Launch Log (2009-2011)

An Arianespace Soyuz rocket launched six second-generation Globalstar mobile communications satellites. The Soyuz rocket will use a Fregat upper stage. Arianespace oversaw the commercial launch. Delayed from April and July. Delayed from September, October and early December. Read our full story. [Dec. 28]

A Soyuz rocket and Fregat upper stage failed in the launch of a Meridian military communications satellite for the Russian armed forces. Read our full story. [Dec. 23]

A Chinese Long March 4B rocket launched the Ziyuan 1-2C mapping satellite. The Ziyuan 1-2C carries a high-resolution camera for a variety of civil applications. Read our full story. [Dec. 22]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-03M spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 21]

A Chinese Long March 3B rocket launched the Nigcomsat 1R satellite for Nigeria. Nigcomsat 1R will replace Nigcomsat 1, which failed due to an anomaly in a solar array in 2008. The rocket flew in the Long March 3B/E configuration with an enlarged first stage and liquid-fueled strap-on boosters. Read our full story. [Dec. 19]

An Arianespace Soyuz rocket, designated VS02, launched on its second mission from the Guiana Space Center in South America. The Soyuz carried the Pleiades 1A optical high-resolution Earth observation satellite, four ELISA electronic intelligence satellites and the SSOT remote sensing spacecraft for Chile. The Soyuz 2 rocket used a Fregat upper stage. Arianespace oversaw the launch. Delayed from 3rd Quarter. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 17]

The Japanese H-2A rocket launched an Information Gathering Satellite for the Japanese government. The payload is a radar reconnaissance satellite. Launch delayed a day due to poor weather forecast. Read our full story. [Dec. 12]

A Russian government Proton rocket and Breeze M upper stage launched the Israeli Amos 5 communications satellite and the Russian space agency’s Luch 5A data relay satellite. Read our full story. [Dec. 11]

A Long March 3A rocket launched a Beidou navigation satellite for the Chinese government. Read our full story. [Dec. 1]

A Chinese Long March 2C rocket launched the Yaogan 13 reconnaissance satellite. Read our full story. [Nov. 29]

A Russian Soyuz rocket launched a Glonass M navigation satellite for the Russian government. The launch used the Soyuz 2-1b configuration of the rocket. Delayed from Nov. 22. Read our full story. [Nov. 28]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-028) launched NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory mission. The centerpiece of MSL is the Curiosity rover, which will assess whether Mars ever was, or is still today, an environment able to support microbial life and to determine the planet’s habitability. The rocket flew in the 541 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, four solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from Nov. 25 to replace flight termination system battery. See our Mission Status Center. [Nov. 26]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the AsiaSat 7 satellite to provide television broadcasting services over Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Read our full story. [Nov. 25]

A Chinese Long March 2D rocket launched the Shiyan 4 and Chuangxin 1-03 satellites. The Shiyan 4 satellite carries experimental technology for Earth observation and Chuangxin 1-03 will collect and transmit environmental data. Read our full story. [Nov. 19]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Moved forward from Sept. 30. Delayed from Sept. 22 after Soyuz launch failure. Read our full story. [Nov. 13]

A Chinese Long March 4B rocket launched the Yaogan 12 remote sensing satellite and the Tianxun 1 technology demonstration satellite. Read our full story. [Nov. 9]

A Zenit rocket launched the Phobos-Grunt mission to return samples from Phobos, the largest moon of Mars. The rocket was to use a Fregat-based upper stage to guide the Phobos-Grunt probe to Mars, but problems developed that initially stranded the mission in Earth orbit. The mission also carried a small Chinese spacecraft named Yinghuo 1 to enter orbit around Mars. Delayed from 2009. Read our full story. [Nov. 8]

A Russian government Proton rocket and Block DM upper stage will launch three Glonass M navigation satellites for the Russian space agency. Delayed from July and Aug. 25. Scrubbed on Nov. 4 by technical issue. Read our full story. [Nov. 4]

A Chinese Long March 2F rocket launched Shenzhou 8 on an unmanned flight to conduct the country’s first docking between two spacecraft in orbit. Shenzhou 8 will rendezvous and dock with the Tiangong 1 module launched in September 2011. Read our full story. [Oct. 31]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 45th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. [Oct. 30]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) mission for NOAA and NASA. The rocket flew in the 7920-10 configuration. NPP will collect data on atmospheric and sea surface temperatures, humidity, land and ocean biological activity, and cloud and aerosol properties. Delayed from Oct. 25 to replace leaky tube in hydraulic system and flexible fabric collar connecting two engine exhaust ducts. Delayed from Oct. 27. See our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 28]

An Arianespace Soyuz rocket, designated VS01, launched on its first mission from the Guiana Space Center in South America. The Soyuz carried two Galileo in-orbit validation satellites for Europe’s Galileo navigation constellation. The Soyuz 2-1b rocket will use a Fregat upper stage. Arianespace will oversee the launch. Delayed from Aug. 31. Scrubbed on Oct. 20 by fueling issue. Follow our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 21]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage will deploy the ViaSat 1 satellite to provide high-speed Ka-band Internet services over the United States. Delayed from July and September. Follow our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 19]

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launched the Megha-Tropiques research satellite. Jointly managed by India and France, the mission will study the water cycle and climate in the tropics. Delayed from Sept. 25. Read our launch story. [Oct. 12]

A Chinese Long March 3B rocket will launch the W3C communications satellite for Eutelsat of France. W3C will support the development of digital television services for Eastern Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean region. Read our launch story. [Oct. 7]

The Land Launch Zenit 3SLB rocket carried into orbit the Intelsat 18 communications satellite. Intelsat 18 will provide Ku-band and C-band services to the Asia-Pacific region. Delayed from 1st Quarter, June and August. Scrubbed on Oct. 4. See our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 5]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched a Glonass M navigation satellite. The rocket flew in the Soyuz 2-1b configuration with a Fregat upper stage. Delayed from Aug. 25 due to Soyuz mishap investigation. Delayed again from Sept. 25. Read our full story. [Oct. 2]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the QuetzSat 1 satellite to provide direct television broadcasting services to Mexico. QuetzSat 1 is owned by SES and will be leased by EchoStar for its service in Mexico. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 29]

A Chinese Long March 2F rocket launched the Tiangong mini-space station laboratory module designed for docking tests and manned visits. Delayed from August and Sept. 27. Read our launch story. [Sept. 29]

The Air Force Minotaur 4 rocket launched the experimental TacSat 4 demonstration satellite for the military’s Operationally Responsive Space office. TacSat 4 will test new satellite communications systems. Delayed from September, October, November 2010, May 5 and May 14. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 27]

The Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket carried into orbit Eutelsat’s Atlantic Bird 7 communications satellite. Atlantic Bird 7 will provide digital broadcasting services over the Middle East and North Africa. Delayed from Sept. 22 and Sept. 23. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 24]

The Japanese H-2A rocket launched an Information Gathering Satellite. The classified spacecraft will collect reconnaissance imagery. Delayed from Aug. 28. Read our full story. [Sept. 23]

Arianespace used an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA204, to launch the Arabsat 5C and SES 2 communications satellites. Arabsat 5C will provide communications and television broadcast services to the Middle East and Africa. SES 2 will serve the continental United States. Delayed from late August. Delayed from Sept. 9 for upper stage engine checks. Delayed again from Sept. 17. Scrubbed on Sept. 20 by labor strike. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 21]

A Chinese Long March 3B rocket launched the Chinasat 1A military communications satellite. Read our full story. [Sept. 18]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission for NASA. The rocket flew in the 7920-Heavy configuration. GRAIL includes two spacecraft in lunar orbit to study the moon’s interior and thermal evolution. The project is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Scrubbed on Sept. 8 by upper level winds. Delayed from Sept. 9 to review propulsion system data. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 10]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket failed during the launch the 44th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Read our full story. [Aug. 24]

A Chinese Long March 2C rocket failed in its attempt to launch a Shijian experimental satellite. Read our full story. [Aug. 18]

A Russian Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage failed to deploy the Express AM4 communications satellite in the correct orbit for the Russian Satellite Communications Company. The failure was blamed on the Breeze M upper stage. Express AM4 was to provide telecommunications and broadcast services to Russia and neighboring states. Read our full story. [Aug. 17]

An ISC Kosmotras Dnepr rocket launched the Sich 2 Earth observation satellite for Ukraine, the NigeriaSat 2 and NigeriaSat X remote sensing satellites for Nigeria, the RASAT demonstration satellite for Turkey, the EDUSAT spacecraft for the University of Rome, and other payloads. Delayed from December, February, April, June 20 and July 21. Read our full story. [Aug. 17]

A Long March 4B rocket successfully launched China’s Haiyang 2A ocean observation satellite to track winds and sea surface temperatures. Read our full story. [Aug. 15]

A Long March 3B rocket successfully launched the PakSat 1R communications satellite for the government of Pakistan. Read our full story. [Aug. 11]

Arianespace used an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA203, to launch the ASTRA 1N and BSAT 3c communications satellites. ASTRA 1N will provide digital and HD television services to Germany, France and Spain for SES ASTRA. BSAT 3c will broadcast direct-to-home television signals to Japan for B-SAT Corp. and SKY Perfect JSAT Corp. Delayed from June 29. Scrubbed on July 1 by faulty hydrogen valve. Scrubbed Aug. 5 for weather. Read our full story. [Aug. 6]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket deployed NASA’s Juno spacecraft to Jupiter. Built by Lockheed Martin, Juno will investigate the giant planet’s formation, evolution and structure from an elliptical orbit. The rocket flew in the 551 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, five solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. See our Mission Status Center. [Aug. 5]

A Chinese Long March 2C rocket successfully launched a Shijian satellite to conduct scientific experiments in orbit. [July 29]

A Long March 3A rocket launched a Beidou navigation satellite for the Chinese government. Read our full story. [July 26]

A Zenit rocket launched the Spektr R radio astronomy observatory. The rocket used a Fregat upper stage to boost the telescope into a highly elliptical orbit above Earth. Spektr R will work in conjunction with ground telescopes to study a variety of astronomical objects. Delayed from summer 2010 and May and June 2011. Read our full story. [July 18]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket deployed the Air Force’s second Block 2F navigation satellite for the Global Positioning System. The rocket flew in the Medium+ (4,2) configuration with two solid rocket boosters. Delayed from June 23 and July 14. Scrubbed from July 15 due to weather. See our Mission Status Center. [July 16]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the SES 3 and Kazsat 2 communications satellites. SES 3 will provide communications services for the United States and the Caribbean for SES World Skies. Kazsat 2 will relay television signals across Kazakhstan. Delayed from March 31, April 25 and June 10. Read our full story. [July 16]

India’s Block 2F Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launched the GSAT 12 communications satellite for the Indian Space Research Organization. The mission was codenamed PSLV C17. Delayed from June. Read our full story. [July 15]

An Arianespace Soyuz rocket launched six second-generation Globalstar mobile communications satellites. The Soyuz rocket used a Fregat upper stage. Arianespace oversaw the commercial launch. Delayed from February, April and May. Scrubbed on July 10 by launch pad equipment malfunction. Delayed from July 11 to verify ground support equipment. Read our full story. [July 13]

A Long March 3C rocket launched a China’s second Tianlian 1 data relay satellite. Read our full story. [July 11]

STS-135 is the 37th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight is carrying the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module with supplies for the International Space Station. Atlantis also launched a robotic satellite refueling experiment and returned a failed ammonia pump module to Earth. Delayed from June 28. See our Mission Status Center. [July 8]

A Chinese Long March 2C rocket successfully launched a Shijian satellite to conduct scientific experiments in orbit. [July 8]

The Air Force Minotaur 1 rocket launched the Operationally Responsive Space 1, or ORS 1, satellite. ORS 1 will support the military’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance needs by hosting an innovative sensor system. Delayed from Dec. 10, January, April 6, May 20, May 30, June 10, June 13 and June 18. Scrubbed on June 28 due to weather. See our Mission Status Center. [June 30]

A Soyuz rocket launched a Kobalt optical reconnaissance satellite for the Russian ministry of defense. Read our full story. [June 27]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 43rd Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Read our full story. [June 21]

A Chinese Long March 3B rocket launched the Chinasat 10 communications satellite for China Satellite Communications Corp. Read our full story. [June 20]

A Safir rocket orbited Iran’s Rasad observation satellite, the country’s second successful space launch. Read our full story. [June 15]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched Argentina’s SAC-D satellite with the Aquarius instrument for NASA. SAC-D and Aquarius will map salt concentrations in the world’s oceans. The rocket flew in the 7320-10 vehicle configuration with three solid rocket motors and a 10-foot payload fairing. Delayed from 2009, April and June 7. See our Mission Status Center. [June 10]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from May 30. See our Mission Status Center. [June 7]

Arianespace used an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA202, to launch the ST 2 and GSAT 8 communications satellites. ST 2 will provide fixed and mobile voice and Internet to Asia and the Middle East for ST 2 Satellite Ventures, a joint venture between companies in Singapore and Taiwan. GSAT 8 will serve India with a Ku-band communications payload. Delayed from May 11 and May 19. Read our full story. [May 20]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the Telstar 14R satellite to provide communications services over the United States, Brazil and other parts of South America for Telesat of Canada. The payload is also named Estrela do Sul 2. Read our full story. [May 20]

