| April 28 |
Land Launch • AMOS 3 |
Launch
time:
0500 GMT (1:00 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
The Land Launch Zenit 3SLB rocket carried into orbit the AMOS 3 telecommunications satellite for Israeli satellite operator Spacecom Ltd. The craft will serve markets in the Middle East, Europe and the United States. Delayed from March. Scrubbed on April 24 due to problem retracting the rocket transporter/erector system. Read our launch story. [April 28] |
|
| April 27/28 |
PSLV • Cartosat 2A |
Launch time:
0353 GMT on April 28 (11:53 p.m. EDT on April 27)
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India
India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) carried into orbit the Cartosat 2A satellite for Earth observation and a cluster of other small spacecraft. Delayed from March 4 and April 21. Read our launch story. [April 28] |
|
| April 26 |
Soyuz • GIOVE B |
Launch
time:
2216 GMT (6:16 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian Soyuz rocket with a Fregat upper stage launched the second Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element, or GIOVE B satellite. This is the second demonstration satellite for Europe's Galileo navigation system. The launch was managed by Starsem. Delayed from April 2007. Read our launch story. [April 26] |
|
| April 25 |
Long March 3C • Tianlian 1 |
Launch
time:
1535 GMT (11:35 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Xichang, China
A Chinese Long March 3C launched the Tianlian 1 satellite, a data relay spacecraft to serve as a communications link between ground controllers and the country's next human space mission. Read our launch story. [April 26] |
|
| April 18 |
Ariane 5 • Vinasat 1 & Star One C2 |
Launch
time:
2217 GMT (6:17 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace Flight 182 used an Ariane 5 rocket with an ECA cryogenic upper stage to launch the Vinasat 1 satellite for the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Corporation and the Brazilian Star One C2 communications spacecraft. Read our launch story. [April 18] |
|
| April 16 |
Pegasus • C/NOFS |
Launch
time:
1701 GMT (1:01 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Kwajalein Atoll in Marshall Islands
The air-launched Orbital Sciences Pegasus rocket deployed the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) spacecraft for the U.S. military. The satellite carries instruments to study ionospheric scintillations and give warning to communication outages and GPS navigation degradations. Delayed from April 14. Read our launch story. [April 16] |
|
| April 14 |
Atlas 5 • ICO G1 |
Launch
time:
2012 GMT (4:12 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
 The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-014) launched the ICO G1 mobile communications satellite. Space Systems/Loral built the geostationary spacecraft. The rocket flew in the 421 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, two solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. ULA conducted this commercial launch for Lockheed Martin. Delayed from May 31, Aug. 28, late 2007, Jan. 7 and March 21. See our Mission Status Center. [April 14] |
|
| April 8 |
Soyuz • ISS 16S |
Launch
time:
1116:39 GMT (7:16:39 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
 A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft to the International Space Station to begin the Expedition 17 mission. Members of the crew launching on Soyuz were station commander Sergei Volkov, flight engineer Oleg Kononenko and South Korean spaceflight participant So-yeon Yi. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. See our Mission Status Center. [April 8] |
|
| March 27 |
Kosmos 3M • SAR-Lupe 4 |
Launch
time:
1715 GMT (1:15 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Russian Kosmos 3M rocket launched the SAR-Lupe 4 spacecraft into Earth orbit. The craft is the fourth in a series of five German radar reconnaissance satellites. Moved up from March 27. Scrubbed March 25 and March 26 due to upper level winds. Read our launch story. [March 27] |
|
| March 19 |
Sea Launch • DirecTV 11 |
Launch
time:
2248 GMT (6:48 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Odyssey platform, Pacific Ocean (154° West, 0° North)
The Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket carried into orbit the DirecTV 11 direct-to-home television broadcast satellite. The Boeing-built craft will be used to increase the number of local and national HDTV channels available to DirecTV subscribers. Delayed from March 17. Read our launch story. [March 19] |
|
| March 15 |
Delta 2 • GPS 2R-19 (M6) |
Launch
time:
0610 GMT (2:10 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-17A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched the sixth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block 2R military navigation satellite. The launch was run by the U.S. Air Force. The rocket flew in the 7925 vehicle configuration. Delayed from March 13. See our Mission Status Center. [March 15] |
|
| March 14 |
Proton • AMC 14 |
Launch time:
2318 GMT (7:18 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage failed in its launch of the AMERICOM 14 communications spacecraft. The Lockheed Martin-built satellite was slated for use by EchoStar's DISH Network service. Read our launch story. [March 15] |
|
| March 13 |
Atlas 5 • NROL-28 |
Launch
time:
1002 GMT (6:02 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-3E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-006) launched a classified spacecraft payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. It was the first Atlas 5 launch from Vandenberg. The rocket flew in the 411 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, one strap-on solid rocket booster and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from Spring and Nov. 15, 2006, Jan. and April 3, 2007, Feb. 19, Feb. 26 and Feb. 29. See our Mission Status Center. [March 13] |
