1958 in spaceflight

1958 in spaceflight
A Juno I launches the first American satellite, Explorer 1
Orbital launches
First 1 February
Last 18 December
Total 28
Successes 6
Failures 20
Partial failures 2
Catalogued 8
National firsts
Spaceflight  Canada
Satellite  United States
Orbital launch  United States
Rockets
Maiden flights Juno I
Sputnik 8A91
Pilot
Thor-Able
Luna
Juno II
Atlas B
Retirements Sputnik 8A91
Pilot
Juno I

Launches

Date and time (UTC) Rocket Launch site LSP
Payload
(⚀ = CubeSat)
Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
8 January United StatesNike-Asp United StatesWhite Sands United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 8 JanuarySuccessful
Apogee: 145 kilometres (90 mi)
10 January
15:48
United StatesSM-65A Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-12 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test10 JanuarySuccessful
Apogee: 120 kilometres (75 mi)
11 January United StatesUGM-27 Polaris TV United StatesPoint Mugu United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test11 JanuarySuccessful
Maiden flight of Polaris, apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
17 January United StatesUGM-27 Polaris TV United StatesCape Canaveral LC-3 United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test17 JanuarySuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
25 January
19:12
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy25 JanuarySuccessful
Apogee: 157 kilometres (98 mi)
26 January
04:18:56
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Auroral26 JanuarySuccessful
Apogee: 180 kilometres (110 mi)
27 January
06:04
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy27 JanuarySuccessful
Apogee: 129 kilometres (80 mi)
27 January
18:49
United StatesAerobee CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Army
US Army Suborbital Aeronomy27 JanuarySuccessful
Apogee: 143 kilometres (89 mi)
28 January
20:16
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18 United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test28 JanuaryLaunch failure
29 January
19:06
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy29 JanuarySuccessful
Apogee: 170 kilometres (110 mi)
29 January
22:15
Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test29 JanuarySuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
1 February
03:48:56
United StatesJuno I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26A United StatesABMA
United StatesExplorer 1 ARPA Initial: Medium Earth
Decayed to: Low Earth
Magnetospheric31 March 1970Successful
First successful American satellite launch, discovered Van Allen belts
3 February
18:02
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Ionospheric3 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 138 kilometres (86 mi)
4 February
06:17
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Ionospheric4 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 234 kilometres (145 mi)
5 February
07:33
United StatesVanguard United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18A United StatesUS Navy
United StatesVanguard Test Vehicle 3 Backup (6.5 in Satellite)[1] NRL Intended: Medium Earth Geodesy5 FebruaryLaunch failure
Loss of control 57 seconds after launch
7 February
19:37
United StatesSM-65A Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-14 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test7 FebruaryLaunch failure
Apogee: 120 kilometres (75 mi)
13 February
06:37
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Auroral13 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 129 kilometres (80 mi)
16 February
06:17
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Auroral16 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 121 kilometres (75 mi)
20 February
17:46
United StatesSM-65A Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-12 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test20 FebruaryLaunch failure
Apogee: 90 kilometres (56 mi)
21 February
07:40
Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 21 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 470 kilometres (290 mi)
21 February
08:42
Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 21 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 400 kilometres (250 mi)
21 February
09:40
East GermanySoviet UnionA-1 Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Ionospheric
Solar
21 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 206 kilometres (128 mi)
21 February
15:20
Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 21 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 473 kilometres (294 mi)
22 February
02:02
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Ionospheric
Auroral
22 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 225 kilometres (140 mi)
22 February
05:35
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Auroral22 JanuarySuccessful
Apogee: 129 kilometres (80 mi)
24 February
07:00
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Aeronomy24 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 207 kilometres (129 mi)
24 February
07:35
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy24 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 145 kilometres (90 mi)
26 February
02:35
East GermanySoviet UnionA-1 Soviet UnionErnst Krenkel Observatory Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Ionospheric
Aeronomy
26 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
26 February
05:49
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Auroral26 FebruarySuccessful
Apogee: 129 kilometres (80 mi)
26 February
22:18
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Army
BRL Suborbital Technology26 FebruaryLaunch failure
Apogee: 37 kilometres (23 mi), tested longer nosecone
28 February
13:08
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18 United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test28 FebruaryLaunch failure
4 March
06:02
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy4 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
4 March
19:30
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy4 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 181 kilometres (112 mi)
5 March
18:27:57
United StatesJuno I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26A United StatesABMA
United StatesExplorer 2 ARPA Intended: Medium Earth Magnetospheric5 MarchLaunch failure
Fourth stage failed to ignite
16 March
04:54
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Auroral16 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 144 kilometres (89 mi)
17 March
12:15:41
United StatesVanguard United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18A United StatesUS Navy
United StatesVanguard 1 (6.5in Satellite 3)[1] NRL Medium Earth GeodesyIn orbitSuccessful
Oldest spacecraft still in orbit, in addition to its upper launch stage
18 March United StatesNike Apache United StatesWhite Sands United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 18 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 107 kilometres (66 mi)
19 March
01:12
United StatesAerobee CanadaHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy19 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
21 March United StatesAerobee CanadaHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Ionospheric21 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
22 March
06:41
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Auroral22 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 168 kilometres (104 mi)
23 March
18:07
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Auroral
Aeronomy
23 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 202 kilometres (126 mi)