STS-134 was the 36th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight carried the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to be attached for research at the station. Endeavour hauled maintenance supplies and spare parts to the station on the third ExPRESS Logistics Carrier. Delayed from July 29 due to AMS issues. Delayed from Feb. 26 to accommodate ATV 2 docking with space station. Delayed from Feb. 27 and april 1 due to slips of STS-133. Delayed from April 19 to deconflict with Russian traffic at the space station. Scrubbed on April 29 due to APU heater issue. See our Mission Status Center. [May 16]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket launched the U.S. military’s first Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous satellite, or SBIRS GEO 1, for missile early-warning detection. 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 April 30 and May 5. Scrubbed May 6 due to weather. See our Mission Status Center. [May 7]

A Soyuz rocket and Fregat upper stage launched a Meridian military communications satellite for the Russian armed forces. The rocket flew in the Soyuz 2-1a configuration. Read our full story. [May 4]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 42nd Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Read our full story. [April 27]

Arianespace used an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA201, to launch the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn communications satellites. Yahsat 1A will provide commercial and government services to the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia for Al Yah Satellite Communications Co. of Abu Dhabi. Intelsat New Dawn will serve customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Launch attempt March 30 aborted moments before liftoff. Read our full story. [April 22]

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launched the Resourcesat 2 Earth observation satellite, the X-SAT demonstration satellite for Singapore, and the YouthSat payload for India and Russia. The mission was codenamed PSLV C16. Delayed from December, January and March. Read our full story. [April 20]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-027) launched a classified spacecraft payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket flew in the 411 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, one solid rocket booster and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from March 31. Delayed from April 12 to replace avionics component on the rocket. See our Mission Status Center. [April 15]

A Long March 3A rocket launched a Beidou navigation satellite for the Chinese government. [April 9]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from March 30. See our Mission Status Center. [March 11]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket launched a classified spy satellite cargo for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket flew in the Medium+ (4,2) configuration with two solid rocket boosters. See our Mission Status Center. [March 11]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-026) launched the U.S. military’s X-37B, a prototype space plane also called the Orbital Test Vehicle. The rocket flew in the 501 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. See our Mission Status Center. [March 5]

The Orbital Sciences Taurus rocket failed to orbit NASA’s Glory Earth observation satellite. Glory was designed to collect data on black carbon and aerosols in the Earth’s atmosphere and solar irradiance and its affects on Earth’s long-term climate record. Delayed from Nov. 22 to finish fairing separation redesign effort and troubleshoot spacecraft solar array drive motor problem. Scrubbed on Feb. 23 by ground system anomaly. See our Mission Status Center. [March 4]

A Russian government Soyuz 2-1a rocket and Fregat upper stage launched the first next-generation Glonass K navigation satellite. Delayed from Dec. 28 and Feb. 15. Scrubbed on Feb. 24. Delayed from Feb. 25. Read our full story. [Feb. 26]

STS-133 was the the 35th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight carried the fourth ExPRESS Logistics Carrier with spare parts for the station. Discovery also delivered the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM). Delayed from Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. Moved again from Nov. 3 by main engine controller issue. Scrubbed on Nov. 4 by weather. Scrubbed on Nov. 5 for gaseous hydrogen leak on ground umbilical carrier plate. Delayed from Nov. 30, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 due to external tank stringer cracks. Delayed from Feb. 3 for repairs. See our Mission Status Center. [Feb. 24]

Arianespace Flight 200 used an Ariane 5 ES rocket to launch the European Space Agency’s second Automated Transfer Vehicle, named Johannes Kepler. The ATV is a cargo-carrying spacecraft to deliver supplies and equipment to the orbiting International Space Station. Delayed from December. Scrubbed on Feb. 15. See our Mission Status Center. [Feb. 16]

The Air Force Minotaur 1 rocket launched a classified satellite payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. Moved up from March. Scrubbed on Feb. 5 by range issue. See our Mission Status Center. [Feb. 6]

A Russian government Rockot launch vehicle and Breeze KM upper stage launched the GEO-IK 2 spacecraft. The satellite was designed to survey Earth to measure variations in the gravitational field and study other geodetic features of the planet. Read our full story. [Feb. 1]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 41st Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from Dec. 27. Read our full story. [Jan. 28]

The Japanese H-2B rocket launched the second H-2 Transfer Vehicle. The HTV serves as an unmanned cargo vehicle to deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. Delayed from Jan. 20 due to bad weather. See our Mission Status Center. [Jan. 22]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket launched a classified spy satellite cargo for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The largest of the Delta 4 family, the Heavy version features three Common Booster Cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket. Delayed from Dec. 1. Moved up from Jan. 15, then delayed from Jan. 11. Delayed from Jan. 17. See our Mission Status Center. [Jan. 20]

A Russian government Zenit 3F rocket launched the first Electro-L weather satellite. The rocket used a Fregat upper stage to boost the spacecraft to geosynchronous orbit. The Electro-L satellite will collect visible and infrared satellite imagery for Russian meteorologists. Delayed from Dec. 25. Read our full story. [Jan. 20]

Arianespace Flight 199 used an Ariane 5 rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to launch the Spanish Hispasat 1E communications satellite to serve Europe, North America and South America. The Koreasat 6 broadcasting satellite will also launch on the Ariane 5 for South Korea. Delayed from Dec. 21 due to satellite issue. Scrubbed on Dec. 28 due to unfavorable high-altitude winds. Read our full story. [Dec. 29]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the KA-SAT communications satellite for Eutelsat to provide broadband Internet services to Europe. Delayed from November. Delayed from Dec. 19 by Proton mishap investigation. Read our full story. [Dec. 26]

India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) failed in the launch of the GSAT 5 communications satellite to cover India, Asia, Africa and parts of Europe. The satellite is also called INSAT 4D. The rocket will fly in the GSLV Mk.1 configuration with a Russian cryogenic third stage. The mission is codenamed GSLV-F06. Delayed from Dec. 20. Read our full story. [Dec. 25]

A Long March 3A rocket will launch a Beidou navigation satellite for the Chinese government. Read our full story. [Dec. 17]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from Nov. 30, Dec. 9 and Dec. 13. Follow our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 15]

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the first active Dragon spacecraft, called Dragon C1. The mission demonstrated the capabilities of the Dragon in a three-and-a-half hour test flight named COTS 1. The company is building the Dragon to fly on resupply missions to the International Space Station. Delayed from 2nd Quarter. Delayed from July 21, August, Sept. 9, Oct. 23 and Nov. 8. Moved to Nov. 19 due to range conflict. Delayed again from Nov. 19. Delayed from Dec. 7 due to second stage nozzle issue. Follow our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 8]