|
| March 11 |
Shuttle Endeavour
• ISS 1J/A |
Launch
time:
0628 GMT (2:28 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
 STS-123 is the 25th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver the Japanese experiment logistics module to the station for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Canadian Dextre robotics system. Delayed from Nov. 29, Dec. 8 and Feb. 14. See our Mission Status Center. [March 11] |
 |
| March 8/9 |
Ariane 5 • ATV 1 |
Launch
time:
0403:04 GMT on 9th (11:03:04 p.m. EST on March 8)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
The Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket on Flight 181 launched the European Space Agency's first Automated Transfer Vehicle, named Jules Verne. The ATV is a cargo-carrying spacecraft to deliver supplies and equipment to the orbiting International Space Station. Delayed from July 25. Delayed from Sept. Delayed from Nov. Delayed from Feb. 22 and March 7. See our Mission Status Center. [March 9] |
|
| Feb. 23 |
H-2A • WINDS |
Launch
time:
0855 GMT (3:55 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Tanegashima, Japan
The Japanese H-2A rocket launched the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite (WINDS) for JAXA. The H-2A flew in the 2024 configuration with two large solid rocket boosters and four smaller motors. Delayed from Feb. 15. Read our launch story. [Feb. 22] |
|
| Feb. 11 |
Proton • Thor 5 |
Launch time:
1134 GMT (6:34 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the Thor 5 communications satellite for Telenor of Norway. The Orbital Sciences-built spacecraft will serve Scandinavia, Europe, and Middle East. Delayed from Feb. 10. Read our launch story. [Feb. 11] |
|
| Feb. 7 |
Shuttle Atlantis
• ISS 1E |
Launch
time:
1945 GMT (2:45 p.m. EST)
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
 STS-122 is the 24th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus science laboratory module to the station. Delayed from Sept. 27 and Oct. 17. Mission switched from shuttle Discovery to shuttle Atlantis. Attempt on Dec. 6 was scrubbed. Delayed from Dec. 7. Scrubbed on Dec. 9. Delayed from Jan. 2, Jan. 10 and Jan. 24. See our Mission Status Center. [Feb. 7] |
|
| Feb. 5 |
Soyuz • Progress 28P |
Launch
time:
1302:57 GMT (8:02:57 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 28th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Moved up from Feb. 12 and Feb. 7. [Feb. 5] |
|
| Jan. 27/28 |
Proton • Express AM33 |
Launch
time:
0018 GMT on 28th (7:18 p.m. EST on Jan. 27)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the Express AM33 communications satellite for the Russian Satellite Communications Co. Read our launch story. [Jan. 28] |
|
| Jan. 21 |
PSLV • Polaris |
Launch time:
0345 GMT (10:45 p.m. EST on Jan. 20)
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India
India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) carried into orbit the Polaris spacecraft, an Israeli radar reconnaissance spy satellite. Delayed from Sept. 17. Read our launch story. [Jan. 21] |
|
| Jan. 15 |
Sea Launch • Thuraya 3 |
Launch
time:
1149 GMT (6:49 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Odyssey platform, Pacific Ocean (154° West, 0° North)
The Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket carried the Boeing-built Thuraya 3 mobile communications satellite into orbit. Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company of the United Arab Emirates provides space-based telephone services. Delayed from earlier in the year due to January's launch failure of Zenit rocket. This will be Sea Launch's return to flight. Delayed from October, Nov. 13, Nov. 14, Nov. 18, Nov. 19, Nov. 20, Nov. 21 and Nov. 25. Read our launch story. [Jan. 15] |
|
| Dec. 25 |
Proton • Glonass |
Launch
time:
1932 GMT (2:32 p.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Proton rocket will launch another trio of spacecraft for the Glonass satellite navigation constellation. Read our launch story. [Dec. 26] |
|
| Dec. 23 |
Soyuz • Progress 27P |
Launch
time:
0712:41 GMT (2:12:41 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 27th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. [Dec. 23] |
|
| Dec. 21 |
Ariane 5 • Rascom 1 & Horizons 2 |
Launch
time:
2142 GMT (4:42 p.m. EST)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace Flight 180 used an Ariane 5 rocket with a storable propellant upper stage to launch the Rascom 1 communications satellite to serve Africa and the Horizons 2 telecommunications spacecraft to cover the continental United States, the Caribbean and parts of Canada. Delayed from Dec. 20 to perform additional checks on the rocket. Read our launch story. [Dec. 21] |
|
| Dec. 20 |
Delta 2 • GPS 2R-18 (M5) |
Launch
time:
2004 GMT (3:04 p.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-17A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched the fifth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block 2R military navigation satellite. The launch was run by the U.S. Air Force. The rocket flew in the 7925 vehicle configuration. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 20] |
|
| Dec. 14 |
Soyuz • Radarsat 2 |
Launch
time:
1317 GMT (8:17 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian Soyuz rocket launched the Canadian Radarsat 2 observation spacecraft into a sun-synchronous orbit around Earth. The launch was managed by Starsem. Delayed from Dec. 8. Read our launch story. [Dec. 14] |
|
| Dec. 10 |
Atlas 5 • NROL-24 |
Launch
time:
