Discoverer 37 / CORONA 9030 / KH-3 Spacecraft:  Chronologies: 1962 payload #1 ; 1962 1st loss ; 160th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 13 January 1962 at 21h41 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 327 / Agena B 1120). Orbit: n/a Decayed: n/a Mission: “USAF Discoverer XXXVII launched from Vandenberg AFB but did not attain orbit.” Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica's 1962 Chronology ; National Space Science Data Center's DISC37 ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1962, p. 5 ;

Discoverer 38 / CORONA 9031 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  Chronologies: 1962 payload #11 ; 1962-005A ; 170th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 27 February 1962 at 19h39 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 241 / Agena B 1123). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: “USAF Discoverer XXXVIII launched into orbit with undisclosed payload.“ Discoverer XXXVIII capsule was recovered in midair over the Pacific by a USAF C-130; it was the 8th midair recovery, and the 12th recovery air or sea during the Discoverer series.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-005A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona ;  NASA, Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 24, 28 ;

Discoverer 39 / CORONA 9032 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  Chronologies: 1962 payload #18 ; 1962-011A ; 177th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 18 April 1962 at 0h54 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 331 / Agena B 1124). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-011A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

Discoverer 40 / CORONA 9033 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1125 Chronologies: 1962 payload #25 ; 1962-017A ; 184th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 29 April 1962 at 0h30 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 333 / Agena B 1125). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-017A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

ANNA 1A Spacecraft:  "Army, Navy, NASA, Air Force" Chronologies: 1962 payload #26 ; 1962 8th loss ; 185th spacecraft. Type: Geodesy Sponsor: U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, NASA and U.S. Air Force Launch: 10 May 1962 at 12h07 UTC, from Cape Canaveral Cosmodrome's LC-17B, by a Thor Able-Star (Thor Ablestar 314 AB011). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: The Department of Defense removed secrecy classification on the ANNA on 24 April 1962, a joint geodetic satellite designed to enable measurement of intercontinental distances and the shape of the Earth.  Details of project were made public on 27 April.  Two flashing-light geodetic satellite have been built and when placed into orbit will provide means to calibrate three different satellite tracking systems and provide accurate reference points in space (flashing light photographed at precise times against known star background). NASA will now not have to develop a geodetic satellite to provide open scientific information.  But the attempt to launch the first Anna geodetic satellite was unsuccessful.          In mid-1960, DOD recommended the geodetic satellit.e program be classified, which was approved by the Unmanned Space Panel of the NASA/DOD AACB in August 1960. Thus was created Project Anna, declassified at the COSPAR meeting in Washington on April 27, 1962. Notes: On 12 November 1960, DOD announced that NASA, USAF, USA, and USN were jointly build¬1ng a geodetic satellite to map the Earth accurately. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ANNA1  ;Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1915-1960, p.  130 ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 60, 63-4 & 74 ; Astronautical And Aeronautical Events of 1962, p. 79.

.

Discoverer 41 / CORONA 9034A (ARGON) / KH-5 Spacecraft:  FTV 1126 Chronologies: 1962 payload #27 ; 1962-018A ; 186th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 15 May 1962 at 19h36  UTC, from Vandenberg Cosmodrome's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 334 / Agena B 1126). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Film capsule recovered 4.1 days after launch. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-018A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

P-35-1 / DAPP 1 Spacecraft:  FTV 3501 / DMSP Block (1) Data Acquisition and Processing Program Chronologies: 1962 payload #28 ; 1962 9th loss ; 187th spacecraft. Type: Meteorology Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Source : A, Parsch Launch: 23 May 1962, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-D, by a Scout X-2 (S112). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-010X ; TRW Space Log ;

.

Mercury 7 (MA-7 / Mercury-Atlas 7) Spacecraft:  Spacecraft No. 18 / Aurora 7 Chronologies: 1962 payload #29 ; 1962-019A ; 188th spacecraft. Type: Piloted spaceship Sponsor: NASA Launch: 24 May 1962 at 12h45 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-14, by an Atlas D (107D). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Mercury-Atlas 7 (MA-7) flight – Mecury capsule Aurora 7 with astronaut M. Scott Carpenter as pilot -  the second U.S. manned orbital flight and the fourth U.S. manned space flight. Astronaut Carpenter performed series of space science and technical development experiments including visual and photographic observations of star fields and white particles, consumption of solid foods, release of tethered multi-colored balloon to test sighting, and observation of separated Atlas booster.  The 130,650 km flight featured attitude stabilization and control pilotage for completion of three orbits, and monitoring of control-systemsfuel for proper retroh attitude.  The caused landing impact point over 320 km beyond intended area and beyond radio range of recovery forces. After landing, Carpenter egressed through top of capsule and climbed on inflated raft awaiting rescue. After three hours on water, he was picked up by a helicopter from U.S.S.Intrepid, and his capsule was retrieved by the destroyer Pierce. Carpenter was reported in good physical condition Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-019A ; TRW Space Log ;  Astronautical And Aeronautical Events of 1962, p. 85-6.

.

Kosmos 5 Spacecraft:  2MS No. 2 Chronologies: 1962 payload #30 ; 1962-020A ; 189th spacecraft. Type: Radiation studies Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 28 May 1962 at 3h00 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1 3LK). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-020A ; TRW Space Log ;

.

Discoverer 42 / CORONA 9035 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1128 Chronologies: 1962 payload #31 ; 1962-021A ; 190th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 30 May 1962 at 1h00 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force BAse's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 336 / Agena B 1128). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Film capsule recovered 3.1 days after launch. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-021A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Kosmos Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 3 Chronologies: 1962 payload #32 ; 1962 10th loss ; 191st spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 1st June 1962 at 9h38 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ;

.