A Russian government Proton rocket failed to orbit a trio of satellites for the Glonass navigation system. Delayed from Nov. 30. Read our full story. [Dec. 5]

Arianespace Flight 198 used an Ariane 5 rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to launch the Intelsat 17 communications satellite to serve Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Russia. The HYLAS 1 satellite for Avanti Communications of the United Kingdom also launched on the Ariane 5. Delayed from Nov. 25. Read our full story. [Nov. 26]

A Chinese Long March 3A rocket launched the Chinasat 20A communications satellite. Read our full story. [Nov. 24]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket launched a classified spy satellite cargo for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The largest of the Delta 4 family, the Heavy version features three Common Booster Cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket. Delayed from Oct. 19, Nov. 5, Nov. 15, Nov. 17 and Nov. 18. Scrubbed on Nov. 19. See our Mission Status Center. [Nov. 21]

The Air Force Minotaur 4 rocket launched a group of satellites in a launch opportunity sponsored by the Air Force’s Space Test Program. The payloads included the Air Force’s STPSat 2 satellite, NASA’s FASTSAT (Fast, Affordable, Science and Technology Satellite), two FASTRAC spacecraft from the University of Texas, the Air Force Academy’s FalconSat 5 satellite, NASA’s O/OREOS and NanoSail-D CubeSat missions and the RAX CubeSat for the University of Michigan. Delayed from May 28. Moved up from Sept. 5. Delayed from Sept. 1 and October. See our Mission Status Center. [Nov. 20]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the SkyTerra 1 mobile communications satellite to cover North and Central America. SkyTerra 1 is the first of two satellites built by Boeing Co. for LightSquared. Delayed from August due to spacecraft issue. Read our full story. [Nov. 14]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket deployed the fourth 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. Delayed from Oct. 29 due to issue with equipment for loading second stage hypergolics. Scrubbed on Oct. 31 due to heater problem in first stage engine section. Scrubbed again Nov. 1 due to gaseous nitrogen purge problem. Scrubbed Nov. 2 for second stage battery low voltage reading. Delayed to Nov. 5 due to collision avoidance cutout. See our Mission Status Center. [Nov. 6]

A Chinese Long March 4C rocket launched the Fengyun 3B weather satellite into polar orbit. [Nov. 5]

A Russian government Soyuz 2-1a rocket launched a Meridian military communications satellite. Read our full story. [Oct. 31]

A Chinese Long March 3A rocket launched a Beidou navigation satellite to geosynchronous orbit. Read our full story. [Oct. 31]

Arianespace Flight 197 used an Ariane 5 rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to launch Eutelsat’s W3B communications satellite to serve Europe, Africa and the Middle East and Japan’s BSAT 3b satellite to provide high definition direct broadcasting television programming. Delayed from Sept. 15 due to issue on W3B payload. Read our full story. [Oct. 28]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 40th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Read our full story. [Oct. 27]

An Arianespace Soyuz 2-1a rocket launched six second-generation Globalstar mobile communications satellites. The Soyuz rocket used a Fregat upper stage. Read our full story. [Oct. 19]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the XM 5 radio broadcasting satellite to provide digital music and entertainment programming to customers in North America. XM 5 will be operated by Sirius XM Radio. Read our full story. [Oct. 14]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from Sept. 30. Read our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 7]

A Chinese Long March 4B rocket launched two Shijian research satellites. Read our full story. [Oct. 6]

A Chinese Long March 3C rocket launched Chang’e 2, China’s second lunar orbiter. The probe follows the mission of Chang’e 1, which surveyed the moon between 2007 and 2009. Read our full story. [Oct. 1]

A Russian government Molniya-M rocket launched a military reconnaissance satellite into an elliptical high-altitude orbit. The payload is believed to be a Russian military early warning satellite. [Sept. 30]

The Air Force Minotaur 4 rocket launched the first satellite of the Space-Based Surveillance System. SBSS will join a network of ground sensors that track satellites in orbit around Earth. The launch was the second flight of the Minotaur 4 rocket, which is partially comprised of retired Peacekeeper motors. Delayed from Oct. 23, Oct. 30, April and July 8. Delayed from August due to analysis of avionics connectors. Read our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 26]

A Chinese Long March 2D rocket launched a Yaogan Earth observation satellite likely destined for military use. Read our full story. [Sept. 22]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 (AV-025) rocket launched a classified spacecraft payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket flew in the 501 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from Sept. 7. Read our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 21]

The Japanese H-2A rocket launched the Michibiki navigation satellite. Also called the Quasi-Zenith Satellite, Michibiki will enhance GPS navigation signals in Japanese urban areas and mountainous terrain. The H-2A rocket flew in the 202 configuration with two large solid rocket boosters and no smaller motors. Delayed from Aug. 2. Read our full story. [Sept. 11]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 39th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from Aug. 31. Scrubbed on Sept. 8 due to high winds. Read our full story. [Sept. 10]

A Russian government Rockot vehicle launched a spacecraft for the Gonets satellite communications constellation and two military payloads. Delayed from February, May and June. Read our full story. [Sept. 8]

A Chinese Long March 3B rocket launched the Chinasat 6A communications satellite. Read our full story. [Sept. 4]

A Russian government Proton rocket launched a trio of spacecraft for the Glonass satellite navigation constellation. Delayed from Aug. 31. Read our full story. [Sept. 1]

A Chinese Long March 2D rocket launched the Tianhui 1 mapping satellite. Read our full story. [Aug. 24]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 (AV-019) rocket launched the first Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite. Built by Lockheed Martin, this U.S. military spacecraft will provide highly-secure communications. The rocket flew in the 531 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, three solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from July 2009 due to spacecraft readiness. Delayed from July 30 by payload fairing issue. Delayed from Aug. 10 and Aug. 12. See our Mission Status Center. [Aug. 14]

A Chinese Long March 4C rocket launched a Yaogan Earth observation satellite likely destined for military use. Read our full story. [Aug. 9]

Arianespace Flight 196 used an Ariane 5 rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to launch the Rascom-QAF 1R communications satellite to serve Africa and Egypt’s Nilesat 201 satellite to provide direct broadcasting television programming to the Middle East. Delayed from late July and Aug. 3. Read our full story. [Aug. 4]

A Chinese Long March 3A rocket launched a Beidou navigation satellite for the Chinese government. Read our full story. [July 31]