2205 GMT (5:05 p.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-015) launched a classified spacecraft payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket flew in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from Sept. 6, Oct. 5, Oct. 25 and Nov. 7. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 10] |
|
| Dec. 8/9 |
Delta 2 • COSMO-SkyMed 2 |
Launch
time:
0231:42 GMT Dec. 9 (9:31:42 p.m. EST on Dec. 8)
Launch site: SLC-2W, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched another Italian COSMO-SkyMed radar Earth-imaging satellite. The X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar payload on the spacecraft will be used for civil and military applications. The rocket flew in the 7420-10 vehicle configuration. ULA conducted this commercial launch for Boeing. Scrubbed Dec. 5 due to upper level winds. Delayed from Dec. 6 due to insulation problem. Scrubbed Dec. 7 due to bad weather. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 9] |
|
| Dec. 8/9 |
Proton • Military |
Launch
time:
0016 GMT Dec. 9 (7:16 p.m. EST on Dec. 8)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Proton rocket launched a secret military payload. [Dec. 9] |
|
| Nov. 17 |
Proton • SIRIUS 4 |
Launch time:
2239 GMT (5:39 p.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the SIRIUS 4 communications spacecraft for operator SES SIRIUS. The Lockheed Martin-built satellite will serve the Nordic and Baltic markets as well as to enhance coverage in Eastern Europe and Russia. [Nov. 18] |
|
| Nov. 14 |
Ariane 5 • Skynet 5B & STAR ONE C1 |
Launch
time:
2206 GMT (5:06 p.m. EST)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace Flight 179 used an Ariane 5 rocket with an ECA cryogenic upper stage to launch the British Skynet 5B military communications satellite and the Brazilian STAR ONE C1 telecommunications spacecraft. Scrubbed on Nov. 9 and Nov. 12. Read our launch story. [Nov. 14] |
|
| Nov. 10/11 |
Delta 4-H • DSP 23 |
Launch
time:
0150 GMT Nov. 11 (8:50 p.m. EST on Nov. 10)
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket launched the 23rd and final Defense Support Program missile-warning satellite. The largest of the Delta 4 family, the Heavy version features three Common Booster Cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket. The vehicle will deliver DSP 23 directly into geostationary orbit. Delayed from Oct. 28, 2005, Jan. 31, 2006 and Jan. 31, 2007. Delayed from April 1. Launch delayed to repair pad cracks. Delayed from Aug. 28, Oct. 4, Nov. 2 and Nov. 8. See our Mission Status Center. [Nov. 11] |
|
| Nov. 1 |
Kosmos 3M • SAR-Lupe 3 |
Launch
time:
0051 GMT (8:51 p.m. EDT on Oct. 31)
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Russian Kosmos 3M rocket launched the SAR-Lupe 3 spacecraft into Earth orbit. The craft is the third in a series of five German radar reconnaissance satellites. Read our launch story. [Nov. 1] |
|
| Oct. 26 |
Proton • Glonass |
Launch
time:
0735 GMT (3:35 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Proton rocket launched another trio of spacecraft for the Glonass satellite navigation constellation. Delayed from Oct. 25. Read our full story. [Oct. 26] |
|
| Oct. 24 |
Long March 3A • Chang'e 1 |
Launch
time:
1005 GMT (6:05 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Xichang, China
A Chinese Long March 3A rocket launched Chang'e 1, China's first mission to the moon. The probe will create three-dimensional maps of the moon and chart mineral deposits on the lunar surface, according to Chinese news reports. Read our full story. [Oct. 24] |
|
| Oct. 23 |
Shuttle Discovery
• ISS 10A |
Launch
time:
1538 GMT (11:38 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
STS-120 is the 23rd U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver the Node 2 connecting module to the station that will serve as the portal to the international partners' laboratories. Delayed from Aug. 9. Moved up from Sept. 7. Delayed from Aug. 26. Mission switched from Atlantis to Discovery. Delayed from Oct. 20. See our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 23] |
|
| Oct. 20 |
Soyuz • Globalstar |
Launch
time:
2012 GMT (4:12 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian Soyuz rocket launched four more replacement spacecraft for the Globalstar mobile communications satellite constellation. The commercial launch was managed by Starsem. Delayed from May. Read our full story. [Oct. 21] |
|
| Oct. 17 |
Delta 2 • GPS 2R-17 (M4) |
Launch
time:
1223 GMT (8:23 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-17A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched the fourth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block 2R military navigation satellite. The launch was run by the U.S. Air Force. The rocket flew in the 7925 vehicle configuration. Delayed from September. See our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 17] |
|
| Oct. 10/11 |
Atlas 5 • WGS F1 |
Launch
time:
0022 GMT on 11th (8:22 p.m. EDT on Oct. 10)
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-011) launched the first Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft, formerly known as the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite. Built by Boeing, this geostationary communications spacecraft will serve U.S. military forces. The rocket will fly in the 421 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, two solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from June 28, July 2, Aug. 11, Aug. 24, Aug. 31, Sept. 13 and Sept. 21. Scrubbed 24 hours. See our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 11] |
|
| Oct. 10 |
Soyuz • ISS 15S |
Launch
time:
