Chronology - Quarter 3 1998 home
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1998 July 1 - 00:48 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML.
  • Molniya-3-49 Nation: Russia. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 61. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, Zhelenogorsk. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 501 km (311 mi). Apogee: 39,850 km (24,760 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 717.70 min. COSPAR: 1998-040A. USAF Sat Cat: 25379. References: 2.
1998 July 3 - 18:12 GMT - Launch Site: Kagoshima. Launch Complex: M-V. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: M-V. Model: M-V. LV Configuration: M-V M-V-3.
  • Nozomi Nation: Japan. Mass: 258 kg (568 lb). Class: Planetary. Type: Mars. Spacecraft: Nozomi. Manufacturer: Nippon Electric Corp, Tokyo. Agency: ISAS. Perigee: 703 km (436 mi). Apogee: 489,381 km (304,086 mi). Inclination: 27.30 deg. Period: 20,910.00 min. COSPAR: 1998-041A. USAF Sat Cat: 25383. Originally known as Planet-B; renamed Nozomi ('Hope') after launch. The third stage and payload entered a 146 x 417 km x 31.1 deg parking orbit. The KM-V1 kick (fourth) stage then fired to place the spacecraft into a circumlunar 359 x 401491 km x 28.6 deg orbit. Nozomi made multiple lunar and Earth gravity assist passes to increase its energy for solar orbit insertion and the cruise to Mars.. The spacecraft used a lunar swingby on 24 September and another on 18 December 1998 to increase the apogee of its orbit. It swung by Earth on 20 December at a perigee of about 1000 km. The gravitational assist from the swingby coupled with a 7 minute burn of the bipropellant engine put Nozomi into an escape trajectory towards Mars. It was scheduled to arrive at Mars on 11 October 1999 at 7:45:14 GMT, but the Earth swingby left the spacecraft with insufficient acceleration and two course correction burns on 21 December used more propellant than planned, leaving the spacecraft short of fuel. The new plan is for Nozomi to remain in heliocentric orbit for an additional four years and encounter Mars at a slower relative velocity in December 2003. References: 2, 296.
1998 July 7 - Launch Site: Barents Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 69.5 N x 34.2 E. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Shtil-1/1N.
  • Shtil 1 Nation: Israel. Payload: Shtil-1 instr. package. Manufacturer: Technische Universitat Berlin. Agency: Makeev. Perigee: 401 km (249 mi). Apogee: 801 km (497 mi). Inclination: 79.00 deg. COSPAR: 1998-042C. USAF Sat Cat: 25391. The first satellite launch from a submarine. The Shtil-1 launch vehicle was a converted R-29RM (RSM-54) three stage liquid propellant submarine launched ballistic missile made by the Makeyev design bureau. The satellite payload is placed in the standard R-29RM reentry vehicle. The launch plaform was the K-407 Novomoskovsk, a 667BDRM Delfin class submarine of the Russian Northern Fleet's 3rd Flotilla. Launch was from the Barents Sea at 69.3 degrees N x 35.3 degrees E. The Shtil contained an Israeli instrument package. References: 2, 279.
  • Tubsat-N Nation: Germany. Program: Tubsat. Mass: 8.00 kg (17.60 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Store-dump. Spacecraft: Tubsat. Manufacturer: Technische Universitat Berlin. Agency: TUB. Perigee: 400 km (240 mi). Apogee: 776 km (482 mi). Inclination: 78.90 deg. Period: 96.40 min. COSPAR: 1998-042A. USAF Sat Cat: 25389. Decay Date: 2002-04-23. The first satellite launch from a submarine. The Shtil-1 launch vehicle was a converted Makeyev R-29RM SLBM. The satellite payload was placed in the standard re-entry vehicle. The launch platform was the K-407 Novomoskovsk, a 667BDRM Delfin class submarine of the Russian Northern Fleet 3rd Flotilla. The launch was made from a firing range in the Barents Sea off the coast of the Kolskiy Peninsula, at 35.3 deg E 69.3 deg N. The payloads were the Tubsat-N and Tubsat-N1 `nanosatellites'. Tubsat-N entered a 400 x 776 km x 78.9 deg orbit. Both carried small store-forward communications payloads used to keep track of transmitters placed on vehicles, migrating animals, and marine buoys. They are owned, operated and built by the Technische Universitat Berlin (TUB). Tubsat-N was the larger of the pair, with dimensions of 32x32x10.4 cm and a mass of 8.5 kg. References: 2.