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launched the Cartosat 2B remote sensing satellite and multiple secondary payloads. Delayed from May 5. Delayed from May 9 by second stage pressure issue. Delayed from June 5. Read our full story. [July 12]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the EchoStar 15 telecommunications spacecraft. The satellite will provide direct-to-home broadcasting services to DISH Network subscribers across the United States. Read our full story. [July 11]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 38th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Read our full story. [June 30]

Arianespace Flight 195 used an Ariane 5 rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to launch the Arabsat 5A communications satellite to cover the Middle East and Africa and South Korea’s COMS 1 satellite to monitor weather, observe oceans and test communications. Delayed from May. Scrubbed on June 23 and June 24. Read our full story. [June 26]

Israel launched a Shavit rocket with the Ofeq 9 reconnaissance satellite to spy on neighboring countries, including Iran. Ofeq 9 carries a high-resolution optical camera, but its exact dimensions are classified. Read our full story. [June 22]

An ISC Kosmotras Dnepr rocket launched the TanDEM-X satellite for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Astrium. TanDEM-X stands for TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement. The satellite will fly in close formation with the TerraSAR-X spacecraft launched in 2007 to gather precise elevation data. Delayed from Oct. 20, December and May. Read our full story. [June 21]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-19 spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from May 30. See our Mission Status Center. [June 15]

An ISC Kosmotras Dnepr rocket will launch the Sweden’s Prisma demonstration mission, including two satellites that will rendezvous and fly in formation using new and inexpensive technologies. The French space agency’s Picard satellite will also launch to study the sun. Delayed from March 9, April 6, April 13 and June 3. Read our full story. [June 15]

A Chinese Long March 2D rocket launched the Shijian 12 research satellite into orbit to conduct various technology and environmental experiments. Read our full story. [June 15]

The Korea Space Launch Vehicle 1 launched on its second flight from a new launch site on the southern tip of Korea, but the rocket failed 137 seconds after liftoff. The KSLV 1 rocket uses a Russian liquid-fueled first stage and a Korean solid-fueled upper stage. The payload for this launch was the Science and Technology Satellite 2B (STSAT 2B) demonstration spacecraft. Scrubbed on June 9. Read our full story. [June 10]

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket made its maiden launch on a demonstration mission carrying the qualification unit of the Dragon spacecraft, which the company plans to fly on resupply missions to the International Space Station. Delayed from Nov. 29, Feb. 9, March 3, March 8, March 22, April 12, May 8, May 11, May 23, May 28 and June 2. See our Mission Status Center. [June 4]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the BADR 5 telecommunications spacecraft. The satellite will provide direct broadcasting, HDTV programming and interactive services to the Middle East for Arabsat. Read our full story. [June 4]

A Chinese Long March 3C rocket launched a navigation satellite for the Beidou satellite navigation system. Read our full story. [June 2]

A Eurockot Rockot vehicle launched the SERVIS 2 satellite for Japan’s Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer (USEF) to test commercial off-the-shelf technologies for space applications. Delayed from March. Read our full story. [June 2]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket launched the Air Force’s first Block 2F navigation satellite for the Global Positioning System. The rocket flew in the Medium+ (4,2) configuration with two solid rocket boosters. Delayed from late 2009. Delayed from February, May 13, May 17 and May 20. Scrubbed on May 21 and May 23 due to spacecraft issue. Scrubbed on May 24 by solid rocket motor glitch. See our Mission Status Center. [May 27]

Arianespace Flight 194 used an Ariane 5 rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to launch the Astra 3B direct-to-home television and broadband satellite for Europe and COMSATBw 2 communications satellite for the German military. Delayed from March 24 for rocket issue. Delayed from March 26 due to launcher subsystem problem. Scrubbed on April 9 for pressurization system problem. Read our full story. [May 21]

The Japanese H-2A rocket launched the Akatsuki spacecraft to Venus. Also called Planet-C or Venus Climate Orbiter, the mission will study the planet’s smothering, thick atmosphere from orbit. The H-2A rocket flew in the 202 configuration with two large solid rocket boosters and no smaller motors. Scrubbed on May 17 due to thick clouds. See our Mission Status Center. [May 20]

STS-132 was the 34th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight carried the Russian Mini-Research Module 1 to be attached to the Zarya module of the station. Atlantis also hauled maintenance supplies and spare parts to the station on an integrated cargo carrier. See our Mission Status Center. [May 14]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 37th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Read our full story. [April 28]

A Russian government Kosmos 3M rocket launched a secret military satellite for the Russian military. The satellite is believed to be a Parus navigation and communications satellite. Read our full story. [April 27]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the SES 1 telecommunications spacecraft. The satellite will provide direct-to-home services to North America for SES World Skies. Read our full story. [April 24]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-012) launched the U.S. military’s X-37B, a prototype space plane also called the Orbital Test Vehicle. The rocket flew in the 501 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from April 19, 20 and 21 due to range conflicts. Read our Mission Status Center. [April 22]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched a secret satellite for the Russian military. The spacecraft is believed to be a Kobalt optical reconnaissance satellite. Read our full story. [April 16]

India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) failed during launch of the GSAT 4 experimental communications satellite for the Indian Space Research Organization. Codenamed GSLV D3, the launch was the first GSLV to use an indigenous third stage cryogenic engine. Read our full story. [April 15]

An ISC Kosmotras Dnepr rocket launched the European Space Agency’s CryoSat 2 Earth observation satellite. CryoSat 2 will monitor precise changes in the polar ice caps and floating sea ice to determine the rate the planet’s ice cover is diminishing. The satellite replaces another spacecraft lost in a 2005 launch failure. Delayed from December. Moved up from Feb. 28. Delayed from Feb. 25. Read our full story. [April 8]

STS-131 was the the 33rd U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight carried a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module with supplies and experiments for utilization aboard the station. Delayed from March 18 due to cold weather affecting move to VAB. See our Mission Status Center. [April 5]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-18 spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Follow our Mission Status Center. [April 2]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage successfully deployed the EchoStar 14 telecommunications spacecraft. The satellite will provide direct-to-home broadcast services to the United States for EchoStar Communications. Read our full story. [March 21]

A Chinese Long March 4C rocket launched a Yaogan Earth observation satellite likely destined for military use. Read our full story. [March 5]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket launched Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite P, or GOES P, for NASA and NOAA. The weather satellite will orbit 22,300 miles above the planet to monitor conditions across the U.S. The rocket flew in the Medium+ (4,2) configuration with two solid rocket boosters. Moved up from March 4. Delayed from Feb. 25, March 1 and March 2. See our Mission Status Center. [March 4]