23 March United StatesUGM-27 Polaris TV United StatesSan Clemente United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test23 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
24 March
18:30
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy
Imaging
24 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 119 kilometres (74 mi)
24 March
22:00
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy24 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 137 kilometres (85 mi)
26 March
17:38:03
United StatesJuno I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-5 United StatesABMA
United StatesExplorer 3 ARPA Initial: Medium Earth
Decayed to: Low Earth
Magnetospheric27 JuneSuccessful
29 March
14:40
Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test29 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
31 March Soviet UnionR-11FM Zemlya Soviet UnionB-67, Beloye More Soviet UnionOKB-1
OKB-1 Suborbital Missile test31 MarchSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
4 April
15:30
Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test4 AprilSuccessful
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
5 April
17:01
United StatesSM-65A Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-14 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test5 AprilLaunch failure
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
7 April United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWallops Island United StatesARPA
United StatesHi Ball 1 ARPA Suborbital Technology7 AprilSuccessful
Apogee: 244 kilometres (152 mi)
11 April United StatesUGM-27 Polaris TV United StatesSan Clemente United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test11 AprilSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
17 April
10:57
United KingdomSkylark-1 AustraliaWoomera LA-2 United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Test flight
Aeronomy
17 AprilSuccessful
Apogee: 152 kilometres (94 mi)
18 April United StatesUGM-27 Polaris TV United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test18 AprilSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
19 April
13:30
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18 United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test19 AprilLaunch failure
24 April
00:10
United StatesThor DM-18 Able United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital REV test+150 secondsLaunch failure
Maiden flight of Thor-Able, turbopump gearbox failed. REV carried Mia, a mouse
24 April United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWallops Island United StatesARPA
United StatesBeacon Test 1 ARPA Suborbital Technology24 AprilSuccessful
Apogee: 122 kilometres (76 mi)
27 April
09:01
Soviet UnionSputnik 8A91 Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
Soviet UnionISZ-D1 No.1 MVS Intended: Low Earth Magnetospheric+88 secondsLaunch failure
Rocket disintegrated during ascent
28 April
02:53:00
United StatesVanguard United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18A United StatesUS Navy
United StatesVanguard Test Vehicle 5 (20 in X-ray)[1] NRL Intended: Medium Earth Solar29 AprilLaunch failure
Third stage failed to ignite
1 May United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesHolloman United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Meteorite research1 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
5 May
14:15
United StatesAerobee United StatesWhite Sands LC-35 United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Solar5 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 214 kilometres (133 mi)
8 May United StatesUGM-27 Polaris TV United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test8 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
15 May
07:00
Soviet UnionSputnik 8A91 Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
Soviet UnionSputnik 3 (ISZ-D1 No.2) MVS Low Earth Magnetospheric6 April 1960Partial spacecraft failure
Faulty data recorder limited return of experimental results
18 May
05:05
United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26B United StatesABMA
US Air Force Suborbital REV test05:21Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi), carried a Gaslight re-entry vehicle which was recovered
20 May
04:26
United KingdomSkylark-2 AustraliaWoomera LA-2 United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Test flight
Aeronomy
20 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 150 kilometres (93 mi)
20 May
09:34:35
United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesHolloman United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy20 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 101 kilometres (63 mi), released caesium and sodium
21 May
11:31:59
United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesHolloman United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy21 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 128 kilometres (80 mi), released caesium and sodium
22 May
00:57
United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWallops Island United StatesARPA
United StatesHi Ball 2 ARPA Suborbital Technology22 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 240 kilometres (150 mi)
22 May
11:29:59
United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesHolloman United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy22 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 116 kilometres (72 mi), released sodium
24 May
10:30
Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test24 MayLaunch failure
Apogee: 1,350 kilometres (840 mi)
25 May United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWallops Island United StatesARPA
United StatesBeacon Test 2 ARPA Suborbital Technology25 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 122 kilometres (76 mi)
25 May Soviet UnionR-11FM Zemlya Soviet UnionB-67, Beloye More Soviet UnionOKB-1
OKB-1 Suborbital Missile test25 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
26 May Soviet UnionR-11FM Zemlya Soviet UnionB-67, Beloye More Soviet UnionOKB-1
OKB-1 Suborbital Missile test26 MaySuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
28 May
03:46:20
United StatesVanguard United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18A United StatesUS Navy
United States20in Lyman-Alpha 1[1] NRL Intended: Medium Earth Solar28 MayLaunch failure
Loss of control before or during third stage burn
May Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
3 June
21:28
United StatesSM-65A Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-12 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test3 JuneSuccessful
Apogee: 120 kilometres (75 mi), final flight of Atlas A
4 June
15:15
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Solar4 JuneSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
4 June
21:17
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18 United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test4 JuneSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
5 June
11:30
United KingdomSkylark-1 AustraliaWoomera LA-2 United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Test flight5 JuneSuccessful
Apogee: 153 kilometres (95 mi)
6 June United StatesX-17 United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital REV test6 JuneSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
13 June
15:06
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18 United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test13 JuneSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
18 June
10:35
United KingdomSkylark-1 AustraliaWoomera LA-2 United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Aeronomy18 JuneLaunch failure
Apogee: 3 kilometres (1.9 mi)
18 June
15:15
United KingdomSkylark-2 AustraliaWoomera LA-2 United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Aeronomy18 JuneSuccessful
