| astronautix.com | Chronology - 1976 - Quarter 1 |
| Previous Quarter | Next Quarter |
- 1976 Jan 6 - - 05:02 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M s/n 53731-269.
Replaced Cosmos 655. Possible ELINT satellite. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Jan 7 - - 15:36 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1976 Jan 15 - - 05:34 GMT. Nation: Germany. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3E. LV Configuration: Titan 3E s/n TC-5 / Centaur D-1T s/n E-5.
Solar probe. Solar Orbit (Heliocentric). Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Jan 16 - Nation: USA.
- 1976 Jan 17 - - 23:28 GMT. Nation: Canada. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Vehicle: Delta 2914. LV Configuration: Delta 2914 s/n 606 / Delta s/n 119.
Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Jan 19 - Nation: USSR.
Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 46-13 'On course of work on Almaz and the TKS' was issued. References: 474 .
- 1976 Jan 20 - - 17:02 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M s/n 53749-164.
Military navigation satellite. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Jan 22 - - 11:44 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M.
Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international coope ration scheme). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Jan 23 - - 22:33 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M s/n 53731-285.
Replaced Cosmos 631. Possible ELINT satellite. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Jan 23 - Nation: USA.
- 1976 Jan 28 - - 10:33 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M s/n 53731-281.
Eight satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Jan 29 - - 08:38 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1976 Jan 29 - - 23:56 GMT. Nation: International. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Complex: LC36B. Launch Vehicle: Atlas Centaur SLV-3D. LV Configuration: Atlas SLV-3D(R) s/n AC-37 / Centaur D-1AR s/n 501.
Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .
- 1976 February - Nation: USSR.
The Soviet space program was completely reformulated in a resolution of February 1976, which included authorisation to develop the free flyer in conjunction with the DOS-7/DOS-8 space station (which would eventually evolve into Mir).
- 1976 Feb 3 - - 08:09 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M s/n 53721-282.
Military navigation satellite. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Feb 3 - Nation: USSR.
TsK and SM Decree 'On USSR-France co-operation in space' was issued. References: 474 .
- 1976 Feb 4 - Nation: Japan. Launch Site: Kagoshima . Launch Complex: M. Launch Vehicle: Mu-3S. LV Configuration: Mu-3C s/n M-3C-3. FAILURE: Failure - unknown cause.
- 1976 Feb 5 - - 14:30 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 .
- 1976 Feb 8 - Nation: USA. Launch Site: Vandenberg .
Final launch of a Thor/Burner IIA from Vandenberg AFB (first launch on 14 October 1971). References: 88 .
- 1976 Feb 11 - - 08:52 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1976 Feb 12 - - 12:57 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M s/n 53731-286.
ASAT target. Beginning of test of 'second generation' ASAT interceptor. Objective was to complete test series by 1978 ABM treaty date. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 272 .
- 1976 Feb 12 - Nation: Russia. Launch Vehicle: Energia.
The government decree 132-51 authorising development of the Energia-Buran system was titled 'On development of an MKS (reusable space system) consisting of rocket stages, orbiter aircraft, inter-orbital tug, guidance systems, launch and landing facilities, assembly and repair facilities, and other associated facilities, with the objective of placing in a 200 km Northeast orbit a payload of 30 tonnes and returning a payload of 20 tonnes'. The Ministry of Defence was named the Program Manager, with NPO Energia as the prime contractor. The official military specification (TTZ) was issued at the same time with the code name Buran.
- 1976 Feb 16 - - 08:24 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Complex: LC90. Launch Vehicle: Tsyklon 2.
ASAT interceptor. After intercept with target deorbited using on-board engine. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 272 .
- 1976 Feb 16 - Nation: USA.
- 1976 Feb 17 - Nation: USSR. Launch Vehicle: N1, N1F, Energia.
Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On work on Energia-Buran, DOS-7K nos. 7 and 8, Gamma. Geyzer (Potok), and Altair (Luch) and cancellation of the N1' was issued. The design of an improved model of the Salyut DOS-17K space station was authorised as part of the third generation of Soviet space systems in a decree. At that time it was planned that the two stations (DOS-7 and DOS-8) would be equipped with two docking ports at either end of the station and an additional two ports at the sides of the forward small diameter compartment. Luch and Potok were elements of the second generation global command and control system (GKKRS) deployed in the first half of the 1980's. Luch satellites, analogous to the US TDRS, provided communications service to the Mir space station, Buran space shuttle, Soyuz-TM spacecraft, military satellites, and the TsUPK ground control center. They also served to provide mobile fleet communications for the Soviet Navy. References: 474 .