Discoverer 43 / CORONA 9036 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1127 Chronologies: 1962 payload #33 ; 1962-022A ; 192nd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 2 June 1962 at 0h31 UTC, from Vandenberg Cosmodrome's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 335 / Agena B 1127). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-022A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

OSCAR II Spacecraft:  Orbiting Satellites Carrying Amateur Radio Chronologies: 1962 payload #34 ; 1962-022B ; 193rd spacecraft. Type: Communications (radio-amateur) Sponsor: American Radio Relay League Launch: 2 June 1962 at 0h31 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 335 / Agena B 1127). Orbit: 206 kmx 384 km x 74.2° x 89.8 min Decayed: 21 June 1962. Mission: OSCAR II,  the 4.5-kg second phase I satellite, was launched piggyback with a United States Air Force satellite. June 2: USAF announced that OSCAR II was launched secretely as piggyback on an unidentified USAF satellite. Unlike OSCAR I, advance notice was not given the Project Oscar Association on the launching of OSCAR II. It broadcasts “Hi” in Morse code on 144.993 megacycles for use by amateur radio operators. It was very similar to OSCAR I. Differences included (1) changing the surface thermal coatings to achieve a cooler internal spacecraft environment, (2) modifying the sensing system so the satellite temperature could be measured accurately as the batteries decayed, and (3) lowering the transmitter power output to 100 mW to extend the life of the onboard battery. OSCAR II lasted 18 days ceasing operation on 20 June 20 1962. OSCAR II re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and disintegrated on 19 June 1962, after 295 orbits.      On 22 March 1963, NASA announced that Relay I had achieved all of its experiments and missions. Performance of the spacecraft “has been uniformly excellent” throughout abut 500 communications tests and demonstratiation in 660 orbit December 13-March 11.  Although all planned demonstrations were completed, they would be continued while the satellite remained in operation.      On 29 July 1963, RCA announced Relay I had operated succesfull for 203 days, setting record for performance and durabilityy for a communications satellite. RCA, which built satdite for NASA, said Relay I had traveled estimated 250 million kilometres and carried out more than 1,350 communications experiments and demonstrations. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-022B ;  NASA, Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 93, 106 ;  Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 103-4, 288 ;

..

Samos 8 / PVP 852 Spacecraft:  Program 201 (BJ) ; FTV 2402 / AFP-201 PVP 852 Chronologies: 1962 payload #35 ; 1962-023A ; 194th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 17 June 1962 at 18h14 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-1, by a Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 115D / Agena B SPS 2402). Orbit: Recovered: 18 June 1962 Mission: PVP 852/FTV 2402 (Program 698BJ Vehicle 2) was launched from Point Arguello into polar orbit. All systems on the spacecraft were reported to work normally through orbit 10. However, a gas leak depleted attitude control fuel, and an early recovery was attempted. The satellite was deorbited after one day; an electrical failure meant the SRV did not separate from the Agena, and the two reentered 1000 km north of the planned area. Deorbit was either rev 16 at around 1740 or rev 17 at around 1900. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-023A ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' 9.3.1: SAMOS & FTV 2402 ;

.

Ferret 2 Spacecraft: Program 102 (BK) ; FTV 2312 Chronologies: 1962 payload #36 ; 1962-024A ; 195th spacecraft. Type: Electronic intelligence Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Launch: 18 June 1962 at UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 343 / Agena B 2312). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Ferret super-sensitive robot-inspector satellite developed by Lockheecf Aircraft and RCA for U.S., reported in orbit by Newsweek. Ferret was reported capable of tapping microwave telephone messages and pinpointing missile launching sites by their radio guidance signals. Newsweek said satellite was aimed particularly at Baikonur, major Soviet rocket-testing base.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-024A ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' 9.3.1: SAMOS ;  Astronautical And Aeronautical Events of 1962, p. 217.

.

Tiros 5 Spacecraft:  Tiros E (A-50) Chronologies: 1962 payload #37 ; 1962-025A ; 196th spacecraft. Type: Meteorology Sponsor: NASA Launch: 19 June 1962 at 12h19 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17A, by a Delta DM-19 (Thor Delta 321 / Delta 10). Orbit: Decayed: 590 km z 972 km x 100.5 min. Mission: The faulty guidance system of the Thor-Delta booster placed TIROS 5 into elliptical orbit, instead of a 644-km circular orbit. Cloud-cover pictures transmitted to tracking station at Wallops Station on early orbits were of excellent quality. TIROS 5 is expected to chart the origin, formation, and movement of hurricanes, typhoons, and 0ther storms during the August-September peak tropical storm penod.  TIROS 5 stopped transmitting pictures from the Tegea-lens, medium-angle camera on 9 July 1962. The camera system transmitted 4,701 pictures of which 70% were considered excellent quality. The wide-angle Elgeet-lens camera, which is still functioning, had transmitted 5,100 pictures to date, some of which aided in the analysis of Typhoon Joan over the Western Pacitic.       On 5 May 1963, TIROS V ceased transmitting photographs after record 10½ months of operation. Through orbit 4,579 on May 4, it had sent more than 57,857 cloud-cover pictures, 80% of which were usable for meteorological purposes. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-025A ;  Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 105, 116 ;  Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 179 ;

.

Discoverer 44 / CORONA 9037 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1129 Chronologies: 1962 payload #38 ; 1962-026A ; 197th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 23 June 1962 at 0h30 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 339 / Agena B 1129). Orbit:   ed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-026A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Discoverer 45 / CORONA 9038 / KH-4 Spacecraft: FTV 1151 Chronologies: 1962 payload #39 ; 1962-027A ; 198th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 28 June 1962 at 1h09 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 340 / Agena D 1151). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Film capsule recovered 4.1 days after launch. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-027A; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Kosmos 6 Spacecraft:  DS-P1 No. 1 Chronologies: 1962 payload #40 ; 1962-028A ; 199th spacecraft. Type: Antimissile technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 30 June 1962 at 16h00 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: As with other unmanned satellites in the Cosmos series which began on March 16, 1962, COSMOS VI was stated to be n scientific satellite instrumented to explore radiation and other hazards to manned space flight.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-028A ;  NASA, Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 111 ;

.

