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astronautix.com Pilot
Class: Technology. Nation: USA.

Pilot launches were deep-black tests of the US Navy's 1950's reconnaisance satellite and ASAT.

Specification

Pilot Chronology

25 July 1958 Pilot 1 Launch Site: Inyokern . Launch Vehicle: NOTS. FAILURE: Radio contact lost; possibly reached orbit.
12 August 1958 Pilot 2 Launch Site: Inyokern . Launch Vehicle: NOTS. FAILURE: Vehicle exploded at ignition.
22 August 1958 Pilot 3 Launch Site: Inyokern . Launch Vehicle: NOTS. FAILURE: Radio contact lost; possibly reached orbit.
25 August 1958 Pilot 4 Launch Site: Inyokern . Launch Vehicle: NOTS. FAILURE: Vehicle exploded after 0.75sec.
26 August 1958 Pilot 5 Launch Site: Inyokern . Launch Vehicle: NOTS. FAILURE: Stage failed to ignite,vehicle fell into Pacific.
28 August 1958 Pilot 6 Launch Site: Inyokern . Launch Vehicle: NOTS. FAILURE: One first stage motor failed to ignite, causing structural failure.
Bibliography:

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Last update 12 March 2001.
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© Mark Wade, 2001 .