  • Tubsat-N1 Nation: Germany. Program: Tubsat. Mass: 3.00 kg (6.60 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Store-dump. Spacecraft: Tubsat. Manufacturer: Technische Universitat Berlin. Agency: TUB. Perigee: 400 km (240 mi). Apogee: 776 km (482 mi). Inclination: 78.90 deg. Period: 96.30 min. COSPAR: 1998-042B. USAF Sat Cat: 25390. Decay Date: 2000-10-21. The dual Tubsat-N/Tubsat-N1 repersented the Technical University of Berlin's first Nanosatellite project. Tubsat-N1 measured 32x32x3.4cm and had a mass of 3 kg. The technology demonstrator satellite provided store and forward communications and conducted attitude control experiments. References: 2.
1998 July 10 - 06:30 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-2.
  • Resurs-O1 No. 4 Nation: Russia. Program: Resurs. Payload: Resurs-O1 No. 4. Class: Earth. Type: Landsat. Spacecraft: Resurs-O1. Manufacturer: VNII Elektromekhaniki. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 815 km (506 mi). Apogee: 818 km (508 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.20 min. COSPAR: 1998-043A. USAF Sat Cat: 25394. In addition to its remote sensing equipment, the satellite carried the Belgian LLMS (Little LEO Messaging System) communications payload for the IRIS system. The launch was critical in restoring confidence in the Zenit vehicle prior to planned commercial launches of Globalstar satellites from Baikonur and the first Sea Launch flights using a three-stage Zenit from a California-based floating launch platform. Expected life 3 to 5 years. References: 2.
  • Fasat-Bravo Nation: Chile. Program: Fasat. Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Amateur Radio. Spacecraft: MicroSat-70. Manufacturer: Surrey. Agency: FACh. Perigee: 815 km (506 mi). Apogee: 820 km (500 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.30 min. COSPAR: 1998-043B. USAF Sat Cat: 25395. Customer: Chilean Air Force (FACH). Chile's second satellite carrying store and forward and Earth observation payloads, replacing those lost on FASat-Alpha. Still operational as of 2000. Additional Details: Fasat-Bravo. References: 2.
  • TMSAT Nation: Thailand. Program: TMSAT. Payload: Thai-Paht. Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Amateur Radio. Spacecraft: MicroSat-70. Manufacturer: Surrey. Agency: FACh. Perigee: 816 km (507 mi). Apogee: 819 km (508 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.20 min. COSPAR: 1998-043C. USAF Sat Cat: 25396. Customer: Thailand (Thai Microsatellite Company and MUT). Thailand's first microsatellite built through a technology transfer programme with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. Carried store and forward and Earth observation payloads. Still operational as of 2000. Additional Details: TMSAT. References: 2.
  • Gurwin Techsat 1B Nation: Israel. Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Gurwin. Manufacturer: Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa. Agency: Technion. Perigee: 817 km (507 mi). Apogee: 819 km (508 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.30 min. COSPAR: 1998-043D. USAF Sat Cat: 25397. Built by Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. Replaced earlier Russian-launched Techsat which failed to orbit in 1995. References: 2.
  • WESTPAC Nation: Australia. Mass: 24 kg (52 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Geodetic. Spacecraft: GFZ-1. Manufacturer: RKA/EOS. Agency: WPLTN. Perigee: 815 km (506 mi). Apogee: 819 km (508 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.20 min. COSPAR: 1998-043E. USAF Sat Cat: 25398. Formerly known as WPLTN-1, this geodesy satellite was a copy of Potsdam's GFZ-1 satellite, a sphere covered with laser retroreflectors, with a different `Fizeau' corner cube design. It serves as a target for the Western Pacific Laser Tracking Network (WPLTN) and is a joint project of Electro Optic Systems of Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia, and the Russian Space Agency. Diameter is 0.24m. References: 2.
  • SAFIR-2 Nation: Germany. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Store-dump. Spacecraft: Safir. Manufacturer: OHB System GmbH, Bremen. Agency: DLR. Perigee: 815 km (506 mi). Apogee: 819 km (508 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.20 min. COSPAR: 1998-043F. USAF Sat Cat: 25399. Relay satellite built by OHB System of Bremen. References: 2.
1998 July 18 - 09:20 GMT - Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: LC2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-3B. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 3B CZ3B-5 (53).
  • Sinosat Nation: China. Program: Sinosat. Mass: 2,820 kg (6,210 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000 . Manufacturer: Alcatel, Cannes, France (was Aerospatiale). Agency: Eurasspa. Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1998-044A. USAF Sat Cat: 25404. The CZ-3B's liquid hydrogen upper stage and the Sinosat were placed in a 609 x 35958 km x 19.0 deg geostationary transfer orbit at 09:45 GMT. The first two liquid apogee burns were carried out on July 19 and 21. Sinosat, an Alcatel Spacebus 3000, was built in Cannes and owned temporarily by EurasSpace, a joint venture between Daimler-Benz Aerospace and the China Aerospace Corporation. After on-orbit testing it was delivered to the Sino Satellite Communications Company of Shanghai for communications services in China. The satellite carried 24 C-band transponders and 14 Ku-band transponders which covered the entire Asia-Pacific region. With a design life span of 15 years, the satellite was to provide multiple data transfer services for China's financial and air transportation control systems, as well as the Shanghai Information Port project, Sinosat operated in geosynchronous orbit at 110.5 deg E in 1998-1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 110.55 deg E drifting at 0.012 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 110.51E drifting at 0.001W degrees per day. References: 2.
1998 July 21 -
  • Galileo, Europa 16 Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Galileo.
1998 July 22 - 1998 July 22 - Launch Site: Sriharikota. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shahab. Model: Shahab 3. FAILURE: Failure.
  • Test mission Nation: Iran. Agency: Iran. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). References: 2.
1998 July 28 - 09:15 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-2.
  • Cosmos 2360 Nation: Russia. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-2 no. 22. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-2. Manufacturer: KB Yuzhnoe, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. Agency: MO RF. Perigee: 847 km (526 mi). Apogee: 855 km (531 mi). Inclination: 71.00 deg. Period: 102.00 min. COSPAR: 1998-045A. USAF Sat Cat: 25406. References: 2.
1998 August 1 -
  • ESA Astronaut Training Group 3 selected. Nation: Europe. European Space Agency astronauts sent to Russia for cosmonaut training.
1998 August - Launch Vehicle: Shahab. Model: Shahab 3.
  • Iranian satellite launcher mockup exhibited Nation: Iran. Iranian television showed what appeared to be a mock-up of a clam-shell nosecone with a small satellite inside and a model of a space launch vehicle with a bulbous payload section, apparently based upon the Shahab 3 joint North Korean/Iranian IRBM.
1998 August 2 - 16:24 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 37.0 N x 72.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Model: Pegasus XL/HAPS. LV Configuration: Pegasus XL/HAPS F22.
  • Orbcomm B5 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM17. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 813 km (505 mi). Apogee: 824 km (512 mi). Inclination: 45.00 deg. Period: 101.28 min. COSPAR: 1998-046A. USAF Sat Cat: 25413. Plane B. Ascending node 61 degrees. References: 2.
  • Orbcomm B6 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM18. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 810 km (500 mi). Apogee: 827 km (513 mi). Inclination: 45.00 deg. Period: 101.28 min. COSPAR: 1998-046B. USAF Sat Cat: 25414. Plane B. Ascending node 59.7 degrees. References: 2.
  • Orbcomm B7 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM19. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 809 km (502 mi). Apogee: 828 km (514 mi). Inclination: 45.00 deg. Period: 101.28 min. COSPAR: 1998-046C. USAF Sat Cat: 25415. Plane B. Ascending node 61.1 degrees. References: 2.
  • Orbcomm B8 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM20. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 811 km (503 mi). Apogee: 826 km (513 mi). Inclination: 45.00 deg. Period: 101.28 min. COSPAR: 1998-046D. USAF Sat Cat: 25416. Plane B. Ascending node 61.2 degrees. References: 2.
  • Orbcomm B4 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM16. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 812 km (504 mi). Apogee: 825 km (512 mi). Inclination: 45.00 deg. Period: 101.28 min. COSPAR: 1998-046E. USAF Sat Cat: 25417. Plane B. Ascending node 59.9 degrees. References: 2.
  • Orbcomm B3 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM15. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 812 km (504 mi). Apogee: 825 km (512 mi). Inclination: 45.01 deg. Period: 101.28 min. COSPAR: 1998-046F. USAF Sat Cat: 25418. Plane B. Ascending node 60 degrees. References: 2.
  • Orbcomm B2 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM14. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 811 km (503 mi). Apogee: 826 km (513 mi). Inclination: 45.00 deg. Period: 101.28 min. COSPAR: 1998-046G. USAF Sat Cat: 25419. Plane B. Ascending node 60.4 degrees. References: 2.
  • Orbcomm B1 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM13. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 813 km (505 mi). Apogee: 824 km (512 mi). Inclination: 45.00 deg. Period: 101.27 min. COSPAR: 1998-046H. USAF Sat Cat: 25420. Plane B. Ascending node 60.4 degrees. References: 2.
1998 August 4 - 1998 August 5 -
  • Iraq ends cooperation with UN arms inspectors Nation: International.
1998 August 12 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Titan. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur 4A-20/TC-9 (K-17). FAILURE: Due to guidance system loss of heading after power interrupt, booster pitched over 40 seconds after launch, and was destroyed by range safety.
  • Mercury ELINT Nation: USA. Payload: Mercury ELINT 3. Class: Military. Type: ELINT. Spacecraft: Mercury ELINT. Manufacturer: TRW. Agency: NRO/NSA. COSPAR: F980812A. Third launch of Mercury ELINT satellite. References: 2.
1998 August 13 - 09:43 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U.
  • Soyuz TM-28 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Payload: Soyuz TM 11F732 s/n 77. Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz TM. Manufacturer: RKK Energiya im. S.P. Korolyov, Kaliningrad-Korolyov. Agency: RKA. Perigee: 363 km (225 mi). Apogee: 373 km (231 mi). Inclination: 51.70 deg. Period: 91.90 min. COSPAR: 1998-047A. USAF Sat Cat: 25429. Duration: 198.69 days. Decay Date: 1999-02-28. Crew: Padalka, Avdeyev, Baturin. Flight: Mir EP-4, Mir EO-26, Mir EO-25, Mir EO-26/-27. Soyuz TM-28 docked at 10:56 GMT on August 15 with the rear (Kvant) port of the Mir space station, which had been vacated at 09:28 GMT on August 12 by Progress M-39. The EO-25 crew, Musabayev and Budarin, landed with Baturin on Aug 25, leaving the EO-26 crew of Padalka and Avdeyev on the station. As only one final Soyuz mission to Mir was planned, with two of the seats on that Soyuz pre-sold to Slovak and French experimenters, the return crew of Soyuz TM-28 was subject to constant replanning and revision. On February 8, 1999, at 11:23 GMT Padalka and Avdeyev undocked from Mir's -X port in Soyuz TM-28, and redocked at the +X Kvant port at 11:39 GMT, freeing up the front port for the Soyuz TM-29 docking. Finally on February 27, 1999 EO-26 commander Padalka and Slovak cosmonaut Bella undocked Soyuz TM-28 from the Kvant rear docking port at 22:52 GMT, landing in Kazakhstan on February 28 at 02:14 GMT. Avdeyev remained on Mir with the EO-27 crew delivered on Soyuz TM-29, heading for a manned space flight time record. References: 2.
1998 August 15 - 05:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.176UH.
  • EEV CCD X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA GSFC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2.
1998 August 19 - 23:01 GMT - Launch Site: Taiyuan. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Model: CZ-2C/SD. LV Configuration: Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD CZ2C-19 (54).
  • Iridium 3 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV078. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1998-048A. USAF Sat Cat: 25431. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.4 degrees. References: 2.
  • Iridium 76 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV076. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1998-048B. USAF Sat Cat: 25432. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.4 degrees. References: 2.
1998 August 20 -
  • U.S. cruise missiles hit suspected terrorist bases in Sudan and Afghanistan Nation: USA.
1998 August 21 - Launch Site: Barents Sea Launch Area. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 69.5 N x 34.2 E. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Volna.
  • Operational test Nation: Russia. Agency: VMF RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1998 August 25 - 23:07 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44P. LV Configuration: Ariane 44P-3 V109.
  • ST-1 Nation: Singapore. Program: ST. Payload: Singapore-Taiwan 1. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Eurostar 2000 . Manufacturer: Matra Marconi Space-France, Toulouse. Agency: Singapor. Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,804 km (22,247 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1998-049A. USAF Sat Cat: 25460. Singapore-Taiwan-1 Matra Marconi Space Eurostar 2000 class satellite to provide communications for Singapore Telecom and Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan. Geostationary at 88.0 degrees E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 88 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 88.04 deg E drifting at 0.009 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 88.05E drifting at 0.007W degrees per day. References: 2.
1998 August 25 -
  • Landing of Soyuz TM-27 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Flight: Mir EP-4, Mir EO-26, Mir EO-25, Mir EO-26/-27. Soyuz TM-27 undocked from Mir at 02:05 GMT on August 25, with Musabayev, Budarin and Baturin aboard. They landed on August 25 at 05:23 GMT near Arkalyk in Kazakstan.
1998 August 27 - 01:17 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 3. LV Configuration: Delta 8930 D259. FAILURE: Due to guidance system induced oscillation all solid motor gimbal hydraulic fluid exhausted after only 71 seconds of flight. Range safety destroyed booster 75 seconds into flight at 16 km altitude.
  • Galaxy 10 Nation: USA. Program: Galaxy. Mass: 3,876 kg (8,545 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: Panamsat Inc. Greenwich, Connecticut. COSPAR: F980827A. Built by Hughes/El Segundo for Panamsat. The satellite carried 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders to provide US/Caribbean coverage, and was to have replaced the ageing SBS-5 satellite at 123 deg West. Replenishing the Galaxy/PAS constellation was a high priority for Panamsat following the loss of Galaxy 4 and problems with Galaxy 7. Galaxy 11 was not scheduled to go up until the first launch of the Sea Launch Zenit-3SL in early 1999, and this booster was in limbo due to legal problems with unauthorised transfer of technical data from Boeing to Russia. In addition there were several PAS satellites awaiting launch over the next year on Proton and Ariane vehicles. References: 2.
1998 August 30 - 00:31 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC81/23. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Proton. Model: Proton-K/DM-2M. LV Configuration: Proton-K/DM-2M (DM3) 383-01.
  • Astra 2A Nation: Europe. Program: Astra. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: HS 601. Manufacturer: Hughes Space and Communications, El Segundo. Agency: SES. Perigee: 35,766 km (22,223 mi). Apogee: 35,807 km (22,249 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1998-050A. USAF Sat Cat: 25462. The first burn of the Proton's Block DM3 put the spacecraft into a 220 x 36,007 km x 51.6 deg transfer orbit. Astra 2A satellite was a Hughes HS-601, owned by Societe Europeene de Satellites, based in Luxembourg. Luxembourg has not registered any of the Astra satellites with the United Nations, in violation of treaty requirements. Geostationary at 28.3 degrees E. Used HS-601 XIPS ion engine for station keeping. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 28 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 4 September 2001 located at 28.21 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 28.20E drifting at 0.028W degrees per day. References: 2.
1998 August 31 -
  • North Korea fires missile across Japan Nation: Japan.
1998 August 31 - 03:07 GMT - Launch Site: Gitdaeryung. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Taepodong. Model: Taepodong 1. FAILURE: Third stage failure.
  • Kwangmyongsong 1 Nation: Korea North. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Kwangmyongsong. Manufacturer: Dem. People's Republic of Korea (Chongon). Agency: Dem. People's Republic of Korea (Chongon). COSPAR: F980831A. North Korea reported the launch of its first satellite on the first of September. This announcement was followed on September 14 by the release of a photograph of the satellite and the claim that the satellite had completed its 100th orbit of the earth between 08:24 and 11:17 local time (2017 GMT) on September 13. Video of the launch, the satellite, and an animation of the satellite in orbit around the earth were distributed to foreign news agencies the following weekend. The satellite appeared almost identical to the first Chinese test satellite (which itself appeared almost identical to the US Telstar).

    Despite these claims no foreign observer ever detected the satellite visually, by radar, or picked up its radio signals. The Pentagon at first claimed it was an ICBM launch, and that the satellite story was just a cover for the test. However on further analysis of the data collected on the launch they admitted nearly a month later that there had been some a satellite launch attempt. What seems to have happened is that the third stage either failed and fell into the Pacific or misfired and put the satellite into a low orbit where it decayed very quickly before it could be detected by foreign observers. Additional Details: Kwangmyongsong 1. References: 279.

1998 September 1 - Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -.
  • Proteus roll-out. Nation: USA. Program: X-Prize. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Scaled Composites (Mojave, California, USA) rolls out and tests Proteus aircraft, predecessor of White Knight carrier-launcher for Tier One/SpaceShipOne.
1998 September 2 -
  • Russian Air Force Cosmonaut Training Group 12 Supplemental selected. Nation: Russia.
1998 September 8 - 21:13 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC2W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 7920-10C. LV Configuration: Delta 7920-10C D260.
  • Iridium 82 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV082. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 708 km (439 mi). Apogee: 712 km (442 mi). Inclination: 86.50 deg. Period: 99.00 min. COSPAR: 1998-051A. USAF Sat Cat: 25467. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.6 degrees. Not in service. References: 2, 279.
  • Iridium 81 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV081. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1998-051B. USAF Sat Cat: 25468. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.7 degrees. References: 2, 279.
  • Iridium 80 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV080. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1998-051C. USAF Sat Cat: 25469. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.7 degrees. References: 2, 279.
  • Iridium 79 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV079. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 494 km (306 mi). Apogee: 544 km (338 mi). Inclination: 86.01 deg. Period: 95.01 min. COSPAR: 1998-051D. USAF Sat Cat: 25470. Decay Date: 2000-11-29. Plane 6. Ascending node 316.3 degrees. Failed in low orbit. References: 2, 279.
  • Iridium 77 Nation: USA. Program: Iridium. Payload: Iridium s/n SV077. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: LM 700. Manufacturer: LM-S/Motorola. Agency: Iridium. Perigee: 707 km (439 mi). Apogee: 709 km (440 mi). Inclination: 86.52 deg. Period: 98.96 min. COSPAR: 1998-051E. USAF Sat Cat: 25471. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.4 degrees. Not in service. References: 2, 279.
1998 September 9 - 20:29 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC45/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Zenit. Model: Zenit-2 11K77.05. LV Configuration: Zenit-2 11K77.05 22D (67047801). FAILURE: Computer error caused a very premature engine shutdown during second stage burn.
  • Globalstar FM5 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM5. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909A. Fell in Siberia. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM7 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM7. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909B. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM9 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM9. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909C. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM10 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM10. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909D. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM11 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM11. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909E. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM12 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM12. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909F. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM13 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM13. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909G. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM16 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM16. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909H. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM17 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM17. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909I. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM18 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM18. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909J. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM20 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM20. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909K. References: 279.
  • Globalstar FM21 Nation: USA. Payload: Globalstar FM21. Mass: 222 kg (489 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Globalstar. Manufacturer: Loral/Alenia. Agency: Globalstar Comms Corp., San Jose. COSPAR: F980909L. References: 279.
1998 September 15 - 20:00 GMT -
  • EVA Mir EO-26-1 Nation: Russia. Program: Mir. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Mir. Crew: Padalka, Avdeyev. Flight: Mir EO-26, Mir EO-26/-27. EVA Duration: 0.0208 days. After donning spacesuits, the PKhO compartment of the Mir core module was depressurized and the crew entered the dead Spektr module at 20:00 GMT. They reconnected some cables for the solar panel steering mechanism and closed the hatch a half hour later. The PKhO was then repressurized.
1998 September 16 - 06:31 GMT - Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Complex: ELA2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Ariane. Model: Ariane 44LP. LV Configuration: Ariane 44LP-3 V110.
  • Panamsat 7 Nation: USA. Program: Panamsat. Payload: PAS 7. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: FS-1300. Manufacturer: Space Systems/Loral, Palo Alto. Agency: Panamsat. Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Apogee: 35,798 km (22,243 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1998-052A. USAF Sat Cat: 25473. Geostationary at 68.7 degrees E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 68 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 6 September 2001 located at 68.68 deg E drifting at 0.012 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 68.67E drifting at 0.001W degrees per day. References: 2, 279.
1998 September 16 - 11:10 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Topol. Model: Topol.
  • Test mission Nation: Russia. Agency: RVSN RF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2.
1998 September 18 - 08:01 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF26. Launch Pad: LF26?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 GRP-IDF-2.
  • GRP-IDF-2 test Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2.
1998 September 18 - 15:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 9. LV Configuration: Black Brant IX NASA 36.150NP.
  • SOAREX-1 Hypersonic test Nation: USA. Agency: NASA ARC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 2.
1998 September 21 - 14:51 GMT - Launch Site: Sriharikota. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: RH. Model: RH-560/300 Mk II.
  • DEOS F07 Ionosphere mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO/DLR. Apogee: 425 km (264 mi). References: 2.
1998 September 23 - 05:06 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island DZ. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: 37.0 N x 72.0 W. Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Model: Pegasus XL/HAPS. LV Configuration: Pegasus XL/HAPS F23.
  • Orbcomm C1 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM21. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 811 km (503 mi). Apogee: 825 km (512 mi). Inclination: 45.01 deg. Period: 101.27 min. COSPAR: 1998-053A. USAF Sat Cat: 25475. Plane C. Ascending node 181.6 degrees. References: 2, 279.
  • Orbcomm C2 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM22. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 814 km (505 mi). Apogee: 823 km (511 mi). Inclination: 45.02 deg. Period: 101.27 min. COSPAR: 1998-053B. USAF Sat Cat: 25476. Plane C. Ascending node 178 degrees. References: 2, 279.
  • Orbcomm C3 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM23. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 813 km (505 mi). Apogee: 823 km (511 mi). Inclination: 45.02 deg. Period: 101.27 min. COSPAR: 1998-053C. USAF Sat Cat: 25477. Plane C. Ascending node 181.8 degrees. References: 2, 279.
  • Orbcomm C4 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM24. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 814 km (505 mi). Apogee: 822 km (510 mi). Inclination: 45.01 deg. Period: 101.27 min. COSPAR: 1998-053D. USAF Sat Cat: 25478. Plane C. Ascending node 181.7 degrees. References: 2, 279.
  • Orbcomm C5 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM25. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 813 km (505 mi). Apogee: 824 km (512 mi). Inclination: 45.01 deg. Period: 101.27 min. COSPAR: 1998-053E. USAF Sat Cat: 25479. Plane C. Ascending node 181.5 degrees. References: 2, 279.
  • Orbcomm C6 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM26. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 811 km (503 mi). Apogee: 825 km (512 mi). Inclination: 45.01 deg. Period: 101.27 min. COSPAR: 1998-053F. USAF Sat Cat: 25480. Plane C. Ascending node 181.5 degrees. References: 2, 279.
  • Orbcomm C7 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM27. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 813 km (505 mi). Apogee: 823 km (511 mi). Inclination: 45.02 deg. Period: 101.27 min. COSPAR: 1998-053G. USAF Sat Cat: 25481. Plane C. Ascending node 181.6 degrees. References: 2, 279.
  • Orbcomm C8 Nation: USA. Program: Orbcomm. Payload: Orbcomm s/n FM28. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Orbcomm. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown (formerly Fairchild). Agency: Orbcomm. Perigee: 813 km (505 mi). Apogee: 824 km (512 mi). Inclination: 45.03 deg. Period: 101.27 min. COSPAR: 1998-053H. USAF Sat Cat: 25482. Plane C. Ascending node 181.7 degrees. References: 2, 279.
1998 September 24 - 12:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC32. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Storm-2.
  • MTTV/MTD-3 Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USA/OSC. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi). References: 2.
1998 September 26 -
  • Galileo, Europa 17 Flyby Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Galileo.
1998 September 28 - 15:11 GMT - Launch Site: Sriharikota. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: RH. Model: RH-560/300 Mk II.
  • DEOS F06 Ionosphere mission Nation: India. Agency: ISRO/DLR. Apogee: 422 km (262 mi). References: 2.
1998 September 28 - 23:41 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. LV Configuration: Molniya 8K78M-ML.
  • Molniya-1T Nation: Russia. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-1T. Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-1T. Manufacturer: NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, Zhelenogorsk. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,599 km (993 mi). Apogee: 38,755 km (24,081 mi). Inclination: 63.30 deg. Period: 717.80 min. COSPAR: 1998-054A. USAF Sat Cat: 25485. References: 2, 279.
1998 September 30 -
  • 321st Missile Group at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, inactivated as part of the ICBM drawdown. Nation: USA. References: 569.
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