1322 GMT (9:22 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the Expedition 16 crew and a Malaysian tourist. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from Sept. 1. Moved up from Oct. 6. Delayed from Oct. 2. Landing of the Expedition 15 crew and tourist is planned for Oct. 21. Read our launch story. [Oct. 10] |
|
| Oct. 5 |
Ariane 5 • Intelsat 11 & Optus D2 |
Launch
time:
2202 GMT (6:02 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace Flight 178 used an Ariane 5 GS rocket with a storable propellant upper stage to launch the Intelsat 11 and Optus D2 communications satellites. Both craft were built by Orbital Sciences. Intelsat 11 will relay direct-to-home broadcasting and data networking services to Latin America. The Optus D2 satellite will be used for television and communications services to Australia. Delayed from late September and Oct. 2. Read our launch story. [Oct. 5] |
|
| Sept. 27 |
Delta 2 • Dawn |
Launch
time:
1134 GMT (7:34 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-17B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched NASA's Dawn spacecraft that will use an ion propulsion system to visit and orbit the asteroids Vesta and Ceres. The rocket flew in the 7925-Heavy vehicle configuration. Delayed from June 2006 for a program review that led to cancellation. Mission was restored after controversy. Delayed from June 20. Delayed from June 30 due to launch pad crane problem that postponed rocket assembly. Delayed from July 7 due to second stage fueling hold. Delayed from July 8 and July 9 due to downrange tracking assets. Delayed from July 15. Delayed from Sept. 26. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 27] |
|
| Sept. 18/19 |
Long March 4B • CBERS 2B |
Launch time:
0326 GMT on Sept. 19 (11:26 p.m. EDT on 18th)
Launch site: Taiyuan, China
The Chinese Long March 4B rocket launched the third China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite, which will conduct remote sensing observations for both nations for at least two years. Read our launch story. [Sept. 19] |
|
| Sept. 18 |
Delta 2 • WorldView 1 |
Launch
time:
1835 GMT (2:35 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-2W, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched the WorldView 1 commercial Earth-imaging spacecraft into a Sun-synchronous orbit for the DigitalGlobe company. ULA conducted this commercial launch for Boeing. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 18] |
|
| Sept. 14 |
Soyuz • Foton M3 |
Launch
time:
1100 GMT (7:00 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian Soyuz rocket launched the Foton M3 microgravity research capsule and the YES2 tether demonstration spacecraft. Read our launch story. [Sept. 14] |
|
| Sept. 13/14 |
H-2A • SELENE |
Launch
time:
0131:01 GMT on Sept. 14 (9:31:01 p.m. EDT on 13th)
Launch site: Tanegashima, Japan
The Japanese H-2A rocket launched the Selonological and Engineering Explorer. SELENE will be sent to orbit the moon. Delayed from July and Aug. 15. Delayed 24 hours due to bad weather. Read our launch story. [Sept. 14] |
|
| Sept. 5 |
Proton • JCSAT 11 |
Launch time:
2243 GMT (6:43 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage failed during the launch of the Japanese JCSAT 11 communications spacecraft. The Lockheed Martin-built satellite was destroyed. The craft was supposed to serve Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii for operator JSAT Corporation. Read our launch story. [Sept. 6] |
|
| Sept. 2 |
GSLV • INSAT 4CR |
Launch
time:
1250 GMT (8:50 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India
India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) carried the country's INSAT 4CR communications satellite into orbit. The spacecraft replaces the INSAT 4C satellite, which was lost in the GSLV launch failure of 2006. Delayed from Sept. 1 by weather. Read our launch story. [Sept. 2] |
|
| Aug. 14 |
Ariane 5 • Spaceway 3 & BSAT 3A |
Launch
time:
2344 GMT (7:44 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace Flight 177 used an Ariane 5 rocket with the ECA cryogenic upper stage to launch the American Spaceway 3 broadband communications satellite and the Japanese BSAT 3A direct-to-home TV spacecraft. Read our launch story. [Aug. 14] |
|
| Aug. 8 |
Shuttle Endeavour
• ISS 13A.1 |
Launch
time:
2236:42 GMT (6:36:42 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
STS-118 is the 22nd U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver and attach the third starboard truss segment to the station -- the Integrated Truss Structure S5. A Spacehab module riding in Endeavour's payload bay will ferry supplies and equipment to the outpost. Delayed from June 11 and 28. Moved up from Aug. 9. Delayed from Aug. 7. See our Mission Status Center. |
|
| Aug. 4 |
Delta 2 • Phoenix |
Launch
time:
0926 GMT (5:26 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-17A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched NASA's next lander to Mars. The Phoenix spacecraft will use a robotic arm to examine samples of the soil at its landing spot on the arctic plains. The rocket flew in the 7925 vehicle configuration. See our Mission Status Center. Delayed from August 3. [Aug. 4] |
|
| Aug. 2 |
Soyuz • Progress 26P |
Launch
time:
1734 GMT (1:34 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 26th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Moved up from August and September. Delayed from July 22. Docking is planned for 2:40 p.m. EDT on Aug. 5. [Aug. 2] |
|
| July 7 |
Proton • DirecTV 10 |
Launch time:
0116 GMT on July 7 (9:16 p.m. EDT on July 6)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the DirecTV 10 broadcasting spacecraft. The Boeing-built satellite will be used for DirecTV's direct-to-home service, specifically aiding in the expansion of HDTV offerings. [July 7] |
|
| July 5 |
Long March 3B • Chinasat 6B |
Launch