- 1976 Feb 19 - - 07:52 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: SLC10W. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner. LV Configuration: Thor Burner 2A s/n 182. FAILURE: Early booster cut-off due to incorrect calculation of the Thor fuel load.
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program; unusable orbit. Last of the Thor Burner missions. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Feb 19 - - 22:32 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Vehicle: Delta 2914. LV Configuration: Delta 2914 s/n 603 / Delta s/n 120.
Maritime communications. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Feb 20 - - 14:09 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511U.
Fourth Yantar-2K second generation reconnaissance flight and the first with two SpK small film recovery capsules. First flight of the completely equipped satellite. The main reentry capsule and its film cargo were returned successfully. Both SpK capsules successfully separated from the Yantar in the course of the flight, but neither was recovered. The parachutes of the first did not deploy and the capsule crashed into the ground. The solid motor of the second capsule did not fire as programmed and the capsule did not deorbit at the expected time. References: 1 , 2 , 6 , 69 .
- 1976 Feb 27 - Nation: USSR.
Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On long-range military use of space up to 1990' was issued. References: 474 .
- 1976 Feb 29 - - 03:30 GMT. Nation: Japan. Launch Site: Tanegashima . Launch Complex: O. Launch Vehicle: N. LV Configuration: N-1 s/n N-2(F).
Ionospheric sounding. Japanese Ionospheric Sounding Satellite (JISS - national name 'Ume') is intended for regular observations by means of radio waves of the global distribution of the critical frequencies of the ionosphere, and for utilization of the results of the observati on for radio wave forecasts and warning necessary for effective operation of short-wave radio-communication. Time of launch 0330UT. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Mar 3 - Nation: USA.
Payload bay doors on dock, Palmdale, Enterprise (OV-101) References: 15 .
- 1976 Mar 10 - - 08:09 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1976 Mar 11 - - 19:55 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M.
Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international coope ration scheme). Uncertain if Molniya-1T model was Molniya-1 or Molniya-1T. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Mar 12 - - 13:26 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Complex: LC132. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M s/n 53746-310.
Radar calibration mission. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Mar 12 - Nation: USA. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.
Complete final assembly and closeout system installation. References: 15 .
- 1976 Mar 15 - - 01:25 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. LV Configuration: Titan 3C s/n 23C-12.
Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication. Also tested pulsed plasma engines. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication. Also tested pulsed plasma engines. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
Solar radiation data. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
Solar radiation data. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Mar 15 - Nation: USA.
Start functional checkout, Enterprise (OV-101). References: 15 .
- 1976 Mar 16 - - 17:31 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Vostok 8A92M.
- 1976 Mar 16 - Nation: USSR. Launch Vehicle: Zenit-2.
Central Committee of the Communist Party and Council of Soviet Ministers Decree 'On the Creation of a Universal Space Missile Complex 11K77 'Zenit'--approval of work on the Zenit launcher' was issued. References: 474 .
- 1976 Mar 17 - Nation: USA.
Complete premate MPTA test structure, Downey, and deliver to Palmdale References: 15 .
- 1976 Mar 18 - - 09:21 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1976 Mar 19 - - 19:40 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Baikonur . Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M.
Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system within the Soviet Union and transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita and participating international networks (international coope ration scheme). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Mar 26 - - 15:07 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Voskhod 11A57.
High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
- 1976 Mar 26 - - 18:14 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3B. LV Configuration: Titan 24B s/n 24B-18 (3B-52) / Agena D.
KH-8 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .
- 1976 Mar 26 - - 22:47 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Vehicle: Delta 3914. LV Configuration: Delta 3914 s/n 610 / Delta s/n 121.
- 1976 Mar 26 - - 18:14 GMT. Nation: USA. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: SLC4W. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3B. LV Configuration: Titan 24B s/n 24B-18 (3B-52) / Agena D.
- 1976 Mar 31 - - 12:57 GMT. Nation: USSR. Launch Site: Plesetsk . Launch Vehicle: Soyuz 11A511M.
Military topography satellite; returned film capsule; also performed mapping, geodesy, earth resources; deployed capsule. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .
| Previous Quarter | Next Quarter |