Telstar 1 Spacecraft:  Chronologies: 1962 payload #41 ; 1962-029A ; 200th spacecraft. Type: Communications Sponsor: ATT Launch: 10 July 1962 8h35 GMT UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17B, by a Delta DM-19 (Thor Delta 316 / Delta 11). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: TELSTAR 1 experimental communications satellite is the first privately financed satellite. It was funded by the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (AT&T) under a NASA-AT&T agreement of 27 July 1961. Bell Telephone Laboratories design and build satellites at own expense; AT&T reimburse NASA for Delta launch vehicles, launch, and tracking services (approximately $3 million per launch). Bell System conduct the communications experiments and NASA provide telemetry; and both NASA and AT&T analyze data and results, to be made available by NASA to the world scientific community.  First commercial transmission of live TV via satellite and first transatlantic TV transmission occurred on 10 July 1962, when pictures of waving American flag were telecast from AT&T center near Andover, Me., to TELSTAR, then received and placed on all three major TV networks in the U.S. TV signals also were relayed from Andover to TELSTAR and then relayed to French antenna at Pleumeur-Bodou on the Brittany peninsula and the British station at Goonhilly, Cornwall.  Launch: Launching of TELSTAR marked tenth straight successful flight of the 3-stage Delta rocket. The history of Delta goes back to the Thor-Able and the earlier Vanguard, from which it acquired its upper stages. Originally designed as an interim booster when NASA ordered twelve Deltas from Douglas Aircraft in April 1959, it achieved what NASA Administrator Webb called “the greatest level of reliability of any of our launch vehicles.”  First east-to-west transatlantic TV transmission occured on 10 July: French station at Pleumeur-Bodou reflecting eight-minute telecast off TELSTAR satellite in 15th orbit to AT&T facility at Andover, Me.  First transatlantic telephone conversation via TELSTAR satellite occurred officially on 13 July, when AT&T President Eugene McNeely spoke to Jacques Marette, French Communications Minister. On next orbit, McNeely spoke with Sir Ronald German, director-general of the British Post Office. (Technicians had unofficially talked on transatlantic circuit via TELSTAR the day before, 12 July.) On 19 July, newsmen in London and New York exchanged news items and conversations in the first two-way transatlantic telephone connection via TELSTAR. Reuters transmitted its first news report to the world press via satellite.  On 23 July,: TELSTAR relayed two 20-minute live TV shows, the first formal exchange of programs across the Atlantic. The first US. program to the Eurovision network of stations in 18 nations included sequences on the Statue of Liberty, a major league baseball game in Chicago, President Kennedy’s news conference, Astronaut Walter M. Schirra from Cape Canaveral, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from Mt. Rushmore. Three hours later on another orbit, the Eurovision program was beamed to the U.S. where it was carried by all three networks. It included scenesof Big Ben in London, the Colosseum in Rome, the Champs Elys6es in Paris, reindeer in the Arctic Circle region of Sweden, Sicilian fishermen tending their nets, and a scene in the Sistine Chapel of Vatican.  Telstar I developed malfunctions in power sources on 29 November 1962.       On 4 January 1963, Telstar I transmitted 10-min. television pictures across the Atlantic, the satellite’s first trans-atlantic transmission since 23 November 1962 when radiation damaged onboard circuits.      Saturday Review called Telstar “more than a triumph of the modern technology of space communications. It was also n symbol wise men could approve, of a new era in human communications, a work of peace that sought only to bring men together, not to destroy them. Finally, it was the product of a promising new teamwork in space between government and industry, in this case the largest private enterprise venture in the world…” (Sat. Review,      FCC Chairman Newton Minow said: “The year 1450 in Mainz, Germany, marked a watershed in history: the introduction of the printing press and with it the begmnmg of modern communication. … In these terms, we are still at the beginning of television: the year 1465, so to speak. Even Telstar, with its present technological sophistication, is but a crude vision of what will soon be the everyday, global marriage of sight and sound. I believe television is now having an impact on society as great as, if not greater than. the printing press had over the course of several centuries…”      ON 28 February 1963, Bell Telephone Laboratories announced Telstar I disconnected its storage batteries and stopped communicating, apparently after misinterpreting a ground command. As in previous communications blackout in November, shutoff occurred as Telstar’s changing orbit brought it into strong sections of radiation belt. This pattern led Bell engineers to “suspect that the continued inhibiting effects of radiation on transistors” is to blame, according to Bell spokesman Bruce Stasser. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-029A ; NASA, Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 117-8, 119, 121, 126, 128, 280 ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 4, 10; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 22-3, 71 ; F

.

Samos 9 / PVP 853 Spacecraft:  Program 201 (BJ) ; FTV 2403 / AFP-201 PVP 853 Chronologies: 1962 payload #42 ; 1962-030A ; 201st spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 18 July 1962 at 0h51 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-1, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 120D / Agena B FTV 2403). Orbit: Reentered: 27 July 1962 Mission: FTV 2403 (Program 698BJ Vehicle 3, with payload PVP 853) was launched from Point Arguello. The Agena secondary propulsion system (SPS) failed to operate due to an electrical short. The planned orbit was 213 x 256 km, and FTV 2403 achieved 217 x 227 km. The satellite operated for at least 18 orbits.       The retrofire appears to have failed, but the SRV separated anyway and was left in a similar 184 x 234 km orbit. The Agena reentered after 7 days, on July 25, and the SRV reentered on July 27 The spacecraft carried a neutron albedo experiment in addition to the USAF intelligence payload.  Capsule failed to deorbit. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-030A ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' 9.3.1: SAMOS & FTV 2403 ;

.

Discoverer 46 / CORONA 9039 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1130 Chronologies: 1962 payload #43 ; 1962-031A ; 202nd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 21 July 1962 at 0h56 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 342 / Agena B 1130). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-031A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Mariner 1 Spacecraft:  Mariner R-1 Chronologies: 1962 payload #44 ; 1962 11th loss ; 203rd spacecraft. Type: Venus probe Sponsor: NASA Launch: 22 July 1962 at 9h21 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-12, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 145D / Agena B  6901). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Notes: The Atlas-Agena B, deviating from course at 312 seconas, was commanded to be destroyed by the range safety officer of 290 seconds and nearly 160 km high. The Mariner R-1 Venus probe had been planned to reach the vicinity of Venus about 8 December 1962 and to pierce the dense cloud layers hiding the surface of Venus from observation. Work immediately began to launch another Mariner spacecraft before the end of the 50-day Venus window on 10 September 1962, hopefully within several weeks if difficulty with the Atlas could be ascertained.      Two separate faults had interacted fatally to destroyed Mariner 1. The guidance antenna on the Atlas performed poorly, below specifications. When the signal received by the rocket became weak and noisy, the rocket lost its lock on the ground guidance signal that supplied steering commands. The possibility had been foreseen; in the event that radio guidance was lost the internal guidance computer was supposed to reject the spurious signals from the faulty antenna and proceed on its stored program, which would probably have resulted in a successful launch. However, at this point a second fault took effect. Somehow a hyphen had been dropped from the guidance program loaded aboard the computer, allowing the flawed signals to command the rocket to veer left and nose down. The hyphen had been missing on previous successful flights of the Atlas, but that portion of the equation had not been needed since there was no radio guidance failure. Suffice it to say, the first U.S. attempt at interplanetary flight failed for want of a hyphen.. Post Flight Review Board determined that the omission of a hyphen in coded computer instructions transmitted incorrect guidance signals to Mariner spacecraft. Omission of hyphen in data editing caused computer to swing automatically into a series of unnecessary course correction signals which threw spacecraft off course so that it had to be destroyed.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's MARIN1 ;  Far Travelers: The Exploring Machines (NASA SP-480)'s Chapter 1 ;  NASA, Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 128, 131 ;

..