time:
1208 GMT (8:08 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Xichang, China
A Chinese Long March 3B rocket launched the Chinasat 6B satellite for China Satellite Communications Corp. Chinasat 6B will provide television broadcast services for up to 15 years. Read our launch story. [July 5] |
|
| July 2 |
Kosmos 3M • SAR-Lupe 2 |
Launch
time:
1938 GMT (3:38 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Russian Kosmos 3M rocket launched the SAR-Lupe 2 spacecraft into Earth orbit. The craft is the second in a series of five German radar reconnaissance satellites. Scrubbed July 1 due to upper level wind conditions. Read our launch story. [July 2] |
|
| June 28 |
Dnepr • Genesis 2 |
Launch
time:
1502 GMT (11:02 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Dombarovsky, Russia
A Kosmotras Dnepr rocket launched the second prototype inflatable space module, called Genesis 2, for Las Vegas-based Bigelow Aerospace. Delayed from late April and late May. Read our launch story. [June 28] |
|
| June 15 |
Atlas 5 • NRO L-30 |
Launch
time:
1512 GMT (11:12 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-009) launched a classified spacecraft payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket flew in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from May 3 and May 18. See our Mission Status Center. Scrubbed June 14 due to Range problem. [June 15] |
|
| June 14/15 |
Dnepr • TerraSAR-X |
Launch time:
0214 GMT June 15 (10:14 p.m. EDT June 14)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An ISC Kosmotras Dnepr rocket launched the German TerraSAR-X radar Earth-imaging spacecraft into orbit. Delayed frm Feb. 27. Read our launch story. [June 15] |
|
| June 8 |
Shuttle Atlantis
• ISS 13A |
Launch
time:
2338 GMT (7:38 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
STS-117 was the 21st U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight delivered and attached the next starboard truss segment to the station -- the Integrated Truss Structure S3/S4 and associated set of power-generating solar arrays. Delayed from Oct. 2, 2003 in wake of Columbia tragedy. Delayed from Feb. 22. Moved up from March 16. Delayed from March 15 to repair hail damage to external tank. See our Mission coverage. [June 8] |
|
| June 7/8 |
Delta 2 • COSMO-SkyMed 1 |
Launch
time:
0234 GMT June 8 (10:34 p.m. EDT June 7)
Launch site: SLC-2W, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched the first Italian COSMO-SkyMed radar Earth-imaging satellite. The X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar payload on the spacecraft will be used for civil and military applications. The rocket flew in the 7420-10 vehicle configuration. ULA conducted this commercial launch for Boeing. See our Mission Status Center. [June 8] |
|
| May 29 |
Soyuz • Globalstar |
Launch
time:
2031 GMT (4:31 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian Soyuz rocket launched four replacement spacecraft for the Globalstar mobile communications satellite constellation. The commercial launch was managed by Starsem. Delayed from late March. Read our launch story. [May 26] |
|
| May 13 |
Long March 3B • Nigcomsat 1 |
Launch
time:
1601 GMT (12:01 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China
A Chinese Long March 3B rocket launched the Nigcomsat 1 telecommunications spacecraft. The Nigerian communications satellite will cover western Africa. Read our launch story [May 14] |
|
| May 12 |
Soyuz • Progress 25P |
Launch
time:
0325 GMT May 12 (11:25 p.m. EDT May 11)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 25th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Docking is planned for 0512 GMT (1:12 a.m. EDT) on May 15. [May 12] |
|
| May 4 |
Ariane 5 • ASTRA 1L & Galaxy 17 |
Launch
time:
2229 GMT (6:29 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace Flight 176 used an Ariane 5 rocket with the ECA cryogenic upper stage to launch the European ASTRA 1L direct-to-home television satellite for SES ASTRA and Intelsat's Galaxy 17 telecommunications spacecraft to serve Latin America. Launch scrubbed May 3 due to high-altitude winds. See our Mission Status Center. [May 4] |
|
| April 25 |
Pegasus • AIM |
Launch
time:
2026 GMT (4:26 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
The air-launched Orbital Sciences Pegasus rocket carried NASA's Aeronomy of Ice
in the Mesosphere (AIM) satellite into orbit to observe clouds at the edge of space. Delayed from Sept. 29 and March 29. See our Mission Status Center. [April 25] |
|
| April 24 |
Minotaur • NFIRE |
Launch
time:
0648 GMT (2:48 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, Wallops Island, Virginia
The Orbital Sciences Minotaur rocket launched the Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) spacecraft for the Missile Defense Agency. The four-stage rocket used U.S. government-supplied Minuteman 2 motors and Pegasus rocket stages. Delayed from April 21. Scrubbed on April 23. Read our launch story. [April 24] |
|
| April 23 |
PSLV • AGILE |
Launch
time:
1000 GMT (6:00 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India
An Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket carried the AGILE spacecraft into orbit. AGILE is a gamma ray astrophysics observatory sponsored by the Italian Space Agency. Delayed from April 18. Read our launch story. [April 23] |
|
| April 17 |
Dnepr • Multi-payload |
Launch time:
0646:35 GMT (2:46:35 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An ISC Kosmotras Dnepr rocket launched into orbit a cluster of tiny CubeSats and other small international payloads. Delayed from Jan. 16 and March 27. Read our launch story. [April 17] |
|
| April 13 |
Long March 3A • Beidou |
Launch time:
2011 GMT (4:11 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Xichang, China