A Russian government Proton rocket will launch a trio of spacecraft for the Glonass satellite navigation constellation. Delayed from September 2009 and February 2010. Read our full story. [March 1]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the Intelsat 16 telecommunications spacecraft. The satellite will provide direct-to-home services to Latin America. Read our full story. [Feb. 11]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 (AV-021) rocket launched NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. SDO will be the first mission for the space agency’s Living With a Star Program. 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 December 2008. Moved up from Jan. 26, 2010 to take former Mars Science Laboratory launch slot. Delayed from October, Dec. 4, Feb. 3 and Feb. 9. Scrubbed on Feb. 10. Read our full story. [Feb. 11]

STS-130 was the 32nd U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight delivered the Tranquility connecting node and the cupola, a module with seven windows to provide a unique view around the station. Delayed from Feb. 4 and Feb. 6. Scrubbed on Feb. 7 due to weather. Follow our Mission Status Center. [Feb. 8]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 36th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from Dec. 26. Read our full story. [Feb. 2]

A Russian government Proton rocket launched with a Raduga military communications satellite. Read our full story. [Jan. 28]

A Chinese Long March 3C rocket launched the third Beidou navigation satellite for the Chinese government. Read our full story. [Jan. 16]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the DirecTV 12 spacecraft. The satellite will provide direct-to-home and HDTV services across the U.S. Read our full story. [Dec. 28]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-17 spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 20]

Arianespace Flight 193 will used Ariane 5 rocket with a storable propellant upper stage to launch the French Helios 2B military optical and infrared reconnaissance satellite into polar orbit. Scrubbed Dec. 9 due to helium leak with the launcher. Scrubbed again Dec. 17. Read our full story. [Dec. 18]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). The satellite will observe the entire sky in mid-infrared wavelengths with greater sensitivity than ever before. The rocket flew in the 7320 vehicle configuration with three solid rocket boosters and no third stage. Moved up from Dec. 10. Delayed from Dec. 7 and Dec. 9 as ripple effect from slips on Delta 4/WGS 3 launch. Delayed from Dec. 11. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 14]

A Russian government Proton rocket launched a trio of spacecraft for the Glonass satellite navigation constellation. Moved up from late December. Read our full story. [Dec. 14]

A Chinese Long March 2D rocket launched the Yaogan 7 satellite into Earth orbit. State media reports the satellite will conduct scientific remote sensing, but it is more likely a military optical spy satellite. Read our full story. [Dec. 9]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket launched the third 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 flew in the Medium+ (5,4) configuration with four solid rocket boosters. Delayed from Sept. 30 and Nov. 18. Delayed from Nov. 19 due to winds holding up payload’s mounting atop the rocket and the need to recharge spacecraft batteries back at processing facility. Delayed from Dec. 2 due to poor weather forecast. Scrubbed on Dec. 3 due to weather and ground system problem. Pushed back from Dec. 4 to make repairs to ground system. See our Mission Status Center. [Dec. 5]

The Land Launch Zenit 3SLB rocket carried into orbit the Intelsat 15 communications satellite. Intelsat 15 will provide Ku-band video and data services for the Middle East, Indian Ocean regions and Russia. Scrubbed on Nov. 29. Read our full story. [Nov. 30]

The Japanese H-2A rocket launched an optical Information Gathering Satellite for the Japanese government. The secretive spacecraft will join a fleet of other reconnaissance satellites to gather imagery for defense purposes. Read our full story. [Nov. 28]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the W7 spacecraft for Eutelsat. The communications satellite will cover Central Asia and Africa. Originally slated to fly on Sea Launch but switched to Proton. Delayed from Nov. 23. Read our full story. [Nov. 24]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-024) launched the commercial Intelsat 14 communications spacecraft. Built by Space Systems/Loral, this satellite will provide telecommunications services over the Atlantic Ocean Region. The rocket flew in the 431 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, three solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from Oct. 14. Scrubbed Nov. 14 due to glitch in pyrotechnic assembly. Read our Mission Status Center for updates. [Nov. 23]

A Russian Soyuz rocket launched the Kosmos 2455 military satellite into Earth orbit. The payload could be an electronic intelligence spy satellite. Read our full story. [Nov. 20]

STS-129 was the 31st U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight delivered the first two Express Logistics Carriers with an array of spare parts for the outpost. Delayed from Nov. 12. See our Mission Status Center. [Nov. 16]

A Chinese Long March 2C rocket launched the Shijian 11-01 satellite into Earth orbit. State media reports the satellite will conduct scientific and engineering experiments. Read our full story. [Nov. 12]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the Mini Research Module 2, a new docking compartment for the International Space Station. Read our full story. [Nov. 10]

A Eurockot Rockot vehicle launched the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity satellite for the European Space Agency. The launch also carried the Proba 2 microsatellite into orbit. SMOS will measure moisture in soils and salt content in oceans during its mission. Delayed from July and September. Read our full story. [Nov. 2]

Arianespace Flight 192 used an Ariane 5 rocket with an ECA upper stage to launch the NSS 12 and Thor 6 communications satellites. NSS 12 will be operated by SES World Skies of the Netherlands to cover parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. Thor 6 will provide direct-to-home communications services for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting of Norway. Read our full story. [Oct. 29]

NASA launched the Ares 1-X rocket on a sub-orbital test flight to collect valuable engineering data from the vehicle. The Ares program was being developed to replace the space shuttle for launching astronauts. Delayed from July 11 and Aug. 30. Moved up from Oct. 31. Scrubbed on Oct. 27. See our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 28]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-017) deployed the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program 18 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. The rocket flew in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no strap-on solid rocket booster and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from April. Moved up from July 2. Delayed from June 29, Sept. 10 and late October and Nov. 2008. Delayed from Sept. 3 and Oct. 13. See our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 18]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 35th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Read our launch story. [Oct. 15]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket deployed the WorldView 2 commercial Earth-imaging spacecraft into a sun-synchronous orbit for the DigitalGlobe company. ULA conducted this commercial launch for Boeing. The rocket flew in the 7920 vehicle configuration. Delayed from July. Delayed from Oct. 6 as result in slips by previous Delta 2 mission of STSS Demo. See our Mission Status Center. [Oct. 8]

Arianespace Flight 191 used an Ariane 5 rocket with an ECA upper stage to launch the Amazonas 2 and COMSATBw 1 communications satellites. Amazonas 2 will be operated by Hispasat of Spain to cover the Americas. COMSATBw 1, also called GMS, will provide communications services for the German military. Delayed from Sept. 30 to conduct extra checks on the rocket. Read our launch story. [Oct. 1]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the manned Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule remained at the station for several months, providing an escape pod for the crew. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 30]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) technology demonstration mission for the Missile Defense Agency. NASA managed the launch. The rocket flew in the 7920 vehicle configuration. Delayed from Nov. 25, 2007, April, July 16, Nov. 1, Nov. 20, 2008, Jan. 23, June, July 29 and Sept. 15. Pushed back 12 hours from evening T-0 on Sept. 17. Pushed from Sept. 18 due to weather delays during pre-flight processing. Delayed from Sept. 19 to review spacecraft test data. Scrubbed on Sept. 23 due to weather. Delayed from Sept. 24 to repair small fuel leak at pad. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 25]