Discoverer 47 / CORONA 9040 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1131 Chronologies: 1962 payload #45 ; 1962-032A ; 204th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 28 July 1962 at 0h30 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor Agena B (Thor 347 / Agena B 1131). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Film capsule recovered 4.1 days after launch. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-032A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Kosmos 7 Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 4 Chronologies: 1962 payload #46 ; 1962-033A ; 205th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 28 July 1962 at 9h19 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Officially the  Kosmos 7 satellite would gather data on the “radiation hazards for long space flights.”      Boris Chertok reports that the results obtained from Kosmos 4 and 7 Zenit spy satellites “confirmed the exceptional value of this type of intelligence-gathering tool.” After studying the processed film returned from space, it was confirmed as an effective surveillance and intelligence gathering system. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-033A ;   NASA, Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 131 ; Chertok, Vol. III, p. 90;

.

Discoverer 48 / CORONA 9041 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1152 Chronologies: 1962 payload #47 ; 1962-034A ; 206th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 2 August 1962 at 0h17 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 344 / Agena D 1152). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Film capsule recovered 4.1 days after launch. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-034A; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Samos 10 / PVP 854 Spacecraft:  Program 201 (BJ) ; FTV 2404 / AFP-201 PVP 854 Chronologies: 1962 payload #48 ; 1962-035A ; 207th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 5 August 1962 at 17h58 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-1, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 124D / Agena B SPS 2404). Orbit: Reentered: 6 August 1962 Mission: FTV 2404 (Program 698BJ Vehicle 4) was launched from Point Arguello with payload PVP 854. Planned orbit was 210 x 229 km x 96.0 deg, as against an actual 196 x 232 km x 96.30 deg. Attitude was stable and systems were normal `except for payload'. It appears that the PVP 854 payload failed to operate. The vehicle was deorbited after 1 day; recovery is believed to have been unsuccessful.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-035A ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' 9.3.1: SAMOS  & FTV 2404 ;

.

Vostok 3 Spacecraft:  Vostok-3A No. 5 Chronologies: 1962 payload #49 ; 1962-036A ; 208th spacecraft. Type: Pilote spacecraft Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 11 August 1962 at 8h30 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8K72K). Orbit: 180.7 km. x 234.6 km x 88.33 min Decayed: Mission:      Soviet report that Cosmonauts Nikolayev and Popovich lost an abnormal amount of calcium during their extended tandem space flights. Dr. Stanley C. White, of NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, said same abnormal increase of calcium in body waste occurs in bedridden patients after 10 or 12 days; in Soviet cosmonauts, condition occurred “earlier than either we or the Russians would have thought: that is, about two or three times earlier.”       On 15 May 1964, Soviet physiologist Prof. Vasily V. Parin revealed that cosmonauts Andrian Nikolayev and Pavel Popovich had orthostatic hypotension following their space flights. The condition was noted in the cosmonaut “even two days after the flight.” The Soviet Director of Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Soviet Academy of Medical Sciences, said that the cosmonauts “showed no disturbances in their state of health” after their prolonged space flights, and the “transient functional reactions” were said to have “disappeared in seven or 10 days.…” He added that “post-flight disturbances were largely related to the central nervous system, the cardiovascular systems and metabolism.”       Prof. Nello Pace, head of Physiology Dept. at Univ. of California (Berkeley), closely questioned Prof. Parin about his statements. Prof. Pace considered that hypotension was “among the most significant facts” disclosed at the conference. He noted that the condition had been observed in U.S. Astronauts Schirra and Cooper, and that NASA had said that implications of blood pressure responses “will have to be given very serious consideration as larger missions are undertaken.” Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-036A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 45-6, 363 ; Astronautics and Aeronautics 1964, p. 177-8 ;

.

Vostok 4 Spacecraft:  Vostok-3A No. 6 Chronologies: 1962 payload #50 ; 1962-037A ; 209th spacecraft. Type: Piloted spaceship Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 12 August 1962 at 8h02 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8K72K). Orbit: 179.8 km x 236.7 km. x 88.39 min Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-037A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 363 ;

.

Kosmos 8 Spacecraft:  DS-K-8 No. 1 Chronologies: 1962 payload #51 ; 1962-038A ; 210th spacecraft. Type: Micrometeroid studies (civil) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 18 August 1962 at 15h00 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-038A ; TRW Space Log ;

.

P-35-2 / DAPP 2 Spacecraft:  FTV 3502 / DMSP Block (2) Data Acquisition and Processing Program Chronologies: 1962 payload #52 ; 1962-039A ; 211th spacecraft. Type: Meteorology Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Source : A, Parsch Launch: 23 August 1962 at 11h44 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-D, by a Scout X-2 (S117). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-039A; TRW Space Log ;

.

Venera Spacecraft:  2MV-1 No. 1 Chronologies: 1962 payload #53 ; 1962-040A ; 212th spacecraft. Type: Venus probe Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 25 August 1962 at 02h18 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78 T103-12). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-040A ; TRW Space Log ;

.