Apogee: 144 kilometres (89 mi)
19 June
21:15
United KingdomSkylark-2 AustraliaWoomera LA-2 United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Test flight
Aeronomy
19 JuneSuccessful
Apogee: 154 kilometres (96 mi)
24 June United StatesX-17 United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital REV test24 JuneSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
26 June
05:00:52
United StatesVanguard United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18A United StatesUS Navy
United States20in Lyman-Alpha 2[1] NRL Intended: Medium Earth Solar26 JuneLaunch failure
Premature cutoff of second stage
26 June United StatesExos United StatesWallops Island United StatesNACA/AFCRL
NACA/AFCRL Suborbital Test flight26 JuneSuccessful
Apogee: 370 kilometres (230 mi), maiden flight of Exos
27 June United StatesWS-199B Bold Orion I United StatesB-47, Cape Canaveral United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test27 JuneLaunch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)
June Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
June Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
June Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
2 July
05:00
East GermanySoviet UnionR-2A Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 2 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 210 kilometres (130 mi)
2 July United StatesX-17 United StatesUSS Norton Sound, San Clemente United StatesUS Navy
United StatesWinder 1 US Navy Suborbital Missile test2 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 560 kilometres (350 mi), delivery test ahead of Operation Argus
3 July
18:52
United StatesAerobee CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Ionospheric3 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 262 kilometres (163 mi)
6 July
12:02
United StatesAerobee CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Ionospheric6 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 250 kilometres (160 mi)
7 July
18:50
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy
Imaging
7 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 121 kilometres (75 mi)
7 July
23:18
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesPoint Mugu United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital 7 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
8 July
23:15
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesPoint Mugu United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital 8 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 225 kilometres (140 mi)
10 July
02:30
United StatesThor DM-18 Able United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital REV test10 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 1,600 kilometres (990 mi), REV carried Mia II, a mouse
10 July
07:42
Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test10 JulyLaunch failure
11 July
18:30
United StatesAerobee CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Ionospheric11 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 243 kilometres (151 mi)
11 July United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Test flight11 JulyLaunch failure
Apogee: 20 kilometres (12 mi), maiden flight of Jason
12 July
20:30
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy
Imaging
12 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 114 kilometres (71 mi)
13 July
06:36
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18 United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test13 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
15 July
20:07
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy15 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 126 kilometres (78 mi)
16 July
22:40
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 16 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 142 kilometres (88 mi)
16 July United StatesArcon CanadaWallops Island United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Test flight16 JulyLaunch failure
Apogee: 1 kilometre (0.62 mi)
17 July
07:21
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy17 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 169 kilometres (105 mi)
17 July
09:04
United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26B United StatesABMA
US Air Force Suborbital REV test17 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi), carried a Gaslight re-entry vehicle which was recovered
17 July
17:48
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesPoint Mugu United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital 17 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 225 kilometres (140 mi)
17 July United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Test flight17 JulyLaunch failure
Apogee: 20 kilometres (12 mi)
18 July United StatesWS-199B Bold Orion I United StatesB-47, Cape Canaveral United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test18 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
19 July
17:36
United StatesSM-65B Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-11 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test19 JulyLaunch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi), maiden flight of Atlas B
21 July United StatesArcon CanadaWallops Island United StatesUS Army
SRDL Suborbital Test flight21 JulyLaunch failure
Apogee: 1 kilometre (0.62 mi)
22 July United StatesArcon CanadaWallops Island United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Test flight22 JulyLaunch failure
Apogee: 20 kilometres (12 mi)
23 July
22:13
United StatesThor DM-18 Able United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital REV test23 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 1,600 kilometres (990 mi), REV carried Wickie, a mouse
24 July United StatesX-17 United StatesUSS Norton Sound, San Clemente United StatesUS Navy
United StatesWinder 4 US Navy Suborbital Missile test24 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 560 kilometres (350 mi), delivery test ahead of Operation Argus
25 July
05:01
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesPoint Mugu United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital 25 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
25 July United StatesNOTS-EV-1 Pilot II United StatesF4D, Point Mugu United StatesUS Navy
United StatesPilot-1 (D1) US Navy Intended: Medium Earth
Achieved: Unknown
Technology25 July
(presumed)
Launch failure
Maiden flight of Pilot II. Unexpected loss of signal during ascent. Unclear if spacecraft reached orbit, but no confirmed contact was made with it, and no objects from the launch were catalogued.
26 July
06:40
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18 United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test26 JulySuccessful
26 July
15:00:57
United StatesJuno I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-5 United StatesABMA
United StatesExplorer 4 ARPA Initial: Medium Earth
Decayed to: Low Earth
Magnetospheric23 October 1959Successful
29 July
05:03
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesPoint Mugu United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital 29 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
31 July East GermanySoviet UnionR-2A Soviet UnionKapustin Yar SP-2 Soviet UnionOKB-1
OKB-1 Suborbital Target31 JulySuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
July United StatesX-17 United StatesUSS Norton Sound, San Clemente United StatesUS Navy
United StatesWinder 2 US Navy Suborbital Missile test Launch failure
Apogee: 10 kilometres (6.2 mi), delivery test ahead of Operation Argus
July United StatesX-17 United StatesUSS Norton Sound, San Clemente United StatesUS Navy
United StatesWinder 3 US Navy Suborbital Missile test Launch failure
Delivery test ahead of Operation Argus
