2017 in spaceflight

2017 in spaceflight
Cassini portrait of Saturn, backlit by the Sun
Peggy Whitson in the International Space Station's Cupola module
A Falcon 9 awaiting launch at Kennedy LC-39A
A Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III launching from Sriharikota Second
Highlights from spaceflight in 2017
Orbital launches
First5 January
Last26 December
Total91
Successes83
Failures6
Partial failures2
Catalogued86
National firsts
Satellite
Rockets
Maiden flights
Retirements
Crewed flights
Orbital4
Total travellers11
EVAs10

Notable spaceflight activities in 2017 included the maiden orbital flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (also called LVM3) on 5 June and the first suborbital test of Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, inaugurating the Mahia spaceport in New Zealand. The rocket is named for its innovative Rutherford engine which feeds propellants via battery-powered electric motors instead of the usual gas generator and turbopumps.

Overview

China launched its new missile-derived Kaituozhe-2 variant on 2 March. The Japanese SS-520, a suborbital sounding rocket modified for orbital flight, failed to reach orbit in January. If successful, it would have become the smallest and lightest vehicle to ever put an object in orbit.

The venerable Russian Soyuz-U workhorse was retired after its 786th mission on 22 February. On 30 March, the SES-10 mission was launched with a previously flown Falcon 9 first stage, achieving a key milestone in the SpaceX reusable launch system development program; several other Falcon 9 first-stage boosters were re-used since then.

After a record-breaking 13-year mission observing Saturn, its rings and moons, the Cassini space probe was deliberately destroyed by plunging into Saturn's atmosphere, on 15 September 2017.

A record number of 466 satellites were attempted to be launched thanks to an increase in the number of small satellites. 289 of all satellites weighted less than 10 kg. The number of small satellites launched exceeded even the most optimistic forecasts.

Orbital launches

Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload
(⚀ = CubeSat)
Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks

January

5 January
15:18
China Long March 3B/E 3B-Y39 China Xichang LC-2 China CASC
China TJS-2 CNSA Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
9 January
04:11:12
China Kuaizhou 1A China Jiuquan LS-95A China CASIC
China Jilin-1 Video-03 (Lingqiao 1-03) Chang Guang Satellite Technology Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
China Caton-1 CNSA Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
China Xingyun Shiyan 1 CNSA Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
14 January
17:54:39
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-029 United States Vandenberg SLC-4E United States SpaceX
United States Iridium NEXT 1–10 Iridium Low Earth Communications In orbit Operational
Return to flight mission for Falcon 9 after an accident in September 2016. First stage landed on a drone ship.
14 January
23:33
Japan SS-520 Japan Uchinoura Japan JAXA
Japan TRICOM-1 University of Tokyo Low Earth Technology demonstration 14 January Launch failure
Contact lost at +20 sec after launch. Aborted ignition of 2nd stage.
21 January
00:42
United States Atlas V 401 AV-066 United States Cape Canaveral SLC-41 United States United Launch Alliance
United States USA-273 / SBIRS GEO-3 US Air Force Geosynchronous Missile warning In orbit Operational
24 January
07:44
Japan H-IIA 204 F32 Japan Tanegashima LA-Y1 Japan MHI
Japan DSN-2 DSN / JSDF Geosynchronous Communications (military) In orbit Operational
28 January
01:03:34
Russia Soyuz ST-B / Fregat-MT France Kourou ELS France Arianespace
Spain Hispasat AG1 Hispasat Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
First GTO launch by Soyuz at the Guiana Space Centre

February

14 February
21:39
Europe Ariane 5 ECA VA235 France Kourou ELA-3 France Arianespace
United States Intelsat 32e /
Brazil SkyBrasil-1
Intelsat / SKY Brasil Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
Indonesia Telkom-3S Telkom Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
15 February
03:58
India PSLV-XL C37 India Satish Dhawan FLP India ISRO
India Cartosat-2D ISRO Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
India INS-1A, 1B ISRO Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Kazakhstan Al-Farabi 1 KazGU Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Israel BGUSAT Ben Gurion University Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration 24 February 2023 Successful
Switzerland DIDO-2 SpacePharma Low Earth (SSO) Microgravity research In orbit Operational
United States Flock-3p × 88 Planet Labs Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
United States Lemur-2 × 8 Spire Global Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
United Arab Emirates Nayif 1 EIAST/AUS Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Israel/Germany/Netherlands/Belgium PEASS PEASS Consortium Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Second largest number of satellites launched on a single rocket (104).
19 February
14:38:59
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-030 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
United States SpaceX CRS-10 NASA Low Earth (ISS) ISS logistics 19 March 2017, 14:46 Successful
First SpaceX launch from LC-39A. Carries the SAGE III and Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) Earth-observation instruments to the ISS. First stage returned to Landing Zone 1.
22 February
05:58
Russia Soyuz-U Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 1/5 Russia Roscosmos
Russia Progress MS-05 / 66P Roscosmos Low Earth (ISS) ISS logistics 20 July Successful
786th and final flight of Soyuz-U.

March

1 March
17:50
United States Atlas V 401 AV-068 United States Vandenberg SLC-3E United States United Launch Alliance
United States USA-274 / Intruder 8 NRO Low Earth Reconnaissance In orbit Operational
NROL-79 mission.
2 March
23:53
China Kaituozhe-2 China Jiuquan China CASIC
China Tiankun-1 CASIC Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration 7 July 2023 Successful
Maiden flight.
7 March
01:49:24
Europe Vega France Kourou ELV France Arianespace
Europe Sentinel-2B ESA Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
16 March
06:00
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-031 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
United States Echostar 23 EchoStar Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
Due to the satellite's heavy mass (~5,600 kg), the rocket flew in its expendable configuration and the first-stage booster was not recovered.
17 March
01:20:00
Japan H-IIA 202 F33 Japan Tanegashima LA-Y1 Japan MHI
Japan IGS-Radar 5 CSICE Low Earth (SSO) Reconnaissance In orbit Operational
19 March
00:18
United States Delta IV M+(5,4) United States Cape Canaveral SLC-37B United States United Launch Alliance
United States USA-275 / WGS-9 US Air Force Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
30 March
22:27
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-032 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
Luxembourg SES-10 SES S.A. Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
First flight of a Falcon 9 re-used first stage. SpaceX recovered the stage again.

April

12 April
11:04:04
China Long March 3B/E 3B-Y43 China Xichang LC-2 China CASC
China Shijian 13 CNSA Geosynchronous Communications
Technology demonstration
In orbit Operational
18 April
15:11
United States Atlas V 401 AV-070 United States Cape Canaveral SLC-41 United States United Launch Alliance
United States Cygnus CRS OA-7
SS John Glenn
NASA Low Earth (ISS) ISS logistics 12 June 2017 Successful
United States Altair 1 Millennium Space Systems Low Earth Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
United States IceCube GSFC Low Earth Technology demonstration
Atmospheric research
3 October 2018 Successful
United States CSUNSat 1 CSUN Low Earth Technology demonstration 5 May 2019 Successful
United States CXBN 2 MSU Low Earth X-ray astronomy 1 March 2019 Successful
United States/Australia/Canada/United Kingdom SHARC (Biarri-Point) Project Biarri / AFRL Low Earth Technology demonstration 4 May 2019 Successful
QB50 x 31 Various Low Earth Technology demonstration
Atmospheric research
In orbit Operational
QB50 mission includes first Finnish satellite Aalto-2, Greek satellite UPSat
20 April
07:13:44
Russia Soyuz-FG Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 1/5 Russia Roscosmos
Russia Soyuz MS-04 / 50S Roscosmos Low Earth (ISS) Expedition 51/52 3 September 2017
01:22
Successful
Crewed flight with two cosmonauts.
20 April
11:41:35
China Long March 7 Y2 China Wenchang LC-2 China CASC
China Tianzhou 1 CMSA Low Earth (Tiangong 2) Tiangong 2 resupply 22 September 2017
10:00
Successful
China SilkRoad-1 / Silu 1 Xi'an Institute of Surveying and Mapping Low Earth Earth observation In orbit Operational
SilkRoad-1 was released on 1 August from Tianzhou 1.

May

1 May
11:15
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-033 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
United States NROL-76 / USA-276 NRO Low Earth Reconnaissance In orbit Operational
First stage returned to Landing Zone 1.
4 May
21:50
Europe Ariane 5 ECA VA236 France Kourou ELA-3 France Arianespace
South Korea Koreasat-7 KT Corporation Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
Brazil SGDC-1 Telebras Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
5 May
11:27
India GSLV Mk II F09 India Satish Dhawan SLP India ISRO
India GSAT-9 ISRO Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
15 May
23:21
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-034 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
United Kingdom Inmarsat-5 F4 Inmarsat Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
Due to the satellite's heavy mass (6,070 kg), the rocket flew in its expendable configuration and the first-stage booster was not recovered.
18 May
11:54:53
Russia Soyuz ST-A / Fregat-MT France Kourou ELS France Arianespace
Luxembourg SES-15 SES S.A. Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
25 May
04:20:00
United States Electron It's a Test New Zealand Mahia LC-1A United States Rocket Lab
United States It's a Test Rocket Lab Low Earth Rocket stage / Flight test 25 May Launch failure
First Electron launch. Flight terminated by range safety at an altitude of 224 kilometres (139 mi) due to an error in ground tracking equipment. Carried instruments on the upper stage rather than a payload.
25 May
06:33
Russia Soyuz-2.1b / Fregat-M Russia Plesetsk Site 43/4 Russia RVSN RF
Russia EKS-2 VKS Molniya Missile early warning In orbit Operational

June

1 June
00:17:46
Japan H-IIA 202 F34 Japan Tanegashima LA-Y1 Japan MHI
Japan QZS-2 CAO Tundra/Quasi-Zenith Orbit Navigation In orbit Operational
1 June
23:45
Europe Ariane 5 ECA VA237 France Kourou ELA-3 France Arianespace
United States ViaSat-2 ViaSat Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
France Eutelsat 172B Eutelsat Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
This mission carried the heaviest and most expensive commercial payload ever launched, valued at $800 million with a combined payload mass of 9,969 kg for both satellites (10,865 kg total launch mass with dual-deployment hardware).
3 June
21:07
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-035 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
United States SpaceX CRS-11 NASA Low Earth (ISS) ISS logistics 3 July 2017 Successful
United States NICER NASA Low Earth (ISS) X-ray astronomy In orbit Operational
Bangladesh BRAC ONNESHA BRACU Low Earth Technology demonstration 6 May 2019 Successful
Ghana GhanaSat-1 All Nations University Low Earth Technology demonstration 22 May 2019 Successful
Mongolia Mazaalai National University of Mongolia Low Earth Technology demonstration 11 May 2019 Successful
Nigeria Nigeria EduSat-1 FUTA Low Earth Technology demonstration 13 May 2019 Successful
Japan TOKI KIT Low Earth Technology demonstration 3 May 2019 Successful
First stage returned to Landing Zone 1. TOKI, GhanaSat-1, Mazaalai, BRAC ONNESHA, and Nigeria EduSat-1 were carried to ISS as the cargo of SpaceX CRS-11 and deployed into orbit on 7 July 2017.
5 June
11:58
India GSLV Mk III D1 India Satish Dhawan SLP India ISRO
India GSAT-19 ISRO Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
Maiden orbital flight.
8 June
03:45
Russia Proton-M / Briz-M 935-61 Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 81/24 Russia United States International Launch Services
United States Echostar 21 EchoStar Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
14 June
09:20
Russia Soyuz-2.1a Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 31/6 Russia Roscosmos
Russia Progress MS-06 / 67P Roscosmos Low Earth (ISS) ISS logistics 28 December Successful
Russia Sfera-53 2 Low Earth Radar calibration target 29 November 2018 Successful
Russia Tanyusha-YuZGU 1 South-West State University Low Earth Technology demonstration 30 July 2019 Successful
Russia Tanyusha-YuZGU 2 South-West State University Low Earth Technology demonstration 8 September 2019 Successful
Russia TNS-0 2 RISDE Low Earth Technology demonstration 15 October 2019 Successful
Tanyusha-YuZGU, Sfera-53 2, TNS-O No.2 were small satellites deployed into orbit from the ISS by cosmonauts during an EVA on 17 August 2017.
15 June
03:15
China Long March 4B 4B-Y31 China Jiuquan SLS-2 China CASC
China HXMT CAS / IHEP Low Earth (SSO) X-ray astronomy In orbit Operational
China Zhuhai-1 01 Zhuhai Orbital Control Engineering Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
China Zhuhai-1 02 Zhuhai Orbital Control Engineering Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
Argentina ÑuSat 3 Satellogic Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
China CAS-4A CNSA Low Earth (SSO) Communications In orbit Operational
China CAS-4B CNSA Low Earth (SSO) Communications In orbit Operational
18 June
16:12
China Long March 3B/E 3B-Y28 China Xichang LC-2 China CASC
China ChinaSat 9A (Zhongxing-9A) China Satcom Geosynchronous (intended) Communications In orbit Partial launch failure Operational
Payload was inserted into a wrong orbit. After 16 days of orbit raising maneuvers, the satellite raised its orbit from 16,420 km to 36,000 km, and corrected its longitude to 101.4°E.[citation needed]
23 June
03:59
India PSLV-XL C38 India Satish Dhawan FLP India ISRO
India Cartosat-2E ISRO Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
Japan CE-SAT 1 Canon Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
Italy Max Valier Sat Max Valier school, Bozen Low Earth (SSO) X-ray astronomy
Technology demonstration
In orbit Operational
India NIUSAT Noorul Islam University Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
Latvia Venta-1 Ventspils University College Low Earth (SSO) AIS ship tracking In orbit Operational
Finland Aalto-1 Aalto University Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
United States Australia Israel Blue Diamond Sky and Space Global Low Earth (SSO) Communications In orbit Operational
United States Australia Israel Green Diamond Sky and Space Global Low Earth (SSO) Communications In orbit Operational
United States Australia Israel Red Diamond Sky and Space Global Low Earth (SSO) Communications In orbit Operational
United States CICERO-6 GeoOptics Inc Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Germany COMPASS-2 FH Aachen Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Italy D-SAT D-Orbit Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
United Kingdom InflateSail University of Surrey Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration 3 September 2017
01:27
Successful
United States Lemur-2 × 8 Spire Global Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
Lithuania LituanicaSAT-2 Vilnius University Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
China NUDTSat NUDT Low Earth (SSO) Ionosphere research In orbit Operational
Austria Pegasus FH Wiener Neustadt Low Earth (SSO) Thermosphere research In orbit Operational
France ROBUSTA-1B University of Montpellier Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Slovakia skCUBE University of Zilina Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Chile SUCHAI-1 University of Chile Low Earth (SSO) Ionosphere research In orbit Operational
United States Tyvak-53b Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration 14 March 2023 Successful
United Kingdom UCLSat University College London Low Earth (SSO) Ionosphere research In orbit Operational
Italy URSA MAIOR Sapienza University Low Earth (SSO) Thermosphere research In orbit Operational
Czech Republic VZLUSat-1 VZLU Low Earth (SSO) Thermosphere research In orbit Operational
Venta-1 was the first Latvian satellite. COMPASS-2, InflateSail, LithuanicaSAT-2, NUDTSat, Pegasus, UCLSat, URSA MAIOR and VZLUSat-2 are part of the QB-50 project led by Von Karman Institute to create a network of cubesats conducting measurements of Earth's lower termosphere and ionosphere.
23 June
18:04
Russia Soyuz-2-1v / Volga Russia Plesetsk Site 43/4 Russia RVSN RF
Russia Kosmos 2519 VKS Low Earth Geodesy 23 December 2021 Successful
Russia Kosmos 2521 VKS Low Earth Technology demonstration 12 September 2019 Successful
Napryazhenie / 14F150 / Nivelir. Kosmos 2521, also known as Sputnik Inspektor, was later deployed by Kosmos 2519.
23 June
19:10
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-036 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
Bulgaria BulgariaSat-1 Bulsatcom Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
Second flight of a Falcon 9 re-used first stage.
25 June
20:25:14
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-037 United States Vandenberg SLC-4E United States SpaceX
United States Iridium NEXT 11–20 Iridium Low Earth Communications In orbit Operational
28 June
20:59
Europe Ariane 5 ECA VA238 France Kourou ELA-3 France Arianespace
United Kingdom EuropaSat /
Greece Hellas Sat 3
Inmarsat Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
India GSAT-17 ISRO Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational

July

2 July
11:23:23
China Long March 5 Y2 China Wenchang LC-1 China CASC
China Shijian 18 CAST Geosynchronous Communications
Technology demonstration
2 July 2017 Launch failure
The cause of the failure was confirmed by CASC later, related to the anomaly happened on one of the YF-77 engine in the first stage.
5 July
23:38
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-038 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
United States Intelsat 35e Intelsat Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
Due to the satellite's heavy mass (6,761 kg), the rocket flew in its expendable configuration and the first-stage booster was not recovered.
14 July
06:36:49
Russia Soyuz-2.1a / Fregat-M Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 31/6 Russia Roscosmos
Russia Kanopus-V-IK Roscosmos Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
United States CICERO × 3 GeoOptics Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
Germany Flying Laptop Institute of Space Systems Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Norway NORSAT-1 Norsk Romsenter Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Norway NORSAT-2 Norsk Romsenter Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Germany TechnoSat TU Berlin Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Japan WNISAT-1R Weathernews Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
United States Corvus-BC 1, 2 (Lanmapper-BC 1, 2) Astro Digital Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Failure
Ecuador/Russia Ecuador-UTE-YuZGU UTE / YuZGU Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
United States Flock-2k × 48 Planet Labs Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
Russia Iskra-MAI-85 MAI Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
United States Lemur-2 × 8 Spire Global Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
Russia Mayak MPU Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Partial failure
Russia MKA-N × 2 Roscosmos / Dauria Aerospace Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Failure
United States NanoACE Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Delivery of 73 satellites in three orbital altitudes with a single launch. Some cubesats were deployed into unintended orbit or having communication problem. Mayak fails to deploy solar reflector. Glavcosmos has later confirmed upper stage anomaly during the launch.
27 July Iran Simorgh Iran Semnan Iran ISA
ISA Low Earth 27 July 2017 Launch failure
The first orbital attempt for Simorgh. Iranian official sources state that the rocket has reached orbit. U.S. Strategic Command confirmed that no satellite deployed from the rocket as the rocket suffered a "catastrophic failure" shortly after liftoff. The U.S. Air Force's Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base reported that it had not detected any satellite released into low-Earth orbit by the Simorgh SLV. Finally, the United States, France, Germany and Britain have condemned Iran's test of a satellite-launching rocket.
28 July
15:41
Russia Soyuz-FG Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 1/5 Russia Roscosmos
Russia Soyuz MS-05 / 51S Roscosmos Low Earth (ISS) Expedition 52/53 14 December 2017
08:48
Successful
Crewed flight with three cosmonauts.

August

2 August
01:58
Europe Vega France Kourou ELV France Arianespace
Italy OPTSAT-3000 Italian Defense Ministry Low Earth (SSO) IMINT (Reconnaissance) In orbit Operational
Israel / France VENµS ISA / CNES Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
14 August
16:31
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-039 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
United States SpaceX CRS-12 NASA Low Earth (ISS) ISS logistics 17 September 2017 Successful
United States OSIRIS-3U Penn State Low Earth Space weather 7 March 2019 Successful
United States Kestrel Eye 2M U.S. Army Low Earth Reconnaissance 28 August 2021 Successful
United States Dellingr/RBLE GSFC Low Earth Technology demonstration / Heliophysics In orbit Operational
United States ASTERIA MIT/JPL Low Earth Technology demonstration In orbit Successful
First flight of Falcon 9 "block 4" upgrade. Last flight of a newly-built Dragon capsule; further missions will use refurbished spacecraft. Carried cosmic-ray detector ISS-CREAM to be installed on the station, and several cubesats to be later deployed from the ISS. Kestrel Eye was deployed into orbit from ISS on 24 October 2017. ASTERIA and Dellingr/RBLE were deployed on 20 November 2017, and OSIRIS-3U was deployed on 21 November 2017.
16 August
22:07
Russia Proton-M / Briz-M ? Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 81/24 Russia RVSN RF
Russia Blagovest-11L VKS Geosynchronous Communications (military) In orbit Operational
18 August
12:29
United States Atlas V 401 AV-074 United States Cape Canaveral SLC-41 United States United Launch Alliance
United States TDRS-M NASA Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
19 August
05:29
Japan H-IIA 204 F35 Japan Tanegashima LA-Y1 Japan MHI
Japan QZS-3 CAO Geosynchronous Navigation In orbit Operational
24 August
18:50
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-040 United States Vandenberg SLC-4E United States SpaceX
Taiwan FormoSat-5 NSPO Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
26 August
06:04
United States Minotaur IV / Orion 38 United States Cape Canaveral SLC-46 United States Orbital ATK
United States ORS-5 ORS Low Earth Space surveillance In orbit Operational
31 August
13:30
India PSLV-XL C39 India Satish Dhawan FLP India ISRO
India IRNSS-1H ISRO Geosynchronous Navigation 2 March 2019 Launch failure
Payload fairing failed to separate, leaving the satellite adrift within the fairing after internally separating from the fourth stage of the rocket. The stage, along with IRNSS-1H, re-entered the atmosphere together on 2 March 2019.

September

7 September
14:00
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-041 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
United States X-37B / OTV-5 / USA-277 U.S. Air Force Low Earth Technology demonstration (classified) 27 October 2019
07:51
Successful
11 September
19:23:41
Russia Proton-M / Briz-M 935-65 Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 200/39 Russia United States International Launch Services
Spain Amazonas 5 Hispasat Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
12 September
21:17:02
Russia Soyuz-FG Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 1/5 Russia Roscosmos
Russia Soyuz MS-06 / 52S Roscosmos Low Earth (ISS) Expedition 53/54 In orbit Operational
Crewed flight with three cosmonauts.
22 September
00:02:32
Russia Soyuz-2.1b / Fregat-M Russia Plesetsk Site 43/4 Russia RVSN RF
Russia Kosmos 2522 / GLONASS-M 752 VKS Medium Earth Navigation In orbit Operational
24 September
05:49:47
United States Atlas V 541 AV-072 United States Vandenberg SLC-3E United States United Launch Alliance
United States NROL-42 / Trumpet / USA-278 NRO Low Earth Reconnaissance In orbit Operational
28 September
18:52:16
Russia Proton-M / Briz-M 937-03 Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 200/39 Russia United States International Launch Services
Hong Kong AsiaSat 9 AsiaSat Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
29 September
04:21
China Long March 2C 2C-Y29 China Xichang LC-3 China CASC
China Yaogan-30 A CAS Low Earth Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
China Yaogan-30 B CAS Low Earth Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
China Yaogan-30 C CAS Low Earth Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
29 September
21:47
Europe Ariane 5 ECA VA239 France Kourou ELA-3 France Arianespace
United States Intelsat 37e Intelsat Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
Japan BSAT-4a BSAT Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational

October

9 October
04:13
China Long March 2D 2D-Y30 China Jiuquan SLS-2 China CASC
Venezuela VRSS-2 ABAE / MPPCTII Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
9 October
12:37
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-042 United States Vandenberg SLC-4E United States SpaceX
United States Iridium NEXT 21–30 Iridium Low Earth Communications In orbit Operational
9 October
22:01:37
Japan H-IIA 202 F36 Japan Tanegashima LA-Y1 Japan MHI
Japan QZS-4 CAO Tundra Navigation In orbit Operational
11 October
22:53
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-043 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
Luxembourg SES-11 /
United States EchoStar 105
SES S.A. / EchoStar Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
Third time a Falcon 9 first stage is re-used.
13 October
09:27:44
Russia Rokot / Briz-KM Russia Plesetsk Site 133/3 Europe / Russia Eurockot
Europe Sentinel-5 Precursor ESA Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
14 October
08:46:53
Russia Soyuz-2.1a Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 31/6 Russia Roscosmos
Russia Progress MS-07 / 68P Roscosmos Low Earth (ISS) ISS logistics 26 April 2018 Successful
Russia/India Iskra 5 Moscow Aviation Institute / Space Kidz India Low Earth Communications  
Originally intended to debut a new two-orbit rendezvous profile, profile reverted to standard 34-orbit profile after the first launch attempt was scrubbed.
15 October
07:28
United States Atlas V 421 AV-075 United States Cape Canaveral SLC-41 United States United Launch Alliance
United States NROL-52 / Quasar 21 / USA-279 NRO Geosynchronous (TBC) Communications (military) In orbit Operational
30 October
19:34
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-044 United States Kennedy LC-39A United States SpaceX
South Korea Koreasat 5A KT Corporation Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
31 October
21:37
United States Minotaur-C United States Vandenberg LC-576E United States Orbital ATK
United States SkySat x 6 Terra Bella Low Earth Earth observation In orbit Operational
United States Flock-3m x 4 Planet Labs Low Earth Earth observation In orbit Operational
Return to flight mission for Minotaur-C after a failed launch in March 2011.

November

5 November
11:45:00
China Long March 3B / YZ-1 3B-Y46 China Xichang China CASC
China BeiDou-3 M1 CNSA Medium Earth Navigation In orbit Operational
China BeiDou-3 M2 CNSA Medium Earth Navigation In orbit Operational
8 November
01:42:30
Europe Vega France Kourou ELV France Arianespace
Morocco Mohammed VI-A (MN35-13) Morocco Low Earth Earth observation In orbit Operational
12 November
12:19:51
United States Antares 230 United States MARS LP-0A United States Orbital ATK
United States Cygnus CRS OA-8E
SS Gene Cernan
NASA Low Earth (ISS) ISS logistics 18 December 2017 Successful
United States AeroCube (OSCD) × 2 The Aerospace Corporation Low Earth Technology demonstration 5 August 2022 (OSCD B)
12 August 2022 (OSCD C)
Successful
United States Asgardia-1 Asgardia Low Earth Technology demonstration 12 September 2022 Successful
United States CHEFsat NRL Low Earth Technology demonstration 2 January 2022 Successful
United States EcAMSat NASA Low Earth Microbiology 8 December 2021 Successful
United States ISARA JPL Low Earth Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
United States Lemur-2 × 8 Spire Global Low Earth Earth observation In orbit Operational
United States PropCube 2 (Fauna) NPS Low Earth Technology demonstration 30 July 2022 Successful
United States TechEdSat-6 SJSU/UI/NASA Ames Low Earth Technology demonstration 15 May 2018 Successful
EcAMSat was deployed into orbit from ISS on 20 November 2017, and TechEdSat-6 was deployed on 21 November 2017. Other small satellites were deployed from Cygnus after it departed from ISS.
14 November
18:35
China Long March 4C 4C-Y21 China Taiyuan LA-9 China CAST
China Fengyun 3D CMA Low Earth (polar) Meteorology In orbit Operational
China HEAD-1 HEAD Aerospace Low Earth (polar) AIS ship tracking In orbit Operational
18 November
09:47:36
United States Delta II 7920 United States Vandenberg SLC-2W United States United Launch Alliance
United States NOAA-20 NOAA Low Earth (SSO) Meteorology In orbit Operational
Australia Buccaneer RMM UNSW, DSTO Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
United States EagleSat ERAU Low Earth (SSO) Education In orbit Operational
United States MakerSat 0 NNU Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
United States MiRaTA MIT Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
United States RadFxSat (Fox 1B) AMSAT Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
Last flight of the Delta II 7920 configuration, penultimate flight of Delta II
21 November
04:50
China Long March 6 Y2 China Taiyuan LA-16 China CASC
China Jilin-1 Video-04 (Lingqiao 1-04) Chang Guang Satellite Technology Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
China Jilin-1 Video-05 (Lingqiao 1-05) Chang Guang Satellite Technology Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
China Jilin-1 Video-06 (Lingqiao 1-06) Chang Guang Satellite Technology Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
24 November
18:10
China Long March 2C 2C-Y30 China Xichang China CASC
China Yaogan 30-02A CNSA Low Earth Reconnaissance In orbit Operational
China Yaogan 30-02B CNSA Low Earth Reconnaissance In orbit Operational
China Yaogan 30-02C CNSA Low Earth Reconnaissance In orbit Operational
28 November
05:41:46
Russia Soyuz-2.1b / Fregat-M Russia Vostochny Site 1S Russia Roscosmos
Russia Meteor-M No.2-1 Roscosmos Low Earth (SSO) Meteorology 28 November 2017 Launch failure
Norway AISSat-3 NSC Low Earth (SSO) Traffic monitoring 28 November 2017 Launch failure
Russia Baumanets 2 Bauman University Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration 28 November 2017 Launch failure
Japan IDEA-OSG 1 Astroscale Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration 28 November 2017 Launch failure
Canada LEO Vantage 2 TeleSat Canada Low Earth (SSO) Communications (experimental) 28 November 2017 Launch failure
United States Corvus-BC 3 Astro Digital Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation 28 November 2017 Launch failure
Germany D-Star One German Orbital Systems Low Earth (SSO) Communications (experimental) 28 November 2017 Launch failure
United States Lemur-2 × 10 Spire Global Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation 28 November 2017 Launch failure
Sweden SEAM Multiple users Low Earth (SSO) Technology demonstration 28 November 2017 Launch failure
The Fregat upper stage suffered an apparent programming failure resulting in the loss of all 19 satellites.

December

2 December
10:43:26
Russia Soyuz-2.1b Russia Plesetsk Russia RVSN RF
Russia Kosmos-2524 (Lotos No.2 803) Low Earth ELINT In orbit Operational
3 December
04:11
China Long March 2D 2D-Y47 China Jiuquan LC-43 China CASC
China LKW-1 CAS Low Earth Earth observation In orbit Operational
10 December
16:41
China Long March 3B 3B-Y40 China Xichang LC-2 China CAST
Algeria Alcomsat-1 Algerian Space Agency Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Operational
First Algerian geostationary communications satellite
12 December
18:36:07
Europe Ariane 5 ES VA240 France Kourou ELA-3 France Arianespace
European Union Galileo FOC 15-18 ESA Medium Earth Navigation In orbit Operational
Second Galileo launch with Ariane 5 (9th overall), carrying Nicole, Zofia, Alexandre, and Irina.
15 December
15:36
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-045 United States Cape Canaveral SLC-40 United States SpaceX
United States SpaceX CRS-13 NASA Low Earth (ISS) ISS logistics 13 January 2018 Successful
Re-used the first-stage booster from CRS-11 (2017) and the Dragon capsule from CRS-6 (2015)
17 December
07:21
Russia Soyuz-FG Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 1/5 Russia Roscosmos
Russia Soyuz MS-07 / 53S Roscosmos Low Earth (ISS) Expedition 54/55 In orbit Operational
Crewed flight with three cosmonauts.
23 December
01:26:22
Japan H-IIA 202 F37 Japan Tanegashima LA-Y1 Japan MHI
Japan GCOM-C JAXA Low Earth (SSO) Earth observation In orbit Operational
Japan SLATS JAXA Low Earth Atmospheric sciences
Technology demonstration
1 October 2019 Successful
23 December
01:27:23
United States Falcon 9 Full Thrust F9-046 United States Vandenberg SLC-4E United States SpaceX
United States Iridium NEXT 31–40 Iridium Low Earth Communications In orbit Operational
Re-using a first-stage booster. This rocket flew in its expendable configuration so the first-stage booster was not recovered
23 December
04:14
China Long March 2D 2D-Y48 China Jiuquan LC-43 China CASC
China LKW-2 CAS Low Earth Earth observation In orbit Operational
25 December
19:44
China Long March 2C 2C-Y34 China Xichang LC-3 China CASC
China Yaogan-30 G CAS Low Earth Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
China Yaogan-30 H CAS Low Earth Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
China Yaogan-30 J CAS Low Earth Technology demonstration In orbit Operational
26 December
19:00:03
Ukraine Zenit-3F / Russia Fregat-SB Kazakhstan Baikonur Site 45/1 Russia S7 Space
Angola AngoSat 1 Republic of Angola Geosynchronous Communications In orbit Spacecraft failure
First satellite of Angola. Launch was successful but contact was lost quickly afterwards. On 28 December 2017, communication was temporarily restored and telemetry was received.

Suborbital flights

Date and time (UTC) Rocket Flight number Launch site LSP
Payload
(⚀ = CubeSat)
Operator Orbit Function Decay (UTC) Outcome
Remarks
15 January China DF-5C China Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center China PLARF
PLARF Suborbital Missile test 15 January Successful
16 January Russia RS-12M Topol Russia Plesetsk Russia RVSN
RVSN Suborbital Missile test 16 January Successful
23 January
02:30
Brazil VSB-30 Sweden Esrange GermanyDLR / SwedenSSC
Germany / Sweden MAIUS-1 DLR / SSC Suborbital Microgravity 23 January Successful
Apogee: 238 kilometres (148 mi)
24 January Pakistan Ababeel Pakistan ? Pakistan ASFC
ASFC Suborbital Missile test 24 January Successful
25 January Israel Black Sparrow Israel F-15 Eagle, Israel Israel IAF
IAI/IDF Suborbital Missile test target 25 January Successful
DST-5 target, successfully intercepted
25 January Israel Stunner Israel Palmachim Airbase Israel IAF
IAI/IDF Suborbital Missile test 25 January Successful
DST-5 interceptor
27 January
13:45:00
Canada Black Brant IX United States Poker Flat Research Range United States NASA
United States PolarNOx Virginia Tech Suborbital Thermosphere research 27 January Successful
Apogee: 283 kilometres (176 mi).
29 January Iran Khorramshahr Iran Semnan Iran AFIRI
AFIRI Suborbital Missile test 29 January Launch failure
The missile flew about 600 miles before exploding. Test of a reentry vehicle failed.
4 February
8:30:00
United States MRBM SFTM-01 United States Pacific Missile Range Facility United States MDA
United States SFTM-01 Target MDA Suborbital ABM target 4 February Successful
Ballistic missile target for interception
4 February
~8:30:00
United States SM-3 SFTM-01 United States USS John Paul Jones, Kauai United States MDA
United States SFTM-01 Interceptor MDA Suborbital ABM test 4 February Successful
Ballistic missile interceptor
9 February
7:38:59
United States Minuteman-III United States Vandenberg Air Force Base LF-10 United States US Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Test flight 9 February Successful
16 February United States UGM-133 Trident II United States USS Ohio (SSGN-726), Pacific Missile Range Facility United States US Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 9 February Successful
Follow-on Commander's Evaluation Test 53
16 February United States UGM-133 Trident II United States USS Ohio (SSGN-726), Pacific Missile Range Facility United States US Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 9 February Successful
Follow-on Commander's Evaluation Test 53
16 February United States UGM-133 Trident II United States USS Ohio (SSGN-726), Pacific Missile Range Facility United States US Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 9 February Successful
Follow-on Commander's Evaluation Test 53
16 February United States UGM-133 Trident II United States USS Ohio (SSGN-726), Pacific Missile Range Facility United States US Navy
US Navy Suborbital Missile test 9 February Successful
Follow-on Commander's Evaluation Test 53
22 February
10:14:00
Canada Black Brant IX United States Poker Flat Research Range United States NASA
United States ISINGLASS Dartmouth College Suborbital Ionosphere research 22 February Successful
1 March Canada Black Brant IX United States Poker Flat Research Range United States NASA
United States JETS Goddard Space Flight Center Suborbital Magnetosphere research 1 March Successful
Apogee: 330 kilometres (210 mi).
1 March Canada Black Brant IX United States Poker Flat Research Range United States NASA
United States JETS Goddard Space Flight Center Suborbital Magnetosphere research 1 March Successful
Apogee: 190 kilometres (120 mi).
1 March Canada Black Brant IX United States Poker Flat Research Range United States NASA
United States ISINGLASS Dartmouth College Suborbital Ionosphere research 1 March Successful
Apogee: 365 kilometres (227 mi).
17 March South Korea Hyunmoo-2B South Korea Anheung Test Site South Korea ADD
ADD Suborbital Missile test 17 March Successful
7 April
09:30
Europe Maxus Sweden Esrange Europe EuroLaunch
Europe / Sweden MAXUS-9 ESA / SSC Suborbital Microgravity 7 April Successful
Apogee: 678 kilometres (421 mi)
26 April United States Minuteman-III United States Vandenberg Air Force Base LF-09 United States US Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Test flight 26 April Successful
27 April IndiaAgni-III IndiaITR IC-4 IndiaIndian Army
Indian Army Suborbital Missile test 27 April Successful
Apogee: 350 kilometres (220 mi)
3 May United States Minuteman-III United States Vandenberg Air Force Base LF-04 United States US Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Test flight 3 May Successful
4 May India Agni II India Integrated Test Range India Indian Army / DRDO
Indian Army/DRDO Suborbital Missile test 4 May Successful
5 May Canada Black Brant IX United States White Sands Missile Range United States NASA
United States RAISE 3 Southwest Research Institute Suborbital Solar research 5 May Successful
Apogee: 296 kilometres (184 mi).
13 May Brazil VSB-30 Sweden Esrange GermanyDLR / SwedenSSC
Germany MAPHEUS-6 DLR Suborbital Technology demonstration 13 May Successful
Apogee: 254 kilometres (158 mi)
14 May North Korea Hwasong-12 North Korea Kusong North Korea Korean People's Army Strategic Force
North Korea ? Korean People's Army Strategic Force Suborbital Missile Test 14 May Successful
Apogee: 2,111 kilometres (1,312 mi)
16 May Canada Black Brant IX United States Wallops Flight Facility United States NASA
United States SubTec-7 NASA Suborbital Technology demonstration 16 May Successful
Apogee: 248 kilometres (154 mi).
30 May United States ICBM-T2 FTG-15 United States Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site United States MDA
United States FTG-15 target MDA Suborbital ABM target 30 May Successful
Ballistic missile target for interception
30 May United States GBI-OBV FTG-15 United States Vandenberg Air Force Base United States MDA
United States FTG-15 interceptor MDA Suborbital ABM test 30 May Successful
Ballistic missile interceptor
14 June United States Sabre Zombi (ATACMS) United States White Sands Missile Range United States NASA
US Army Suborbital Missile test 14 June Successful
Apogee: 80 kilometres (50 mi)?
22 June
9:20
United States MRBM SFTM-02 United States Pacific Missile Range Facility United States MDA
United States SFTM-02 target MDA Suborbital ABM target 22 June Successful
Ballistic missile target for interception
22 June
~9:20
United States SM-3 SFTM-02 United States USS John Paul Jones, Kauai United States MDA
United States SFTM-02 interceptor MDA Suborbital ABM test 22 June Failure
Ballistic missile interceptor, failed to intercept the target
22 June United States Terrier-Improved Orion United States Wallops Flight Facility United States NASA
United States RockOn University of Colorado Suborbital Student payloads 22 June Successful
Apogee: 116 kilometres (72 mi).
23 June South Korea Hyunmoo-2C South Korea Anheung Test Site South Korea ADD
ADD Suborbital Missile test 17 March Successful
26 June Russia RSM-56 Bulava Russia K-535 Yury Dolgorukiy, White Sea Russia VMF
VMF Suborbital Missile test 26 June Successful
27 June Canada Black Brant IX United States White Sands Missile Range United States NASA
United States CHESS-3 University of Colorado Suborbital UV Astronomy 27 June Successful
29 June United States Terrier-Improved Malemute United States Wallops Flight Facility United States NASA
United States Ampoule Test Launch NASA Suborbital Ionosphere research 29 June Successful
Apogee: 190 kilometres (120 mi).
30 June Brazil VSB-30 Australia Woomera Test Range Australia DSTO
Australia / United States HiFire-4 DSTO / Boeing Suborbital Technology demonstration 30 June Successful
Successful experimental hypersonic vehicle flight test, exceeded expectations in flight control performance.
3 July North Korea Hwasong-14 North Korea ? North Korea Korean People's Army Strategic Force
North Korea ? Korean People's Army Strategic Force Suborbital Missile Test 3 July Successful
Apogee: 2,803 kilometres (1,742 mi) First confirmed North Korean ICBM test
11 July United States IRBM-T1 ? FFT-18 United States C-17, Pacific Ocean United States MDA
United States MDA Suborbital ABM target 11 July Successful
Apogee: 500 kilometres (310 mi), successfully intercepted
11 July United States THAAD FFT-18 United States Kodiak United States US Army
United States US Army/MDA Suborbital ABM test 11 July Successful
Intercepted target missile, apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
23 July China B-611 China Shuangchengzi ChinaPLA
PLA Suborbital ABM target 23 July Successful
Target
23 July China DN-3 China Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center China PLARF
PLARF Suborbital ABM test 23 July Launch failure[citation needed]
28 July North Korea Hwasong-14 North Korea ? North Korea Korean People's Army Strategic Force
North Korea ? Korean People's Army Strategic Force Suborbital Missile Test 28 July Successful
Apogee: 3,700 kilometres (2,300 mi)
29 July Japan Momo Japan Taiki Aerospace Research Field Japan Interstellar Technologies
Interstellar Technologies Suborbital Test flight 29 July Launch failure
Communications were lost just over one minute into the flight, resulting in an early shutdown of the engine.
30 July United States eMRBM ? FET-01 United States C-17, Pacific Ocean United States MDA
United States MDA Suborbital ABM target 30 July Successful
Apogee: 300 kilometres (190 mi), successfully intercepted
30 July United States THAAD FET-01 United States Kodiak United States US Army
United States US Army/MDA Suborbital ABM test 30 July Successful
Intercepted target missile, apogee: 100 kilometres (62 mi)
2 August
09:10
United States Minuteman-III United States Vandenberg Air Force Base LF-10 United States US Air Force
US Air Force Suborbital Missile test 2 August Successful
13 August
09:30
United States Terrier-Improved Malemute United States Wallops Flight Facility United States NASA
United States RockSat-X NASA Suborbital Student experiments 13 August Successful
Apogee: 151 kilometres (94 mi).
23 August China DF-4 China Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center China PLARF
PLARF Suborbital Missile test 23 August Successful
29 August North Korea Hwasong-12 North Korea Pyongyang International Airport North Korea Korean People's Army Strategic Force
Korean People's Army Strategic Force Suborbital Missile test 29 August Successful
Apogee: 550 kilometres (340 mi)
29 August United States MRBM-T3 ? FTM-27 E2 United States Pacific Missile Range Facility United States MDA
MDA Suborbital ABM target 29 August Successful
FTM-27 E2 target, successfully intercepted by SM-6 missile in low altitude
9 September
11:34
Canada Black Brant IX Marshall Islands Kwajalein Atoll United States NASA
United States WINDY NASA Suborbital Ionosphere research 9 September Successful
Apogee: 409 kilometres (254 mi).
9 September
11:39
United States Terrier Malemute Marshall Islands Kwajalein Atoll United States NASA
United States WINDY NASA Suborbital Ionosphere research 9 September Partial failure
Useful data was not obtained.
12 September Russia RS-24 Yars Russia Plesetsk Russia RVSN
RVSN Suborbital Missile test 12 September Successful
14 September North Korea Hwasong-12 (?) North Korea Pyongyang International Airport North Korea Korean People's Army Strategic Force
Korean People's Army Strategic Force Suborbital Missile test 14 September Successful
Apogee: 770 kilometres (480 mi)
17 September United States PTV United States Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site United States Orbital ATK
United States Patriot target vehicle SMC Suborbital ABM target 17 September Successful
Ballistic missile target for interception
17 September United States MIM-104 Patriot United States Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site United States SMC
SMC Suborbital ABM test 17 September Successful
Ballistic missile interceptor
20 September Russia RS-24 Yars Russia Plesetsk Russia RVSN
RVSN Suborbital Missile test 20 September Successful
22 September Iran Khorramshahr Iran Semnan Iran AFIRI
AFIRI Suborbital Missile test 22 September Successful
25 September United States Terrier-Oriole United Kingdom South Uist, Hebrides United States MDA
DOD Suborbital Radar-Target 25 September Successful
Radar-Target, apogee: ~100 kilometres (62 mi)?
26 September Russia RS-12M Topol Russia Kapustin Yar Russia RVSN
RVSN Suborbital Missile test 26 September Successful
4 October
11:45
Canada Black Brant IX United States Wallops Flight Facility United States NASA
United States ASPIRE NASA Suborbital Technology demonstration 4 October Successful
Tested Mars 2020's parachute
15 October United States Terrier-Oriole FS-17 E4 United Kingdom South Uist, Hebrides United States MDA
DOD Suborbital ABM target 15 October Successful
SM-3 Target, apogee: ~100 kilometres (62 mi)?
15 October United States SM-3 FS-17 E4 United States USS Donald Cook (DDG-75), Hebrides Range United States US Navy
US Navy Suborbital ABM test 15 October Successful
Second Aegis-Test in the North Atlantic, successful intercept, apogee: ~100 kilometres (62 mi)?
26 October Russia RS-12M Topol Russia Plesetsk Russia RVSN
RVSN Suborbital Missile test 26 October Successful
26 October Russia R-29R Volna Russia Russian submarine, Sea of Okhotsk Russia VMF
VMF Suborbital Missile test 26 October Successful
26 October Russia R-29R Volna Russia Russian submarine, Sea of Okhotsk Russia VMF
VMF Suborbital Missile test 26 October Successful
26 October Russia R-29RMU Sineva Russia Russian submarine, Barents Sea Russia VMF
VMF Suborbital Missile test 26 October Successful
30 October United States UGM-27 Polaris (STARS) United States Barking Sands LC-42 United States US Navy
United States CPS FE-1 US Navy Suborbital Technology 30 October Successful
Conventional Prompt Strike Flight Experiment-1, successful hypersonic glide vehicle test
30 October
10:00
Canada Black Brant IX United States White Sands Missile Range United States NASA
United States DEUCE NASA Suborbital Astronomy 30 October Partial failure
Black Brant rocket performed flawlessly but science data was not obtained.
16 November United States Sabre Zombi (ATACMS) United States Fort Bliss McGregor Range United States NASA
US Army Suborbital Missile test 16 November Successful
Apogee: 80 kilometres (50 mi)?
4 December Israel Black Sparrow Israel F-15 Eagle, Israel Israel IAF
IAI/IDF Suborbital Missile test target 4 December Launch failure
Arrow-III interceptor launch was called off after launch failure of the target missile
12 December United States New Shepard United States Corn Ranch United States Blue Origin
United States New Shepard crew capsule Blue Origin Suborbital Test flight 12 December Successful
Flight test with new capsule
26 December
03:30
Russia RS-12M Topol Russia Kapustin Yar Russia RVSN
RVSN Suborbital Missile test 26 December Successful

Deep-space rendezvous

Date (UTC) Spacecraft Event Remarks
2 February Juno 4th perijove of Jupiter A decision was made to cancel a period reduction maneuver and remain in a 53-day orbit for the remainder of the mission over engine concerns.
27 March Juno 5th perijove
22 April Cassini 127th flyby of Titan Closest approach: 979 kilometres (608 mi).
19 May Juno 6th perijove
11 July Juno 7th perijove
1 September Juno 8th perijove
15 September Cassini End of mission Intentional destructive entry into Saturn's atmosphere
23 September OSIRIS-REx Flyby of Earth Gravity assist to accelerate the probe towards its destination
24 October Juno 9th perijove
16 December Juno 10th perijove

Extravehicular activities (EVAs)

Start date/time Duration End time Spacecraft Crew Remarks
6 January
12:23
6 hours
31 minutes
18:54 Expedition 50
ISS Quest
The crew completed the installation of new batteries on the station's power channel 3A, and then executed a series of tasks to get ahead for the next EVA. Kimbrough collected photos of the AMS-02, then they removed a broken light on the S3 truss and routed Ethernet cables on the Z1 truss.
13 January
11:22
5 hours
58 minutes
17:20 Expedition 50
ISS Quest
The crew completed the installation of new batteries on the station's power channel 1A, and then executed a series of get ahead tasks. First they installed a new camera on the Mobile Transporter Relay Assembly, then Pesquet replaced a Worksite Interface Adapter on Canadarm-2 and collected photos of Z1 truss and S0 truss, meanwhile Kimbrough removed 2 handrails from the Destiny module. Then they picked up a bundle of covers and brought them to the Tranquillity module where will be installed when Pressurized Mating Adapter 3 will be moved from Node 3 to Node 2. When removed, the PMA's Common Berthing Mechanism will be covered up to protect it from the space environment.
24 March
11:24
6 hours
34 minutes
17:58 Expedition 50
ISS Quest
Kimbrough replaced the External Control Zone 2 (EXT-2) multiplexer–demultiplexer (MDM) with an upgraded "EPIC MDM" and prepared PMA-3 for its robotic relocation on Sunday. Pesquet inspected the Radiator Beam Valve Module for ammonia leaks, then lubricated one of the Latching End Effectors of Dextre. Kimbrough then replaced a pair of cameras on the Kibo module, and a light on one of the CETA carts.
30 March
11:29
7 hours
4 minutes
18:33 Expedition 50
ISS Quest
Kimbrough replaced the External Control Zone 1 (EXT-1) multiplexer–demultiplexer (MDM) with an upgraded "EPIC MDM" while Whitson connected heater power and heater feedback telemetry to enable PMA-3 to be repressurized, then released a series of straps to free up a cover that protected the APAS. The astronauts then installed axial shields on PMA-3's former location on Tranquillity module and installed covers on PMA-3. One of the shields was lost but the others were installed successfully.
12 May
13:01
4 hours
13 minutes
17:21 Expedition 51
ISS Quest
  • EXT-1 MDM remove and replace
  • Lab EWC antenna install
23 May
11:20
2 hours
46 minutes
14:06 Expedition 51
ISS Quest
Throughout this hurriedly planned "contingency" spacewalk, both Fischer and Whitson successfully replaced a failed multiplexer–demultiplexer (MDM), and installed a pair of antennas on station to enhance wireless communication for future spacewalks.
17 August
14:36
7 hours
34 minutes
22:10 Expedition 52
ISS Pirs
  • Test of an upgraded version of the Orlan space suit, the Orlan MKS
  • Restavratsiya retrieval
  • Deployment of 5 small satellites
  • Impakt installation
  • Adapter installation on Poisk sensors
  • BKDO (БКДО) reposition
  • Test sample collection
  • Hand rail and exposure init installation
5 October
12:05
6 hours
55 minutes
19:00 Expedition 53
ISS Quest
  • Removal of LEE-A from SSRMS
  • Removal of POA LEE via 6 EDF bolts
  • Installation of POA LEE as new SSRMS LEE-A
  • Installation of former LEE-A on POA
  • SSRMS power-up and checkout
10 October
11:56
6 hours
26 minutes
18:22 Expedition 53
ISS Quest
  • ESP-1 PFCS rotate by 90°
  • CP9 camera group R/R
  • LEE-A ballscrew lubrication
  • POA LEE socket removal
  • MT camera lens replacement
  • Hand rail removal (x2)
20 October
11:47
6 hours
49 minutes
18:36 Expedition 53
ISS Quest
  • Dextre EOTP fuse replacement
  • Canadarm2 LEE-A CLA remove and replace
  • CP3 HD camera installation
  • MLI removal from ORUs (x2)

Orbital launch statistics

By country

For the purposes of this section, the yearly tally of orbital launches by country assigns each flight to the country of origin of the rocket, not to the launch services provider or the spaceport. For example, Soyuz launches by Arianespace in Kourou are counted under Russia because Soyuz-2 is a Russian rocket.

China: 18Europe: 9India: 5Iran: 1Israel: 0Japan: 7North Korea: 0Russia: 20Ukraine: 1USA: 30
Country Launches Successes Failures Partial
failures
Remarks
 China 18 16 1 1
 Europe 9 9 0 0
 India 5 4 1 0
 Iran 1 0 1 0
 Japan 7 6 1 0
 Russia 20 18 1 1 Includes two European Soyuz launches from Kourou, French Guiana by Arianespace.
 Ukraine 1 1 0 0 1 Zenit launch from Baikonur by S7 Space
 United States 30 29 1 0 Includes one Electron launch failure from Mahia by Rocket Lab
Total 91 83 6 2

By rocket

By family

By type

By configuration

By spaceport

5
10
15
20
25
30
China
France
India
Iran
Japan
Kazakhstan
New Zealand
Russia
United States
Site Country Launches Successes Failures Partial failures Remarks
Baikonur  Kazakhstan 13 12 0 1
Cape Canaveral  United States 7 7 0 0
Jiuquan  China 6 6 0 0
Kennedy  United States 12 12 0 0
Kourou  France 11 11 0 0
Mahia  New Zealand 1 0 1 0 First launch
MARS  United States 1 1 0 0
Plesetsk  Russia 5 5 0 0
Satish Dhawan  India 5 4 1 0
Semnan  Iran 1 0 1 0
Taiyuan  China 2 2 0 0
Tanegashima  Japan 6 6 0 0
Uchinoura  Japan 1 0 1 0
Vandenberg  United States 9 9 0 0
Vostochny  Russia 1 0 1 0
Wenchang  China 2 1 1 0
Xichang  China 8 7 0 1
Total 91 83 6 2

By orbit

  • Transatmospheric
  • Low Earth
  • Low Earth (ISS)
  • Low Earth (SSO)
  • Low Earth (polar)
  • Medium Earth
  • Geosychronous
    (transfer)
  • High Earth
  • Heliocentric
Orbital regime Launches Achieved Not achieved Accidentally
achieved
Remarks
Transatmospheric 0 0 0 0
Low Earth 52 48 4 0 including 13 to ISS, 1 to Tiangong-2
Geosynchronous / transfer 33 31 2 0
Medium Earth 3 3 0 1 IRNSS-1H did not separate from rocket's second stage, and was stuck in an elliptical orbit with 6000 km apogee
High Earth 3 3 0 0 including highly elliptical Tundra orbits
Total 91 85 6 1

This page was last updated at 2024-01-16 23:27 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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