Mariner 2 (Mariner II) Spacecraft:  Mariner R-2 Chronologies: 1962 payload #54 ; 1962-041A ; 213th spacecraft. Type: Venus probe Sponsor: NASA Source: nASA. Launch: 27 August 1962 at 6h53 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-12, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 179D / Agena B 6902). Orbit: Solar orbit : 105 400 00 km x 183 100 000 km Decayed: n/a Mission: On December 14, 1962, Mariner II passed within 34,750 km of planet Venus and made 42-min. instrument-scan of Venutian atmosphere and surface before continuing into perpetual orbit of the Sun. In world’s first close interplanetary contact, Mariner II measured and returned temperatures and other characteristics of Venutian surface and its atmosphere.            The planetayr probe orbits the Sun every 345.9 days, It would make its closest approach to the Sun on December 28, 1962 at distance of 105,399,050 km, and would be farthest from Sun on June 19, 1963, at 183,125,257 km.  Mariner II’s closest approach to Earth would come September 27, 1963, when it would be 41,457,039 km away. Two days after Venus encounter, all systems aboard the spacecraft were functioning normally.      On 4 January 1963, Mariner II ceased transmitting scientific data to Earth. The spacecraft was 9.2 million km beyond planet Venus and 87.4 mkm from Earth. This was new communications record, previous record having been set by Pioneer V.      NASA considered that Mariner Ihad been so successful that repeat flight scheduled for 1964 had been canceled. Interplanetary efforts would be concentrated instead on such projects as sending probe toward Mars in 1964 and later flight to Venus with advanced Mariner probe in 1965.      Preliminary science results from Mariner II mission estimate Venutian surface temperature was around 400° C. Temperatures are essentially same on dark and sun-lighted sides of Venus, with a cold spot in southern hemisphere. Radar observation on Venus from Goldstone Tracking Station established Venus' rotation rate as 230 days, ±40-50 days, and retrograde. Venus seems to have very low, if any, magnetic field. Also, scientists were able to calculate the mass of Venus with probable error of 0.005% (ten times better than previously estimated), calculated to within 100 meters the value of Astronomical Unit, established by radar observations as 149,566,558 km - 80,000 km longer than established by classical astronomical observations, and to determine precisely the mass of the Moon, now known to certainty of 0.1%.      On 1 August 1963, Mariner II completed its first orbit of the Sun, after traveling approximately 870 million km (aphelion occurred on 18 June 1963 and perihelion on 28 December 1962). The spacecraft passed within 34,832 km of Venus and provided 111 million bits of information on the planet and interplanetary space.  Notes: Total cost of Mariner 1 and 2, the second of which brought U.S. several firsts in knowledge of planet Venus, was $47 million. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-041A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1962, p. 268 & 278 ;Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 4, 8, 69-70, 96, 290 ;

..

Discoverer 49 / CORONA 9044 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1153 Chronologies: 1962 payload #55 ; 1962-042A ; 214th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 29 August 1962 at 1h00 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force  Base's LC-75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 349 / Agena D 1153). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Film capsule recovered 4.1 days after launch. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-042A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Venera Spacecraft:  2MV-1 No. 2 SA Chronologies: 1962 payload #56 ; 1962-043A ; 215th spacecraft. Type: Venus probe Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 1st September 1962 at 2h12 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78 T103-13). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-043A ; TRW Space Log ;

.

Discoverer 50 / CORONA 9042A (ARGON) / KH-5 Spacecraft:  FTV 1132 Chronologies: 1962 payload #57 ; 1962-044A ; 216th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 1st September 1962 at 20h39 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 348 / Agena B 1132). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-044A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Venera Spacecraft:  2MV-2 Chronologies: 1962 payload #58 ; 1962-045A ; 217th spacecraft. Type: Venus probe Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 10 September 1962 at 0h59 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78 T103-14). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: The June 15, 1963 Goddars Space Flight Center’s Satellite Sittation Report identified three Soviet space launching not previously released by either by the U.S. or U.S.S.R: including the Sept. 12, 1962 (1962 Alpha-Phi 1-5), with fragments re-enbring from Sept. 12 through Sept. 17. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-045A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p.  243 ;

.

Discoverer 51 / CORONA 9043 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1133 Chronologies: 1962 payload #59 ; 1962-046A ; 218th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 17 September 1962 at 23h46 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 350 / Agena B 1133). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Film capsule recovered 1.1 day after launch.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-046A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

ERS 2 / TRS 1 Spacecraft:  Environmental Research Subsatellite Chronologies: 1962 payload #60 ; 1962-046A ; 219th spacecraft. Type: Earth sciences Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Launch: 17 September 1962 at 23h46 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 350 / Agena B 1133). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: ERS-2 subsatellite failed to separated from Discoverer 51. Source: Jonathan McDowell'sMaster List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-046A ; TRW Space Log ;

.

Tiros 6 Spacecraft:  Tiros F2 / A-51 Chronologies: 1962 payload #61 ; 1962-047A ; 220th spacecraft. Type: Meteorology Sponsor: NASA Launch: 18 September 1962 at 8h53 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17A, by a Delta DM-19 (Thor Delta 318 / Delta 12). Orbit: Decayed: Mission:      On 5 August 1963, TIROS VI, still orbiting the Earth and still providing excellent quality photographs, exceeded durability record of 302 days set by its predecmr TIROS V. The spacecraft provided 58,589 pictures (several hundred more than TIROS V), of which about 90 per cent were usable. It now continued to operate in conjunction with TIROS VII.       On 18 September 1963), TIROS VI marked a year-long operational life-time, setting new record for weather satellites. On 31 July, it discovered first hurricane (Arlene) of 1963 season in tropical Atlantic; altogether, it photographed two hurricanes in Atlantic, two tropical storms in eastern Pacific, eight typhoons in central and western Pacific, as well as sand storms in Saudi Arabia and ice conditions in southern and northern hemispheres. Along with TIROS V, it supported Mercury space flights of Astronauts Schirra and Cooper. National Weather Satellite Center issued about 600 weather advisories around the world based on some of the 63,000 cloud-cover pictures from TIROS VI.       On 17 October 1963, NASA announced that TIROS VI was no longer sending usable cloud-cover pictures, after 13 months of successful operation and some  67,000 pictures.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-047A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 298, 345, 395 ;

.

Kosmos 9 Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 7 Chronologies: 1962 payload #62 ; 1962-048A ; 221st spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 27 September 1962 at 9h40 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-048A ; TRW Space Log ;

.

Alouette 1 Spacecraft:  Chronologies: 1962 payload #63 ; 1962-049A ; 222nd spacecraft. Type: Earth upper atmosphere studies Sponsor: Canada Launch: 29 September 1962 at 6h05 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena B  (Thor 341 / Agena B 6101 (TA1)). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Named for high-flying songbird of Canada, Alouette was first satellite to be both designed and built by a nation other than U.S. or U.S.S.R. Its launchmarks NASA’s first orbiting attempt from Point Arguello and its first use of a Thor-Agena B launch vehicle.       Data from Alouette showed that ionosphere is usually rough in high latitudes and smooth in lower latitudes, and that electron temperature of ionosphere increases with latitude. This evidence indicated Van Allen radiation belts, which extend to lower altitudes at higher latitudes, possibly are secondary heat source for ionosphere. Where ionospheric and radiation particles collide, ionospheric temperatures rise and F layers of ionosphere become more spread apart - causing radio waves to scatter.      On 19 May 1965, NASA launched a two-part sounding rocket payIoad timed to occur while Alouette was passing nearby.  The payload measure electron densities and ion composition to provide more accurate profiles of upper atmosphere electron density.  The payload separated as planned at about 275 km altitude and reached peak altitude at 975 km. Alouette's instruments provided a horizontal profile of ionospheric and ion densities and temperatures to be correlated with findings of the mother-daughter experiment, which later impacted in the Atlantic Ocean. Notes: On 20 April 1959, NASA announced acceptance of proposals by the Canadian Defense Research Telecommunication Establishment for continuing joint rocket and satellite ionospheric experiments of non-military nature. Negotiations have resulted of arrangements for a satellite project for "top-side" sounding of the ionosphere. Thus far, ionosphere sounding has been conducted from the ground; this would be the first instance of sounding from above. Laboratories in the participating countries will develop suitable instrumentation for the experiment by joint agreement. No exchange of funds is planned.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-049A ; United States Aeronautics and Space Activities, 2nd Annual Report to Congress, 1960, p. 15 ; Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1915-1960, p. 108 ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical And Aeronautical Events of 1962, p. 197-8 ;  Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 92 ; Astronautics and Aeronautics 1965, p. 240 ;