1 August United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Test flight1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 750 kilometres (470 mi)
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
1 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 1 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Teak nuclear explosion or its effects
2 August
05:47
East GermanySoviet UnionR-2A Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital 2 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 211 kilometres (131 mi)
2 August
22:16
United StatesSM-65B Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-13 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test2 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 900 kilometres (560 mi)
6 August United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18 United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test6 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
7 August East GermanySoviet UnionR-2A Soviet UnionKapustin Yar SP-2 Soviet UnionOKB-1
OKB-1 Suborbital Target7 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), observed Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesASCAMP United StatesJohnston United StatesUS Navy
NRDL Suborbital 12 AugustLaunch failure
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi), intended to observe Hardtack Orange nuclear explosion or its effects
12 August United StatesNOTS-EV-1 Pilot II United StatesF4D, Point Mugu United StatesUS Navy
United StatesPilot-2 (D2) US Navy Intended: Medium Earth Technology+0 secondsLaunch failure
Exploded during first stage ignition
13 August
02:00
East GermanySoviet UnionR-2A Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 13 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 212 kilometres (132 mi)
13 August United StatesAerobee United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Ionospheric13 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
14 August
00:40
East GermanySoviet UnionA-1 Soviet UnionErnst Krenkel Observatory Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Ionospheric
Aeronomy
14 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
14 August
13:28
United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWhite Sands United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 14 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 132 kilometres (82 mi)
15 August
04:16
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesCape Canaveral LC-10 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation15 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 693 kilometres (431 mi), part of Operation Argus
15 August
15:45
United StatesAerobee United StatesHolloman LC-A United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Ionospheric15 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
17 August
12:18
United StatesThor DM-18 Able-I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesPioneer (Pioneer 0) US Air Force Intended: Selenocentric Lunar probe+77 secondsLaunch failure
Maiden flight of Thor-Able I, exploded at an altitude of 16 kilometres (9.9 mi)
17 August East GermanySoviet UnionR-2A Soviet UnionKapustin Yar SP-2 Soviet UnionOKB-1
OKB-1 Suborbital Target17 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
20 August
11:27
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesRamey United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation20 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 800 kilometres (500 mi), part of Operation Argus
22 August United StatesNOTS-EV-1 Pilot II United StatesF4D, Point Mugu United StatesUS Navy
United StatesPilot-3 (D3) US Navy Intended: Medium Earth
Achieved: Unknown
Technology22 August
(presumed)
Launch failure
Unexpected loss of signal during ascent. Unclear if spacecraft reached orbit, but no confirmed contact was made with it, and no objects from the launch were catalogued.
24 August
06:17:22
United StatesJuno I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-5 United StatesABMA
United StatesExplorer 5 ARPA Intended: Medium Earth Magnetospheric24 AugustLaunch failure
Loss of control after recontact between first and second stages
25 August
18:17
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation25 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 800 kilometres (500 mi), part of Operation Argus
25 August United StatesNOTS-EV-1 Pilot II United StatesF4D, Point Mugu United StatesUS Navy
United StatesPilot-4 (R1) US Navy Intended: Medium Earth Radiation+0 secondsLaunch failure
Exploded during first stage ignition
26 August United StatesNOTS-EV-1 Pilot II United StatesF4D, Point Mugu United StatesUS Navy
United StatesPilot-5 (R2) US Navy Intended: Medium Earth Radiation26 AugustLaunch failure
Failed to ignite
27 August
02:20
United StatesX-17 United StatesUSS Norton Sound, AO-7 United StatesUS Navy
United StatesArgus I US Navy Suborbital Nuclear test02:28Successful
Apogee: 160 kilometres (99 mi)
27 August
03:33
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesCape Canaveral LC-10 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 937 kilometres (582 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus I test or its effects
27 August
04:06
East GermanySoviet UnionR-2A Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital 27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 209 kilometres (130 mi)
27 August
04:24
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesRamey United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 800 kilometres (500 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus I test or its effects
27 August
06:05
Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 450 kilometres (280 mi)
27 August
06:42
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesRamey United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 817 kilometres (508 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus I test or its effects
27 August
07:29
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 800 kilometres (500 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus I test or its effects
27 August
12:40
Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 450 kilometres (280 mi)
27 August
23:15
United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26A United StatesABMA
US Air Force Suborbital REV test27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
27 August East GermanySoviet UnionR-2A Soviet UnionKapustin Yar SP-2 Soviet UnionOKB-1
OKB-1 Suborbital Target27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
28 August United StatesNOTS-EV-1 Pilot II United StatesF4D, Point Mugu United StatesUS Navy
United StatesPilot-6 (R3) US Navy Intended: Medium Earth Radiation28 AugustLaunch failure
One second stage engine failed to ignite, final flight of Pilot
29 August
04:30
United StatesSM-65B Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-11 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test29 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 900 kilometres (560 mi)
30 August
03:10
United StatesX-17 United StatesUSS Norton Sound, AO-8 United StatesUS Navy
United StatesArgus II US Navy Suborbital Nuclear test03:18Successful
Apogee: 293 kilometres (182 mi)
30 August
03:48
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation30 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 817 kilometres (508 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus II test or its effects
30 August
04:31
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesCape Canaveral LC-10 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation30 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 878 kilometres (546 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus II test or its effects
30 August
05:18
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation30 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 830 kilometres (520 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus II test or its effects
30 August
05:52
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesRamey United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation30 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 825 kilometres (513 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus II test or its effects
30 August
06:36
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesCape Canaveral LC-10 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation30 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 699 kilometres (434 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus II test or its effects
30 August
07:21
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation30 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 815 kilometres (506 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus II test or its effects
30 August
22:02
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation30 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 745 kilometres (463 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus II test or its effects
30 August
23:03
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesRamey United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation30 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 800 kilometres (500 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus II test or its effects
31 August
00:07
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesCape Canaveral LC-10 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation31 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 800 kilometres (500 mi), part of Operation Argus, observed Argus II test or its effects
August Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
August Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
2 September
19:03
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesRamey United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation2 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 800 kilometres (500 mi), part of Operation Argus
2 September
20:03
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesWallops Island United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation2 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 7,897 kilometres (4,907 mi), part of Operation Argus
2 September
22:15
United StatesJason (Argo-E5) United StatesCape Canaveral LC-10 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Radiation2 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 89 kilometres (55 mi), part of Operation Argus
6 September
22:05
United StatesX-17 United StatesUSS Norton Sound, AO-9 United StatesUS Navy
United StatesArgus III US Navy Suborbital Nuclear test22:13Successful
Apogee: 750 kilometres (470 mi), final flight of X-17
6 September Soviet UnionR-11FM Zemlya Soviet UnionB-62, Beloye More Soviet UnionOKB-1
OKB-1 Suborbital Missile test6 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
7 September
10:33
United KingdomBlack Knight AustraliaWoomera LA-5A United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Test flight7 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 255 kilometres (158 mi), maiden flight of Black Knight
11 September United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWallops Island United StatesARPA
United StatesBeacon Test 3 ARPA Suborbital Technology11 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 122 kilometres (76 mi)
14 September
05:24
United StatesSM-65B Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-14 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test14 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 900 kilometres (560 mi)
18 September
21:27
United StatesSM-65B Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-13 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test18 SeptemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
19 September
00:48
Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 19 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 430 kilometres (270 mi)
23 September Soviet UnionLuna 8K72 Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
Soviet UnionLuna E-1 #1 MVS Planned: Heliocentric Lunar probe+92 secondsLaunch failure
Maiden flight of Luna 8K72, rocket disintegrated
24 September
17:15
United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test24 SeptemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 12 kilometres (7.5 mi)
25 September United StatesWS-199B Bold Orion I United StatesB-47, Cape Canaveral United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test25 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
25 September United StatesExos United StatesWallops Island United StatesNACA/AFCRL
NACA/AFCRL Suborbital Test flight25 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 460 kilometres (290 mi), maiden flight of Exos
26 September
15:38
United StatesVanguard United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18A United StatesUS Navy
United States20in Cloud Cover 1[1] NRL Intended: Medium Earth Atmospheric26 SeptemberLaunch failure
Second stage underperformed
28 September
19:42
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesUSS Point Defiance, PO-13 United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Solar28 SeptemberSuccessful
Apogee: 225 kilometres (140 mi)
September Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
September Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
4 October
14:00
East GermanySoviet UnionA-1 Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Ionospheric
Solar
4 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 110 kilometres (68 mi)
4 October
15:08
Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital Aeronomy4 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 103 kilometres (64 mi)
7 October United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWallops Island United StatesARPA
United StatesHi Ball 3 ARPA Suborbital Technology7 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 244 kilometres (152 mi)
10 October
03:49
United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26B United StatesABMA
US Air Force Suborbital REV test+49 secondsLaunch failure
Fire burned through fuel and oxidiser transducer lines resulting in loss of control, destroyed by range safety
10 October
13:50
East GermanySoviet UnionA-1 Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Ionospheric
Solar
10 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 110 kilometres (68 mi)
10 October United StatesWS-199B Bold Orion I United StatesB-47, Cape Canaveral United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test10 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
10 October Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital Aeronomy10 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 103 kilometres (64 mi)
11 October
08:42:13
United StatesThor DM-18 Able-I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesNASA
United StatesPioneer 1 NASA Intended: Selenocentric Lunar probe13 October
03:46
Launch failure
Third stage underperformed, failed to reach the Moon, catalogued despite being on a suborbital trajectory. Returned data on radiation between the Earth and Moon.
11 October Soviet UnionLuna 8K72 Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
Soviet UnionLuna E-1 #2 MVS Intended: Heliocentric Lunar probe+104 secondsLaunch failure
Rocket disintegrated
12 October
08:32:06
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesUSS Point Defiance, PO-13 United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Solar12 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 222 kilometres (138 mi)
12 October
08:42:03
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesUSS Point Defiance, PO-13 United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Solar12 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 236 kilometres (147 mi)
12 October
08:43:18
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesUSS Point Defiance, PO-13 United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Solar12 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 242 kilometres (150 mi)
12 October
08:52:49
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesUSS Point Defiance, PO-13 United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Solar12 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 240 kilometres (150 mi)
13 October
19:40
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesUSS Point Defiance, PO-13 United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital 13 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 225 kilometres (140 mi)
14 October
12:00
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Meteorite research14 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 137 kilometres (85 mi)
15 October
01:04
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Test flight15 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 156 kilometres (97 mi)
15 October
04:00
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Meteorite research15 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 151 kilometres (94 mi)
15 October United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test15 OctoberLaunch failure
Apogee: 1 kilometre (0.62 mi)
15 October East GermanySoviet UnionR-2A Soviet UnionKapustin Yar SP-2 Soviet UnionOKB-1
OKB-1 Suborbital Target15 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
18 October
03:25
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Meteorite research18 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 143 kilometres (89 mi)
20 October
22:01
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Ionospheric20 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 130 kilometres (81 mi)
22 October
03:45
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Meteorite research22 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 158 kilometres (98 mi)
22 October
14:22
United StatesNike-Asp United StatesWhite Sands United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 22 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
22 October
16:47
United StatesAerobee-300 CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Meteorite research22 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 177 kilometres (110 mi)
23 October
03:21:04
United StatesJuno I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-5 United StatesABMA
United StatesBeacon 1 US Army Intended: Low Earth Atmospheric+149 secondsLaunch failure
Structural failure, final flight of Juno I
25 October
19:27
United StatesAerobee-300 CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Meteorite research25 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 418 kilometres (260 mi)
31 October
11:54
Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 31 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 410 kilometres (250 mi)
31 October
19:59
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Aeronomy31 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 188 kilometres (117 mi)
31 October
20:46
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Weather
Imaging
31 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 119 kilometres (74 mi)
31 October Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionErnst Krenkel Observatory Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital Aeronomy31 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 103 kilometres (64 mi)
October Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
October Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
1 November Soviet UnionR-5M Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionRVSN
RVSN Suborbital Nuclear test1 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
3 November
06:20
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Aeronomy
Ionospheric
3 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 211 kilometres (131 mi)
3 November Soviet UnionR-5M Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionRVSN
RVSN Suborbital Nuclear test3 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
3 November Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionChelkar Soviet UnionRVSN
RVSN Suborbital Target3 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
4 November
16:50
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Weather
Imaging
4 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 122 kilometres (76 mi)
4 November Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionChelkar Soviet UnionRVSN
RVSN Suborbital Target4 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
5 November
08:53
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test5 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
5 November Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionChelkar Soviet UnionRVSN
RVSN Suborbital Target5 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
6 November Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionOstrov Kheysa Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital Aeronomy6 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 103 kilometres (64 mi)
8 November
01:53
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill CanadaCARDE
CARDE Suborbital Aeronomy8 OctoberSuccessful
Apogee: 139 kilometres (86 mi), first Canadian spaceflight
8 November
07:30:21
United StatesThor DM-18 Able-I United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17A United StatesNASA
United StatesPioneer 2 NASA Intended: Selenocentric Lunar probe8 NovemberLaunch failure
Third stage failed to ignite
13 November
08:59
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill CanadaCARDE
CARDE Suborbital Aeronomy13 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 142 kilometres (88 mi)
13 November
17:34
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Weather
Imaging
13 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 119 kilometres (74 mi)
16 November
06:56
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Auroral16 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 163 kilometres (101 mi)
17 November United StatesWS-199B Bold Orion I United StatesB-47, Cape Canaveral United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test17 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
18 November
04:00
United StatesSM-65B Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-11 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test18 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 800 kilometres (500 mi)
18 November
16:47
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Weather
Imaging
18 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 116 kilometres (72 mi)
19 November
21:51
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 19 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 140 kilometres (87 mi)
19 November Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionOstrov Kheysa Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital Aeronomy19 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 103 kilometres (64 mi)
21 November
06:08
Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital 27 AugustSuccessful
Apogee: 460 kilometres (290 mi)
23 November
22:02
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy23 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 131 kilometres (81 mi)
24 November
06:25:00