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle launched the Oceansat 2 satellite. Oceansat 2 carries three sensors for ocean and atmospheric science research for India. The PSLV also carried the UWE 2, BEESAT, ITUpSAT1 and SwissCube CubeSats in a launch opportunity provided by Innovative Solutions in Space. Read our launch story. [Sept. 23]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the Nimiq 5 spacecraft. The Telesat satellite will provide direct-to-home services across North America. Read our launch story. [Sept. 18]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the Meteor M1 weather satellite and an assortment of smaller payloads for international organizations. The Soyuz flew with a Fregat upper stage. Scrubbed on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. Read our launch story. [Sept. 17]

The Japanese H-2B rocket launched the first H-2 Transfer Vehicle. The HTV serves as an unmanned cargo vehicle to deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 10]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-018) carried a classified satellite for the U.S. government known only as PAN. Details about the spacecraft mission and its operator have not been released. 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 July 17 and Aug. 12. See our Mission Status Center. [Sept. 8]

A Chinese Long March 3B rocket failed to launch the Palapa D1 communications satellite into the correct orbit for Indosat of Indonesia. Palapa D1 was built to provide coverage of Indonesia, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Read our launch story. [Aug. 31]

STS-128 was the 30th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight delivered equipment and supplies with a reusable Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. Delayed from July 30 and switched from Atlantis. Delayed from Aug. 6, Aug. 7, Aug. 18, Aug. 21, and Aug. 24. Scrubbed on Aug. 25, Aug. 26 and Aug. 27. See our Mission Status Center. [Aug. 29]

The Korea Space Launch Vehicle 1 failed in its first flight from a new launch site on the southern tip of Korea. The KSLV 1 rocket uses a Russian liquid-fueled first stage and a Korean solid-fueled upper stage. The payload for this launch was the Science and Technology Satellite 2 (STSAT 2) demonstration spacecraft. Delayed from July 30 and Aug. 11. Scrubbed on Aug. 19. Read our launch story. [Aug. 25]

Flight 190 used an Ariane 5 rocket with an ECA upper stage to launch the JCSAT 12 communications satellite for Japan and Optus D3 communications spacecraft for Australia. Delayed from Aug. 20. Read our launch story. [Aug. 21]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket launched the eighth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block 2R military navigation satellite. The launch was the final Delta 2 mission run by the U.S. Air Force. The rocket flew in the 7925 vehicle configuration. Delayed from Sept. 11 and Dec. 18, 2008. Moved up from Aug. 21. Read our launch story. [Aug. 17]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage launched the AsiaSat 5 spacecraft. The satellite will provide telecommunications services across Asia for its Hong Kong-based operator. Delayed from Aug. 10. Read our launch story. [Aug. 11]

An ISC Kosmotras Dnepr rocket launched a cluster of small international satellites. Delayed from March, April, June and July 25. Read our launch story. [July 29]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 34th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from June 24. Read our launch story. [July 24]

A Russian Kosmos 3M rocket launched a Russian Parus navigation satellite for the Russian military. A next-generation search and rescue satellite called Sterkh 1 was also put into orbit. Read our launch story. [July 29]

STS-127 was the 29th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight delivered the external experiment platform for the Japanese science laboratory facilities. Delayed from May 15 to give launch slot to STS-125. Scrubbed June 13 and June 17 due to leaks in gaseous hydrogen venting system. Scrubbed to check for problems from lightning strikes. Scrubbed July 12 and July 13 due to weather. See our Mission Status Center. [July 15]

The fifth flight of the SpaceX Falcon 1 rocket launched the RazakSat Earth-imaging spacecraft for Malaysia. The satellite also features the name MACSat, or Medium-sized Aperture Camera Satellite. Delayed from April 20. See our Mission Status Center. [July 14]

A Russian Rockot booster propelled three military satellites given the cover names Kosmos 2451, Kosmos 2452 and Kosmos 2453. Read our launch story. [July 6]

Flight 189 used an Ariane 5 rocket with an ECA upper stage to launch TerreStar 1, the world’s largest and most powerful commercial telecommunications satellite. TerreStar 1 will provide mobile voice, messaging and data communications services throughout North America. Pushed back from May 28 due to delays of previous Ariane 5 mission. Delayed from June 24 and June 26. Read our launch story. [July 1]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the Sirius FM5 radio broadcasting spacecraft. Delayed from June 29. Read our launch story. [June 30]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket deployed the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite O, or GOES O, for NASA and NOAA. The weather satellite is orbiting 22,300 miles above the planet to monitor conditions across the U.S. The rocket flew in the Medium+ (4,2) configuration with two solid rocket boosters. Delayed from April, June 12, July 20, August, Nov. 5, December 2007, Jan. 22, Feb. 10, March and April 6. Delayed from April 28 due to liquid oxygen leak found during countdown dress rehearsal. Pushed back from mid-May for component modification in linear shape charges. Scrubbed June 26 due to thunderstorms. See our Mission Status Center. [June 27]

The Land Launch Zenit 3SLB rocket carried into orbit the MEASAT 3a television broadcasting satellite for MEASAT Satellite Systems of Malaysia. Delayed from Aug. 21, 2008 to repair damage to spacecraft suffered during pre-flight processing at the launch base. Read our launch story. [June 21]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-020) launched NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to the Moon and a lunar impactor secondary payload called the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite. 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. 28 and Nov. 24. Delayed from Feb. 27, March 2, April 24 and May 20. Delayed from May 21. Delayed from June 2. Pushed back from June 17 due to conflict with shuttle launch schedule. See our Mission Status Center. [June 18]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the next manned Soyuz TMA spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the Expedition 20 crew. The capsule remained at the station for several months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from May 25. See our Mission Status Center. [May 27]

The Orbital Sciences Minotaur 1 rocket launched the Air Force Research Laboratory’s TacSat 3 advanced technology research spacecraft. The four-stage rocket used U.S. government-supplied Minuteman 2 motors and Pegasus rocket stages. Delayed from December 2007, March 15, June 25, Aug. 14 and Sept. 14 and October 2008. Scrubbed May 5 and May 7 due to bad weather. Scrubbed by problem May 8. See our Mission Status Center. [May 20]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the ProtoStar 2 direct broadcasting telecommunications spacecraft. The satellite will cover the Asia-Pacific region. Delayed from May 13 (EDT). Read our launch story. [May 16]