.

TAVE Spacecraft:  TAVE stands fo Thor-Agena Vibration Experiment Chronologies: 1962 payload #64 ; 1962-049B ; 223rd spacecraft. Type: Technology Sponsor: NASA (Goddard Space Flight Center) Launch: 29 September 1962 at 6h05 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena B  (Thor 341 / Agena B 6101 (TA1)). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: TAVE measured low-frequency vibrations to Agena stage and spacecraft interfaces during Thor boost phase, it was reported. iT provided data verifying the techniques used by Goddard and Lockheed in predicting the launch vibration environment of the Thor-Agena B rocket. Demonstration that these techniques were sound is most important in designing future experiments and structures for the Thor Agena vehicles. Goddard Space Flight Center had designed, built, tested, and shipped 90-kg Tave in 20 days only.      According to Mark Wade's Encyclopedia Astronautice, on 12 September 1962, "NASA announced it would launch a special satellite before the end of the year 'to obtain information on possible effects of radiation on future satellites and to give the world's scientific community additional data on the artificial environment created by the radiation belt.' The 100-pound satellite would be launched from Cape Canaveral into an elliptical orbit ranging from about 170-mile perigee to 10,350-mile apogee. First 'mystery' satellite in history of space exploration was launched, according to British magazine Flight International. The magazine said the satellite orbited at a height of 113 miles and reentered the earth's atmosphere 12 days later. The satellite was listed as belonging to the U.S. Air Force, but spokesman said this was a 'scientific guess based on our assessment of previous satellite launchings.' Launching was not confirmed, and no official U.S. listing included such a satellite."  [Could it be the TAVE payload (on which no data existed?] Source: Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica  Sep 12, 1962 Entry ; ; Astronautical And Aeronautical Events of 1962, p. 239.

..

Discoverer 52 / CORONA 9045 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1154 Chronologies: 1962 payload #65 ; 1962-050A ; 224th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 29 September 1962 at 23h34 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 351 / Agena D 1154). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-050A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Explorer 14 / EPE B  / Explorer XIV Spacecraft:  S-3A Chronologies: 1962 payload #66 ; 1962-051A ; 2254th spacecraft. Type: Sun studies Sponsor: NASA Launch: 2 October 1962 at 22h11 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17B, by a Delta  DM-3A (Thor Delta A 345 / Delta 13). Orbit: Initial: 278 km x 98,950 km] x 36.1 hr. Later: 2,060 km x 98,900 k x 37 hr Decayed: Mission: The 40-kg Explorer XIV mission is to study natural and man-made radiation in space. The satellite had relaided excellent quality preliminary data. But in January 1963, it developed radio transmission difficulty, not repairable by remote control.      On 22 June 1963, Explorer XIV was eclipsed by the Moon - a possible first in satellite history. Satellite was some 70,000 km. from the Earth with apogee portion in the Sun’s direction when a 19-min. shadow occurred between approximately 0151 and 0210 UT.      On 2 August 1963, after 10 months of satisfactory operation in orbit, Explorer XIV scientific satellite, with its six experiments to measure energetic particles and magnetic fields in space, was still functioning. During the 10 months, data acquisition stations received 6,003 hrs. of data from Explorer XIV, of which more than 4,500 hrs. were digitized and 3,200 hrs. were sent to the six experimenters.       On 8 October 1963, Explorer XIV  ceased useful transmission after almost 10 months of successful operation. Scientists at GSFC said trouble began in August, when the satellite’s transmitter failed to modulate -- translate instrument signals into telemetry code -- properly. Intermittent modulation had occurred since then, but little useful data had been received. The satellite signal is still useful for position reference.  While not all the data had been analyzed, Dr. L. Cahill, Univ. of New Hampshire, said a number of new insights had already emerged, among them being: Earth‘s magnetosphere, as shown by mapping charged particles, flared away from the Earth in an ogival-pointed arch-shape; confirmation that the vector magnetic field changes gently from a dipole configuration to a radial field at increasing distance on the night side of the Earth near the equatorial plane; and further evidence probably supporting Explorer VI’s finding of a ring current flow on the night side of the Earth. (NASA Release 63-223) Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-051A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1962, p. 207, 210 ;  Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1963, p. 7, 252, 296, 357, 381 ;

.

Mercury 8 (MA-8 / Mercury-Atlas 8) Spacecraft: Spacecraft No. 16 / Sigma 7  Chronologies: 1962 payload #67 ; 1962-052A ; 226th spacecraft. Type: Piloted spaceship Sponsor: NASA Launch: 3 October 1962 at 13h15 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-14, by an Atlas D (113D). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Mercury-Atlas 8 (MA-8) flight - the Sigma 7 spacecraft with astronaut Walter M. Schirra, Jr., as pilot - traveled 257,000 km, nearly six orbits, returning to earth at predetermined point in Pacific Ocean about 9 hrs., 14 min. after blastoff. Within 40 min. after landing he and his spacecraft were safely aboard aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kearsarge.      Highly successful MA-8 flight proved the feasibility of (1) prolonged weightless flight in space and (2) drifting in orbit without consumption of hydrogen-peroxide attitude control fuel and without physically endangering the astronaut. Schirra,who spent a total of 2½  hrs. in drifting flight, reported there were no unusual attitude control problems during drifting. Various other scientific experiments during the flight included astronaut’s sighting of luminous particles in space, also reported by astronauts John H. Glenn and M. Scott Carpenter; and photographing cloud formations with a special hand camera. Sisma 7 was sighted by observers on Indian Ocean tracking ship for five min. as the spacecraft made its third orbit more than 160 km high. The observers said it appearcd almost as bright as Venus. This was the first reported visual sighting of a manned spacecraft during orbital flight. Only technical difficulty of the entire operation was attaining proper adjustment of Schirra’s spacesuit coolant supply and failure of body temperature measurements in first orbit. However, desired suit temperatures were achieved early in second orbit.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-052A ; TRW Space Log ;  Astronautical And Aeronautical Events of 1962, p. 208-9.

