km orbit to 180km X 11384km orbit. Delta V: 1333 m/s
Total Delta V: 1599 m/s. Ten years later the spacecraft was due to re-enter over Australia soon after the Skylab scare. The Soviet Union told the people of Australia not to worry, it was only an experimental lunar cabin - the first inadvertent admission that their manned lunar project even existed!
References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1971 Aug 12 - - 18:39 GMT. Nation: France. Launch Site: Wallops Island . Launch Complex: LA3. Launch Vehicle: Scout B. LV Configuration: Scout B-1 s/n S180C.
Experimental weather satellite; received meteorological data from balloon network. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1971 Aug 12 - - 15:30 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3B. LV Configuration: Titan 24B s/n 3B-32 (24B-1) / Agena D.
KH-8 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1971 Aug 19 - Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57. FAILURE: Failure.
High resolution photo reconnaissance mission. References: 279 .
- 1971 Aug 20 - Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Kapustin Yar . Launch Vehicle: R-5. LV Configuration: R-5B.
Maximum Altitude - 463 km. References: 98 .
- 1971 Aug 25 - Nation: USA.
First M2-F3 supersonic flight. Maximum Speed - 1163 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20513 m. Flight Time - 390 sec. References: 49 , 97 .
- 1971 Aug 27 - - 10:55 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC133/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K63.
Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 99 .
- 1971 Aug 30 - Nation: USA.
- 1971 Sep 1 - Nation: USSR.
Decree 'On co-operation to build an Indian satellite' was issued. References: 474 .
- 1971 Sep 2 - - 13:40 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Complex: LC81P. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S824. LV Configuration: Proton 8K82K s/n 256-01 / 11S824 .
Attempted lunar soil return mission; crashed while attempting to soft land at Latitude 3.57 N, Longitude 50.50 E - Mare Fecunditatis. Luna 18 used a new method of navigation in lunar orbit and for landing. The spacecraft's designer, Babakhin, had died at age 56 only the month before. Luna 18 successfully reached earth parking orbit before being put on a translunar trajectory. On September 7, 1971, it entered lunar orbit. The spacecraft completed 85 communications sessions and 54 lunar orbits before it was sent towards the lunar surface by use of braking rockets. It impacted the Moon on September 11, 1971, in a rugged mountainous terrain. Signals ceased at the moment of impact. Parameters are for lunar orbit. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 67 , 274 , 296 , 445 .
- 1971 Sep 7 - - 01:26 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M s/n Yu149-42.
Possible ELINT satellite. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1971 Sep 8 - Nation: Russia.
- 1971 Sep 10 - - 03:36 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M s/n 65014-106.
Replaced Cosmos 436. Possible ELINT satellite. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1971 Sep 10 - - 21:33 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Vehicle: LT Thor Agena D. LV Configuration: Thorad 2L s/n 567 / Agena D s/n 1662.
KH-4B. Overall image quality is good. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
Radar monitoring. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 172 .
- 1971 Sep 14 - - 12:57 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1971 Sep 20 - Nation: USA. Launch Site: Wallops Island . Launch Vehicle: Scout B.
Suborbital. References: 5 .
- 1971 Sep 21 - - 12:00 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1971 Sep 24 - - 10:30 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC133/1. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K63.
Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 99 .
- 1971 Sep 24 - Nation: USA.
Maximum Speed - 772 kph. Maximum Altitude - 12802 m. Flight Time - 210 sec. References: 49 , 97 .
- 1971 Sep 28 - - 07:40 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1971 Sep 28 - - 10:00 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Complex: LC81P. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S824. LV Configuration: Proton 8K82K s/n 257-01 / 11S824 .
Heavy lunar Orbiter; conducted lunar surface mapping. Luna 19 entered an intermediate earth parking orbit and was then put on a translunar trajectory by the Proton Block D stage. It entered lunar orbit on October 3, 1971. Luna 19 extended the systematic study of lunar gravitational fields and location of mascons (mass concentrations). It also studied the lunar radiation environment, the gamma-active lunar surface, and the solar wind. Photographic coverage via a television system was also obtained. Parameters are for lunar orbit. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 67 , 274 , 296 .
- 1971 Sep 28 - - 04:00 GMT. Nation: Japan. Launch Site: Kagoshima . Launch Complex: M. Launch Vehicle: Mu-3S. LV Configuration: Mu-4S s/n M-4S-3.
Scientific observations in outer space. Injection point 29 deg 7 min N, 145 deg 8 min E. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1971 Sep 29 - - 11:31 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1971 Sep 29 - - 09:45 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Vehicle: Delta N. LV Configuration: Thor Delta N s/n 565 / Delta s/n 85.
Orbiting Solar Observatory. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
Test satellite for NASA's Manned Space Flight Network. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
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