Arianespace Flight 188 used an Ariane 5 rocket with an ECA upper stage to launch the European Space Agency’s Herschel and Planck observatories. The Herschel infrared telescope studied the evolution of stars and galaxies and the Planck spacecraft observed the cosmic background radiation left over from the Big Bang. Delayed from April 16 to finish testing ground software in spacecraft mission control. Delayed from April 29 for engineering checks on Herschel. Delayed from May 6 for rocket checks. See our Mission Status Center. [May 14]

STS-125 is the fifth and final space shuttle mission launched to service and upgrade the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope. Shuttle Atlantis launched two new science instruments, along with stabilizing gyroscopes, batteries and thermal blankets to refurbish the observatory and extend its useful life another five years. The astronauts conducted five spacewalks during the service call. Attempts to repair two other instruments were planned as well. Delayed from Aug. 7, Aug. 28, Oct. 8, Oct. 10 and Oct. 14. Moved up a day from May 12. See our Mission Status Center. [May 11]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 33rd Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from April 22. Read our launch story. [May 7]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket deployed the Space Tracking and Surveillance System Advanced Technology Risk Reduction (STSS-ATRR) research and development mission for the Missile Defense Agency. The mission previously called Block 2010 Spacecraft Risk Reduction. NASA oversaw the launch. The rocket flew in the 7920 vehicle configuration. Delayed from December 2006, March 15, May 31, Aug. 23, Nov. 8, 2007, Jan. 25, Feb. 21 and April 17, 2008. Moved from April 30, 2009. See our Mission Status Center. [May 5]

The Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket carried into orbit Italy’s SICRAL 1B military telecommunications satellite. Moved from January and February. Delayed from April 19. Read our launch story. [April 20]

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle deployed the Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) and the student-built ANUSAT microsatellite. RISAT carries a synthetic aperture radar payload to take all-weather, day-and-night images of Earth for a variety of applications. Delayed from late March and early April. Read our launch story. [April 20]

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-016) deployed the second 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 flew in the 421 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, two solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from Aug. 2. Delayed from Aug. 4 due to minor issues detected during spacecraft environmental testing. Delayed from Oct. 10, late November, Dec. 4, March 9 and March 13. Scrubbed March 17 by liquid oxygen valve leak. Valve replaced. Delayed from March 31 to finish analysis. See our Mission Status Center. [April 4]

An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage deployed the W2A telecommunications spacecraft for Eutelsat. The satellite will cover Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Delayed from March 28 and March 30. Read our launch story. [April 3]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the next manned Soyuz TMA spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the Expedition 19 crew. The capsule remained at the station for several months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from March 25. Read our launch story. [March 26]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket deployed the seventh 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 June 30, July 16, Oct. 16 and Nov. 7, 2008. See our Mission Status Center. [March 24]

A Eurockot Rockot vehicle launched the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite for the European Space Agency. GOCE mapped global variations in Earth’s gravity field with unprecedented detail and derived measurements of ocean circulation and changes in sea level. Delayed from Sept. 10 to replace unit in rocket’s guidance and navigation subsystem. Delayed from Oct. 5, Oct. 27, February and March 11. Scrubbed March 16 due to problem retracting pad gantry. Read our launch story. [March 17]

STS-119 was the 28th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight delivered the Starboard 6 truss segment, giving the station its fourth and final set of power-generating solar wings. Delayed from Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Feb. 12, Feb. 19, Feb. 22 and Feb. 27. Scrubbed on March 11 for gaseous hydrogen vent system leak. See our Mission Status Center. [March 15]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket deployed NASA’s Kepler spacecraft to discover and characterize hundreds of planets. The rocket flew in the 7925 vehicle configuration. Delayed from Feb. 16. Moved up from April 10. Delayed from March 4 and March 5. See our Mission Status Center. [March 7]

A Russian government Proton rocket with a Block DM upper stage launched a Raduga 1 military communications spacecraft. Delayed from Feb. 20. Read our launch story. [Feb. 28]

The Land Launch Zenit 3SLB rocket carried into orbit the Telstar 11N telecommunications satellite for operator Telesat. The spacecraft will operate over the Atlantic for coverage to North America, Western Europe and Africa. Read our launch story. [Feb. 26]

The Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket failed during the launch of NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory. The Orbital Sciences-built satellite would have measured atmospheric carbon dioxide. Delayed from Dec. 15, Jan. 15, Jan. 30 and Feb. 23. See our Mission Status Center. [Feb. 24]

Arianespace Flight 187 used an Ariane 5 rocket with an ECA cryogenic upper stage to launch the European Hot Bird 10 television broadcast spacecraft for Eutelsat, the NSS 9 telecommunications satellite for SES New Skies and a pair of Spirale optical early-warning satellites for the French military. Read our launch story. [Feb. 12]

A Russian government Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage performed a dual launch of the Express AM44 and Express MD1 spacecraft for the Russian Satellite Communications Co. Read our launch story. [Feb. 11]

A Russian government Soyuz rocket launched the 32nd Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Docking to the station occurred Feb. 13. Read our launch story. [Feb. 10]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket deployed the NOAA-N Prime civilian weather satellite into polar orbit for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The rocket flew in the 7320 vehicle configuration. Scrubbed on Feb. 4 by launch pad gaseous nitrogen purge problem. Delayed from Feb. 5 by air conditioning system problem. See our Mission Status Center. [Feb. 6]

An Iranian Safir rocket launched the country’s first satellite into space, the small Omid communications spacecraft. Read our launch story. [Feb. 3]

A Tsyklon 3 rocket launched the Koronas-Foton solar observatory for the Russian space agency. Delayed from Dec. 25. Scrubbed on Jan. 29. Read our launch story. [Jan. 30]

The Japanese H-2A rocket launched the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) environmental spacecraft for JAXA. Delayed from Fall 2008, Jan. 20 and Jan. 21 (EST) due to predicted bad weather. Read our launch story. [Jan. 23]

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket launched a classified spy satellite cargo for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The largest of the Delta 4 family, the Heavy version features three Common Booster Cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket. Delayed from 2005 and 2006. Delayed from Jan. 25, April, May 9, July 25, Sept. 9, Sept. 26, Oct. 17, Oct. 31, Nov. 16 and Dec. 16. Scrubbed on Jan. 13 to repair minor foam insulation damage, scrubbed Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 by gaseous nitrogen relief valve problem. See our Mission Status Center. [Jan. 18]