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Auroral24 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 207 kilometres (129 mi)
24 November
08:00
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Aeronomy24 NovemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 13 kilometres (8.1 mi)
26 November
09:09
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test26 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
29 November
02:27
United StatesSM-65B Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-14 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test29 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 900 kilometres (560 mi)
29 November
16:30
United StatesAerobee-150 (Hi) CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Aeronomy
Ionospheric
29 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 202 kilometres (126 mi)
30 November
18:36:36
United StatesAerobee-300 CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Ionospheric30 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 304 kilometres (189 mi)
30 November
22:27
United StatesNike-Cajun CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital 30 NovemberSuccessful
Apogee: 152 kilometres (94 mi)
November Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
1 December
19:35
United StatesAerobee-300 CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Ionospheric1 DecemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 97 kilometres (60 mi)
3 December
10:13
United KingdomSkylark-1 AustraliaWoomera LA-2 United KingdomRAE
RAE Suborbital Aeronomy3 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 126 kilometres (78 mi)
3 December
18:39
United StatesAerobee-300 CanadaChurchill United StatesUS Navy
NRL Suborbital Ionospheric3 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 225 kilometres (140 mi)
4 December Soviet UnionLuna 8K72 Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
Soviet UnionLuna E-1 #3 MVS Intended: Heliocentric Lunar probe+245 secondsLaunch failure
Hydrogen peroxide pump failed due to loss of lubrication, shutting down core stage engine
6 December
00:41
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test6 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
6 December
05:44:52
United StatesJuno II United StatesCape Canaveral LC-5 United StatesABMA
United StatesPioneer 3 NASA Intended: Heliocentric Lunar flyby7 December
19:51
Launch failure
Maiden flight of Juno II, premature first stage cutoff and erroneous angle during orbital insertion resulted in failure to reach orbit. Catalogued despite being on a suborbital trajectory. Returned data on radiation between the Earth and Moon.
8 December United StatesWS-199B Bold Orion II United StatesB-47, Cape Canaveral United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test8 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
9 December United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWallops Island United StatesNACA
NACA Suborbital Aeronomy
Weather
Imaging
9 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
9 December United StatesNike-Cajun United StatesWallops Island United StatesNACA
NACA Suborbital Aeronomy
Weather
Imaging
9 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
11 December Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionChelkar Soviet UnionRVSN
RVSN Suborbital Target11 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
12 December Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test12 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
13 December
08:53:44
United StatesPGM-19 Jupiter United StatesCape Canaveral LC-26B United StatesABMA
United StatesBioflight 1 US Air Force Suborbital Biological13 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi), carried a monkey, Gordo. Mission completed but recovery failed
14 December Soviet UnionR-5A Pobeda Soviet UnionChelkar Soviet UnionRVSN
RVSN Suborbital Target14 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi)
16 December
23:44:45
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesVandenberg LC-75-1-1 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test6 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
16 December United StatesWS-199B Bold Orion II United StatesB-47, Cape Canaveral United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test16 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
17 December
04:00
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-17B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test17 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 520 kilometres (320 mi)
18 December
23:02
United StatesSM-65B Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-11 United StatesUS Air Force
United StatesSCORE ARPA Low Earth Communication12 January 1959Successful
First communications satellite, only orbital launch of Atlas B
23 December
13:00
East GermanySoviet UnionA-1 Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Ionospheric
Aeronomy
23 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 110 kilometres (68 mi)
23 December Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionOstrov Kheysa Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital Aeronomy23 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
24 December
04:45
United StatesSM-65C Atlas United StatesCape Canaveral LC-12 United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test24 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 900 kilometres (560 mi), maiden flight of Atlas C
24 December
16:00
Soviet UnionR-7 Semyorka Soviet UnionBaikonur Site 1/5 Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test24 DecemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 70 kilometres (43 mi)
24 December Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test24 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
25 December
13:10
East GermanySoviet UnionA-1 Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Ionospheric
Aeronomy
25 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 110 kilometres (68 mi)
25 December Soviet UnionR-11A Zemlya Soviet UnionOstrov Kheysa Soviet UnionAN
AN Suborbital Aeronomy25 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 102 kilometres (63 mi)
25 December Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test25 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
30 December
15:28
United StatesUGM-27 Polaris AX United StatesCape Canaveral LC-25A United StatesUS Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test24 SeptemberLaunch failure
Apogee: 200 kilometres (120 mi)
30 December Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test30 DecemberSuccessful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
31 December
02:00
United StatesPGM-17 Thor DM-18A United StatesCape Canaveral LC-18B United StatesUS Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test31 DecemberLaunch failure
December Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
December Soviet UnionR-12 Dvina Soviet UnionKapustin Yar Soviet UnionMVS
MVS Suborbital Missile test Successful
Apogee: 402 kilometres (250 mi)
Unknown AustraliaLong Tom AustraliaWoomera LA-2 AustraliaWRE
WRE Suborbital Test flight Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
Unknown AustraliaLong Tom AustraliaWoomera LA-2 AustraliaWRE
WRE Suborbital Test flight Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
Unknown AustraliaLong Tom AustraliaWoomera LA-2 AustraliaWRE
WRE Suborbital Test flight Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
Unknown AustraliaLong Tom AustraliaWoomera LA-2 AustraliaWRE
WRE Suborbital Test flight Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
Unknown AustraliaLong Tom AustraliaWoomera LA-2 AustraliaWRE
WRE Suborbital Test flight Successful
Apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)