.

Discoverer 53 / CORONA 9046A (ARGON) / KH-5 Spacecraft: FTV 1134 Chronologies: 1962 payload #68 ; 1962-053A ; 227th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 9 October 1962 at 18h35 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Bases's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 352 / Agena B 1134). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Film capsule recovered 4.1 days after launch. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-053A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Kosmos 10 Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 5 Chronologies: 1962 payload #69 ; 1962-054A ; 228th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 17 October 1962 at 9h00 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-054A ; TRW Space Log ;

.

Ranger 5 Spacecraft:  Chronologies: 1962 payload #70 ; 1962-055A ; 229th spacecraft. Type: Lunar probe Sponsor: NASA Launch: 18 October 1962 at 16h59 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-12, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 215D / Agena B 6005 (AA7)). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-055A ; TRW Space Log ;

.

Kosmos 11 Spacecraft:  DS-A1 No. 1 Chronologies: 1962 payload #71 ; 1962-056A ; 230th spacecraft. Type: Military Earth upper atmosphere studies & technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 20 October 1962 at 4h00 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-056A ; TRW Space Log ;

.

Mars Spacecraft: 2MV-4 No. 1 Chronologies: 1962 payload #72 ; 1962-057A ; 231st spacecraft. Type: Mars probe Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 24 October 1962 at 17:55 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78 T103-15). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: This unsuccessful Mars probe attempt was reported on 1 November 1962 by an unidentified DOD sources . Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-057A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 228 ;

.

Kosmos Spacecraft:  1MS Chronologies: 1962 payload #73 ; 1962 12th loss ; 232nd spacecraft. Type: Radiation studies Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 25 October 1962, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ;

.

Starad 1 Spacecraft:  Chronologies: 1962 payload #74 ; 1962-058A ; 233rd spacecraft. Type: Radiation studies Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Launch: 26 October 1962 at 16h14 UTC, from Vandenberg LC-75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 353 / Agena D 1401). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Announced as a USAF-launched “unnamed satellite.” But, on 6 April 1962, it was revealed that this USAF unidentified satellite, which was launched to study artificial radiation, had discovered evidence that radiation from U.S. Starfish high-altitude nuclear test would last up to 10 years. The previously unidentified satellite, called STARAD, was built at DOD request when it became apparent artificial radiation might be damaging orbiting satellites, carried nine different instruments for measuring the artificial radiation. Project Director Dr. Ludwig Katz of USAF Cambridge Research Laboratories, said the satellite found there had been little decrease in artifical radiation’s intensity since the satellite was launched. “The decay of the belt is so small that a lifetime of five to ten years would not surprise me.” STARAD also detected increased radiation from Soviet high-altitude nuclear explosions of 28 October and 1 November 1962. It transmitted until 18 Januaray 1963 when its batteries deteriorated.  Notes: On 18 July 1965, it was reported that the man-made radiation belt of high-energy “Starfish” electrons formed from a U.S. hydrogen bomb test over the Pacific Ocean in 1962 were estimated to have a possible life of up to 20 [338] yrs., during which time electrons in the belt would slowly decay to the energy level of ordinary electrons. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-058A ; TRW Space Log ;Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 222 ; Astronautics and Aeronautics 1965, p. 337 ;  TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 130 ;

..

Explorer 15 Spacecraft:  EPE C / NASA S-3C / SERB Chronologies: 1962 payload #75 ; 1962-059A ; 234th spacecraft. Type: Radiations studies Sponsor: NASA Launch: 27 October 1962 at 23h15 UTC, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base's LC-17B, by a Delta A (Thor Delta A 346 / Delta 14). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Explorer XV (S-3b) is a 43,5-kg energetic particles satellite was launched to study artificial radiation belt created by U.S. high-altitude nuclear explosion in July, Explorer XV carried experiments on magnetic field, ion-electron, electron flux, and distribution in pitch angle of electrons; transmitter; optical attitude sensor; and solar cells, including solar-cell damage experiment. It is similar to Explorer XII and Explorer XIV which successful1 measured energetic particles of natural radiation belts. Unfortunately, the satelite was spinning on its axis about 10 times faster than the planned 10-rpm rate, a problem which may well compromized secondary experiments but not the main experiments. Two experiments designed to determine decay rate of artificially created radiation had been adversely affected by satellite’s excessive spin rate. Launching marked 13th successful satellite-orbiting by NASA-developed Delta vehicle.       As of 6 March 1963, Explorer XV had transmitted 2,067 hours of data, of which 1,266 hours had been digitized and sant to the five experimenters. The radiation-investigation satellite had not been operating satisfactorily since 27 January 1963 and had completely stopped transmitting January 31. NASA scientists believed the satellite’s attitude with relation to the Sun was such that the Sun was illuminating only the edge of the solar paddles; in such a case, the satellite should resume transmitting around April 1, when the solar paddles come into more favorable attitude to the Sun. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-059A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical And Aeronautical Events of 1962, p. 223 & 224 ;  Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 83 ;

.