A Chinese Long March 3A rocket launched a Beidou satellite for the nation's Compass space-based navigation system. Read our launch story. [April 13] |
|
| April 11 |
Long March 2C • Haiyang 1B |
Launch time:
0327 GMT (11:27 p.m. EDT on April 10)
Launch site: Taiyuan, China
A Chinese Long March 2C rocket launched the Haiyang 1B spacecraft. It is China's second oceanographic satellite. Read our launch story. [April 11] |
|
| April 9 |
Proton • Anik F3 |
Launch time:
2254 GMT (6:54 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the Anik F3 communications spacecraft for Canada's Telesat. The EADS Astrium-built satellite will be used for telecommunications relay, broadcasting and Internet services across North America. See our Mission Status Center. [April 10] |
|
| April 7 |
Soyuz • ISS 14S |
Launch
time:
1731 GMT (1:31 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the Expedition 15 crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from March 9. Then moved up from April 9. Read our launch story. [April 7] |
|
| March 20/21 |
Falcon 1 • Demo Flight 2 |
Launch
time:
0110 GMT (9:10 p.m. EDT on March 20)
Launch site: Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands
The SpaceX Falcon 1 rocket performed a launch demonstration flight for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This marked the second launch of the Falcon 1 vehicle. Delayed from Jan. 21. Delayed from Jan. 22 to replace thrust vector control pitch actuator on the second stage. Delayed from late February due to Range availability. Delayed from March 9. Scrubbed on March 19. See our Mission Status Center. [March 21] |
|
| March 11 |
Ariane 5 • Skynet 5A & INSAT 4B |
Launch
time:
2203 GMT (6:03 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
An Arianespace Ariane 5 ECA rocket launched the European Skynet 5A military communications satellite and the INSAT 4B telecommunications spacecraft for the Indian Space Research Organization. Delayed from late February. Delayed from March 9. Scrubbed on March 10. See our Mission Status Center. [March 11] |
|
| March 8/9 |
Atlas 5 • STP 1 |
Launch
time:
0310 GMT Mar. 9 (10:10 p.m. EST on Mar. 8)
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-013) carried six satellites during a complex launch of the Air Force's Space Test Program-1 mission. The payload list was led by the Orbital Express in-space refueling demonstration mission consisting of the Autonomous Space Transfer and Robotic Orbiter, or ASTRO, prototype servicing satellite and the NextSat serviceable spacecraft. Atlas deployed four auxiliary satellites from the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Secondary Payload Adapter, or ESPA ring, including MidSTAR 1, FalconSat 3, STPSat 1 and CFESat. The rocket flew in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from Oct. 12, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 18. Delayed from Feb. 23 while Sea Launch failure investigation proceeds. The Atlas 5's first stage engine shares commonality with Sea Launch Zenit engine. See our Mission Status Center. [March 9] |
|
| Feb. 24 |
H-2A • IGS |
Launch
time:
0441 GMT (11:41 p.m. Feb. 23)
Launch site: Tanegashima, Japan
The Japanese H-2A rocket launched the country's third Information Gathering Satellite radar reconnaissance spy spacecraft and the fourth optical imaging craft. Delayed from Feb. 15 due to bad weather. Scrubbed on Feb. 16 by weather. Delayed from Feb. 22 due to continued bad weather. See our launch story. [Feb. 21] |
|
| Feb. 17 |
Delta 2 • THEMIS |
Launch
time:
2301 GMT (6:01 p.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-17, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched NASA's Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) satellites. THEMIS consists of five spacecraft with identical instruments to study the Earth's magnetosphere. The rocket flew in the 7925 vehicle configuration. Delayed from Oct. 19, Nov. 27, Dec. 19 and Feb. 15. Scrubbed Feb. 16 due to upper level winds. See our Mission Status Center. [Feb. 17] |
|
| Jan. 30 |
Sea Launch • NSS 8 |
Launch
window:
2322 GMT (6:22 p.m. EST)
Launch site: Odyssey platform, Pacific Ocean (154° West, 0° North)
The Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket exploded at liftoff on its mission to carry the New Skies Satellite 8 communications spacecraft into orbit. The Boeing-built craft would have flown in geostationary orbit to serve the Indian Ocean region. Delayed from Jan. 25, 26, 27 and 28 due to unfavorable sea conditions at the launch site. Scrubbed on Jan. 29 for technical issue. See our Mission Status Center. [Jan. 30] |
|
| Jan. 18 |
Soyuz • Progress 24P |
Launch time:
0212 GMT (9:12 p.m. EST on Jan. 17)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 24th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from Dec. 20 and Jan. 16. [Jan. 18] |
|
| Jan. 10 |
PSLV • CARTOSAT 2 |
Launch
time:
0353 GMT (10:53 p.m. EST on Jan. 9)
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India
An Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket launched the Indian CARTOSAT 2 remote sensing satellite into Sun-synchronous orbit. Other payloads on the rocket included the Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE), Indonesia's Lapan Tubsat and Argentina's Pehuensat 1 nano-Sat. See our launch story. [Jan. 10] |
|
| Dec. 27 |
Soyuz • CoRoT |
Launch
time:
1423 GMT (9:23 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian Soyuz 2-1b rocket with a Fregat upper stage launched the European CoRoT space observatory. The French-led mission will look for rocky planets around other stars. CoRoT stands for Convection Rotation and planetary Transits. Delayed from Dec. 21. See our launch story. [Dec. 27] |
|
| Dec. 25 |
Proton • Glonass |
Launch
time:
2018 GMT (3:18 p.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Proton rocket launched another trio of spacecraft for the Glonass satellite navigation constellation. See our launch story. [Dec. 25] |
|
| Dec. 19 |
Kosmos 3M • SAR-Lupe 1 |
Launch
time:
1400 GMT (9:00 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Russian Kosmos 3M rocket launched the SAR-Lupe 1 spacecraft into Earth orbit. The craft will be first in a series of five German radar reconnaissance satellites. See our launch story. [Dec. 19] |
|
| Dec. 18 |
H-2A • ETS 8 |
Launch
time:
0632 GMT (1:32 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Tanegashima, Japan
The Japanese H-2A rocket launched the Engineering Test Satellite 8. The spacecraft will test technologies, including two large deployable antenna reflectors, to improve mobile communications. Dec. 16 launch attempt scrubbed due to unfavorable weather conditions. See our launch story. [Dec. 18] |
|
| Dec. 16 |
Minotaur • TacSat 2 |
Launch
time:
1200 GMT (7 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, Wallops Island, Virginia
The Orbital Sciences Minotaur rocket launched the Air Force Research Laboratory's TacSat 2 advanced technology research spacecraft and NASA's GeneSat 1 payload. The four-stage rocket used U.S. government-supplied Minuteman 2 motors and Pegasus rocket stages. Launch scrubbed Dec. 11 due to concern with TacSat 2 flight software. See our launch story. [Dec. 16] |
|
| Dec. 14 |
Delta 2 • NRO L-21 |
Launch
time:
2100 GMT (4 p.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-2W, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
The first United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched a classified payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket flew in the 7920 vehicle configuration. Delayed from Sept. 30, 2005. Delayed from Dec. 7. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 14] |
|
| Dec. 11 |
Proton • MEASAT 3 |
Launch time:
2328:43 GMT (6:28:43 p.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the third Malaysia-East Asia Satellite (MEASAT 3) communications spacecraft. The Boeing-built satellite will be used for communications, data relay and direct TV broadcasting across Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 12] |
|
| Dec. 9/10 |
Shuttle Discovery
• ISS 12A.1 |
Launch
time:
0147 GMT on 10th (8:47 p.m. EST on Dec. 9)
Launch site: LC-39B, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
STS-116 is the twentieth U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver and attach the third port truss segment to the station -- the Integrated Truss Structure P5. A Spacehab module riding in Discovery's payload bay will ferry supplies and equipment to the outpost. Delayed from July 24, 2003 in wake of Columbia tragedy. Moved up from Dec. 14. Scrubbed at T-minus 5 minutes on Dec. 7 due to weather. See our mission coverage. [Dec. 10] |
|
| Dec. 8 |
Ariane 5 ECA • WildBlue 1 & AMC 18 |
Launch
time:
2208 GMT (5:08 p.m. EST)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace used an Ariane 5 ECA rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to launch the WildBlue 1 broadband spacecraft and the AMERICOM 18 communications satellite. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 8] |
|
| Nov. 17 |
Delta 2 • GPS 2R-16 (M3) |
Launch
time:
1912 GMT (2:12 p.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-17A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The Boeing Delta 2 rocket launched the third modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block 2R military navigation satellite. The launch was run by the U.S. Air Force. The rocket flew in the 7925 vehicle configuration. Delayed from Nov. 14 and 15 to replace suspect pitch actuator on second stage. Scrubbed Nov. 16 early in countdown before tower rollback due to weather. See our Mission Status Center. [Nov. 17] |
|
| Nov. 8 |
Proton • BADR 4 |
Launch time:
2001 GMT (3:01 p.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton M rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the BADR 4 communications spacecraft for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization. EADS Astrium built the spacecraft, previously known as ARABSAT 4B. See our launch coverage. [Oct. 12] |
|
| Nov. 4 |
Delta 4 • DMSP F17 |
Launch
time:
1353 GMT (8:53 a.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-6, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
The Boeing Delta 4 Medium rocket launched the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program 17 spacecraft for the U.S. Air Force. Built by Lockheed Martin, this polar-orbiting weather satellite will be used by the military for global weather forecasting. Delayed from June and December 2005, February 2006 and Oct. 6. See our Mission Status Center. [Nov. 4] |
|
| Oct. 30 |
Sea Launch • XM 4 |
Launch
time:
2349 GMT (6:49 p.m. EST)
Launch site: Odyssey platform, Pacific Ocean (154° West, 0° North)
The Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket deployed the fourth broadcasting spacecraft for XM Satellite Radio. Built by Boeing, this craft will fly in geostationary orbit to provide radio programming to subscribers across the U.S. Countdown on Oct. 26 scrubbed. See our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 30] |
|
| Oct. 26 |
Delta 2 • STEREO |
Launch
time:
0052 GMT on 26th (8:52 p.m. EDT on Oct. 25)
Launch site: SLC-17B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The Boeing Delta 2 rocket launched NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory mission. STEREO consists of two nearly identical satellites launched aboard one rocket to provide 3-D measurements of the Sun for studying coronal mass ejections. The rocket flew in the 7925 configuration. Delayed from April 11, May 26, June 23, July 22 and July 30. Delayed from Aug. 1 due to spacecraft fuel leak. Delayed from Aug. 20 to perform leak check on rocket second stage. Delayed from Aug. 31, Sept. 18 and Oct. 18 for continued analysis of second stage concerns. See our launch coverage. [Oct. 26] |
|
| Oct. 23 |
Soyuz • Progress 23P |
Launch
time:
1341 GMT (9:41 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 23rd Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from Oct. 18. See our launch story. [Oct. 23] |
|
| Oct. 19 |
Soyuz • METOP-A |
Launch time:
1628 GMT (12:28 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian Soyuz/ST rocket with a Fregat upper stage launched the METOP-A polar-orbiting weather satellite for Europe's EUMETSAT organization. The launch was managed by Starsem. Delayed from June 30. Scrubbed on July 17 due to an incorrect parameter during final calibration of the rocket's inertial guidance system. Scrubbed again July 18 due to configuration problem with rocket after first scrub. Delayed again July 19 due to transmitter failure. Launch placed on hold for program review. Delayed from Oct. 7 for spacecraft checks after handling incident in processing facility. Countdown aborted on Oct. 17 by ground control problem. Scrubbed on Oct. 18 due to upper level wind conditions. See our launch story. [Oct. 19] |
|
| Oct. 13 |
Ariane 5 ECA • DirecTV 9S & Optus D1 |
Launch
time:
2056 GMT (4:56 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace used an Ariane 5 ECA rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to launch the American DirecTV 9S direct-to-home broadcasting spacecraft and the Australian Optus D1 communications satellite. The Japanese LDREX antenna technology demonstration mission will also fly into space aboard the Ariane 5 as a secondary payload. Delayed from Sept. 19. Delayed from Oct. 12 for additional checks on the rocket. See our launch Cue Card and our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 13] |
|
| Sept. 25 |
Delta 2 • GPS 2R-15 (M2) |
Launch
time:
1850 GMT (2:50 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-17A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The Boeing Delta 2 rocket launched the second modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block 2R military navigation satellite. The launch was run by the U.S. Air Force. The rocket flew in the 7925 vehicle configuration. Delayed from Sept. 14, 21 and 24. See our launch Cue Card and our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 25] |
|
| Sept. 22 |
M-5 • Solar-B |
Launch
time:
2136 GMT (5:36 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Uchinoura Space Center, Japan
A Japanese M-5 rocket launched the Solar-B space observatory to study the interaction between the Sun's magnetic field and its corona. See our launch story. [Sept. 22] |
|
| Sept. 18 |
Soyuz • ISS 13S |
Launch
time:
0408:40 GMT (12:08:40 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-9 spacecraft to the International Space Station with the Expedition 14 crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from Sept. 14. See our launch story. [Sept. 18] |
|
| Sept. 11 |
H-2A • IGS |
Launch
time:
0435 GMT (12:35 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Tanegashima, Japan
The Japanese H-2A rocket launched the country's third Information Gathering Satellite optical reconnaissance spacecraft. A radar spy satellite originally planned as a co-passenger has been removed from this launch and scheduled aboard its own H-2A rocket. The classified spacecraft follow the loss of the second pair of reconnaissance satellite in an earlier launch failure. Delayed from Sept. 10. See our launch story. [Sept. 11] |
|
| Sept. 10 |
Long March 2C • Shijian 8 |
Launch
time:
TBD
Launch site: Jiuquan, China
The Chinese Long March 2C rocket launched the country's Shijian-8 recoverable science spacecraft loaded with at least 2,000 types of seed samples. The craft is designed to orbit for two weeks and then return to Earth. See our launch story. [Sept. 11] |
|
| Sept. 9 |
Shuttle Atlantis
• ISS 12A |
Launch
time:
1515 GMT (11:15 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: LC-39B, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
STS-115 is the nineteenth U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver and attach the next port truss segment to the station -- the Integrated Truss Structure P3/P4 and associated set of power-generating solar arrays. Delayed from April 10, 2003 as ripple effect from shuttle fuel flow liner crack problem. Delayed from May 23, 2003 in wake of Columbia tragedy. Shuttle Endeavour, originally slated to fly STS-115, was removed from flight and entered an overhaul down period. Moved up to Aug. 27 from original date of Aug. 28. Then delayed 48 hours from Aug. 27 to complete testing after launch pad hit by lightning. Delayed from Aug. 29 to begin rollback preparations due to tropical storm Ernesto. Scrubbed Sept. 6 by fuel cell problem; Sept. 7 attempt skipped for continued analysis of fuel cell issue. Scrubbed Sept. 8 for failed engine cutoff sensor. See our mission coverage. [Sept. 9] |
|
| Aug. 22 |
Sea Launch • Koreasat 5 |
Launch
time:
0327 GMT (11:27 p.m. EDT on Aug. 21)
Launch site: Odyssey platform, Pacific Ocean (154° West, 0° North)
The Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket launched the the Koreasat 5 dual commercial and military communications satellite. It will replace the aging Koreasat 2 spacecraft. See our launch Cue Card and our Mission Status Center. [Aug. 10] |
|
| Aug. 11 |
Ariane 5 ECA • Syracuse 3B & JCSAT 10 |
Launch
time:
2215 GMT (6:15 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace used a |