Orbital launch summary

By country

  Soviet Union
  United States
Orbital launch attempts by country in 1958
Country Launches Successes Failures Partial failures Remarks
 Soviet Union 5 1 4 0
 United States 23 5 16 2 First successful orbital launch

By rocket

By family

Family Country Launches Successes Failures Partial failures Remarks
Atlas United States1100First orbital launch
Redstone United States6330First orbital launch
Jupiter United States1001Maiden flight
NOTS-EV United States6060Only orbital launches
R-7 Soviet Union5140
Thor United States3021Maiden flight
Viking United States6150

By type and configuration

Rocket Country Type Family Launches Successes Failures Partial failures Remarks
Atlas B United StatesSM-65 AtlasAtlas1100Maiden flight, only orbital launch
Juno I United StatesJupiter-CRedstone6330Maiden flight
Juno II United StatesJunoJupiter1001Maiden flight
Luna Soviet UnionVostokR-73030Maiden flight
Pilot II United StatesPilotNOTS-EV6060Only flights
Sputnik 8A91 Soviet UnionSputnikR-72110Only flights
Thor DM-18 Able-I United StatesThor-AbleThor3021Maiden flight
Vanguard United StatesVanguardViking6150

By launch site

Site Country Launches Successes Failures Partial failures Remarks
Baikonur Soviet Union5140
Cape Canaveral United States175102
Point Mugu United States6060

By orbit

Orbital regime Launches Successes Failures Accidentally
Achieved
Remarks
Catalogued Suborbital N/A N/A N/A 2 Pioneer 1 and Pioneer 3 went more than 100'000 km on their way to the Moon but were ultimately suborbital due to insufficient velocity.
Low Earth 4 2 2 0
Medium Earth 17 4 13 0
Heliocentric 7 0 7 0

References

  • Bergin, Chris. "NASASpaceFlight.com".
  • Clark, Stephen. "Spaceflight Now".
  • Kelso, T.S. "Satellite Catalog (SATCAT)". CelesTrak.
  • Krebs, Gunter. "Chronology of Space Launches".
  • Kyle, Ed. "Space Launch Report".
  • McDowell, Jonathan. "Jonathan's Space Report".
  • Pietrobon, Steven. "Steven Pietrobon's Space Archive".
  • Wade, Mark. "Encyclopedia Astronautica".
  • Webb, Brian. "Southwest Space Archive".
  • Zak, Anatoly. "Russian Space Web".
  • "ISS Calendar". Spaceflight 101.
  • "NSSDCA Master Catalog". NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
  • "Space Calendar". NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
  • "Space Information Center". JAXA.
  • "Хроника освоения космоса" [Chronicle of space exploration]. CosmoWorld (in Russian).
Generic references:

Footnotes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Krebs, Gunter. "Vanguard". Gunter's Space Page. Archived from the original on 12 February 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-02.
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