ANNA 1B Spacecraft:  ANNA stands for Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force Chronologies: 1962 payload #76 ; 1962-060A ; 235th spacecraft. Type: Geodesy Sponsor: U.S. Navy Launch: 31 October 1962 at 8h08 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17A, by a Thor Able-Star (Thor Ablestar 319 AB012). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: ANNA IB is a 160-kg, [90-cm spherical geodetic satellite, It used four high-intensity lights that would flash on and off; by comparing simultaneous observations of the satellite from various points on earth, scientists could measure earth’s size, shape, and surface features with accuracy never before possible. ANNA was developed and launched by military services, with Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory as prime contractor; NASA cooperated in tracking and in dissemination of orbital data to the international scientific community for worldwide use of the man-made star for geodetic purposes.       On 15 August 1963, Richard B. Kershner of Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory, disclosed that ANNA I’s flashing beacons had resumed after more than two months of blackout.  He said: “We have no explanation for the lights coming back on two weeks ago. We don’t like to believe in space gremlins, but we’ve reached the mint where that’s as good an explanation as any.”       On 31 October 1964, ANNA 1B,s second anniversary, Johns Hopkins Univ. Applied Physics Laboratory, reported that the satellite was still flashing its beacon and relaying radio signals to Earth upon command.      The Earth has four vast bulges, roughly in the design of a pyramid, and four equally large depressions, reported scientists from Johns Hopkins Univ. Applied Physics Laboratory on 9 June 1965. “They are as big as the North American continent,” said Dr. Robert R. Newton, Supervisor of Space Research and Analysis at the Laboratory. Discoveries announced were credited to ANNA IB geodetic satellite and a number of USN research satellites. By studying rises and dips in their orbits, scientists were able to determine gravitational highs and lows. One high point centers over Ireland in the northern hemisphere and sprawls northward toward the pole. Another extends across the equator from New Guinea northward toward Japan. Another is south of Africa centered about half way to Antarctica, and the fourth is west of South America with its apex off Peru. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-060A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963,  p. 225-6, 209 ; Astronautics and Aeronautics, 1964, p. 370 ; Astronautics and Aeronautics 1965, p.  27304 ;

.

Mars 1 Spacecraft:  2MV-4 No. 2 Chronologies: 1962 payload #77 ; 1962-061A ; 236th spacecraft. Type: Mars probe Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 1st November 1962 at 16h14 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78 T103-16). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Mars I, a 994 kg space probe was launched on seven-month flight to Mars. Launched with an ‘improved booster” into parking orbit around the Earth, Mars I was hurled into escape trajectory when vehicle engines re-ignited. Tass reported Mars I was flying as planned on its course toward Mars. “All systems are functioning normally and orders sent to the station [i.e., probe] are well received and obeyed.” Main tasks of the probe were interplanetary exploration, establishment of interplanetary space radio communications, photographing the Martian surface and relaying the photographs back to Earth by radio. “Telemetric, measuring, and scientific instrumentation will be automatically activated in conformity with the flight program by radio commands from the earth,” Tass said.       Soviet scientists lost contact with Mars I interplanetary probe on 22 March 1963, after nearly five months of spaceflight, when it was about 106 000 000 km from Earth; however, no mention was made of this fact by the Russians until May 16.       On 16 May 1963, Tass reported Soviet scientists had lost contact with Mars I interplanetary probe on March 21, when it was about 105 million kilometres from Earth. Probe was continuing on its flight toward vicinity of Mars but telemetry data indicated difficulty in orientation system had misaligned its radio antennas. Tass said Mars I had recorded considerable change in boundaries of radiation belts around Earth; “sphere of maximum intensity” in innermost belt was farther out than previously noted. Intensity of cosmic rays had almost doubled in last four years, Tass said. Important findings were made concerning stability and energy of interplanetary and solar plasma, and Mars I made possible first scientific observation of junction of Earth’s ionized gas envelope with outermost belt of charged particles. Other data on intensity of magnetic fields in space and distribution of meteoric particles were recorded.”      On 19 June 1963,  Mars I passed planet Mars, but with its communications systems dead as they had been since March 21. All subsequent attempts to restore communication had failed. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-061A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1962, p. 228 ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 102, 199, 248;

.

Mars Spacecraft:  2MV-3 No. 1 Chronologies: 1962 payload #78 ; 1962-062A ; 237th spacecraft. Type: Mars probe Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 4 November 1962 at 15h35 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78 T103-17). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: The June 15, 1963 Goddars Space Flight Center’s Satellite Sittation Report identified three Soviet space launching not previously released by either by the U.S. or U.S.S.R: including the Nov. 4, 1962 (1962 Beta-Xi 1-5), with fragments reentering from Nov. 5 through Jan. 19, 1963. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-062A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p.  243 ;

.

Discoverer 54 / CORONA 9047 / KH-4 Spacecraft: FTV 1136 Chronologies: 1962 payload #79 ; 1962-063A ; 238th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 5 November 1962 at 22h04 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 356 / Agena B 1136). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Film capsule recovered 4.1 days after launch. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-063A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

.

Samos 11 / PVP 855 Spacecraft: Program 201 (BJ) ; AFP-201 PVP 855 / FTV 2405 Chronologies: 1962 payload #80 ; 1962-064A ; 239th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 11 November 1962 at 20h17 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-1, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 128D / Agena B). Orbit: Reentered: 12 November 1962 Mission: FTV 2405 (Program 698BJ Vehicle 5) was launched from Point Arguello. The planned orbit was 88.72 min, 219 x 219 km x 96.0 deg, and the actual one was 88.78 min, 216 x 235 km x 96.11 deg. The satellite was deorbited after one day; recovery was a failure despite the report of emulsion data being obtained.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-064A ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' 9.3.1: SAMOS & FTV 2405 ;

.

TRS 1 / ERS 1 Spacecraft:  TRS stands for Tetra-hedral Research Satellite Chronologies: 1962 payload #81 ; 1962-064B ; 240th spacecraft. Type: Earth sciences Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Launch: 11 November 1962 at 20h17 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-1, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 128D / Agena B). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: A TRS Mark I research subsatellite, ERS 1, was attached to the Agena 2405 aft rack but failed to separate.      On 13 November 1962, “USAF announced it had placed in orbit 0.67 kg Tetra-hedral Research Satellite (TRS), launched piggyback aboard unidentified satellite using Thor-Agena vehicle. TRS was orbited to map radiation in space and radio its findings back to earth.  NASA communications and telemetry stations were supporting this USAF project.” Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-064B ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' FTV 2405 ;  Astronautical And Aeronautical Events of 1962, p. 239.

Discoverer 55 / CORONA 9048 / KH-4 Spacecraft:  FTV 1135 Chronologies: 1962 payload #82 ; 1962-065A ; 241st spacecraft. Type: Reconnaisance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 24 November 1962 at 22h01 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena B  (Thor 367 / Agena B 1135). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-065A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

Discoverer 56 / CORONA 9049 / KH-4 Spacecraft: FTV 1155 Chronologies: 1962 payload #83 ; 1962-066A ; 242nd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 4 December 1962 at 21h30 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 361 / Agena D 1155). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-066A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :

Discoverer 57 / CORONA 9050 / KH-4 Spacecraft: FTV 1156 Chronologies: 1962 payload #90 ; 1962-069A ; 249th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 14 December 1962 at 21h26 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 368 / Agena D 1156). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Film capsule recovered 4.1 days after launch. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1962-069A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :