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1959 in spaceflight

In this article, we will explore the impact and implications of 1959 in spaceflight on modern society. From its emergence to its influence on different aspects of daily life, 1959 in spaceflight has played a crucial role in shaping various fields, such as politics, economics, technology and culture. Through in-depth analysis, we will examine how 1959 in spaceflight has evolved over time and how it has shaped the perceptions and actions of people around the world. Additionally, we will address the controversies and debates that 1959 in spaceflight has generated, as well as its potential impact in the future. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive and insightful view on 1959 in spaceflight and its importance in contemporary society.

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1959 in spaceflight
Orbital launches
First2 January
Last26 November
Total23
Successes10
Failures11
Partial failures2
Catalogued14
Rockets
Maiden flightsThor-Agena
Atlas-Able
Atlas D (suborbital test)
RetirementsVanguard

Luna 1 was the first spacecraft to leave the gravitational influence of Earth. Also in 1959, Luna 2 was the first spacecraft to reach the surface of another celestial body, impacting the Moon, and Luna 3 returned the first images of the far side of the Moon.[1]

1959 in spaceflight
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Overview

Orbital and suborbital launches

Deep Space Rendezvous

Date (GMT) Spacecraft Event Remarks
4 January Luna 1 First Lunar flyby Failed impactor, closest approach: 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi)
4 March Pioneer 4 Lunar flyby Closest approach: 60,200 kilometres (37,400 mi)
14 September Luna 2 First Lunar impact Landed in Mare Imbrium, first spacecraft to reach the surface of a celestial body
6 October Luna 3 Lunar flyby First Circumlunar flight, returned 29 pictures including first images of the far side of the Moon; closest approach 6,200 kilometres (3,900 mi)

Orbital launch statistics

By country

Country Launches Successes Failures Partial
failures
 Soviet Union 4 2 1 1
 United States 19 9 9 1
World 23 11 10 2

By rocket

Rocket Country Launches Successes Failures Partial failures Remarks
Atlas-Able  United States 1 0 1 0 Maiden flight
Juno II  United States 4 1 2 1
Luna 8K72  Soviet Union 4 2 1 1
Thor DM-18 Agena-A  United States 8 5 3 0 Maiden flight
Thor DM-18 Able-II  United States 1 0 1 0
Thor DM-18 Able-III  United States 1 1 0 0
Vanguard  United States 4 2 2 0 Final flight

By orbit

Orbital regime Launches Successes Failures Accidentally
Achieved
Remarks
Low Earth 12 7 5 0
Medium Earth 4 1 3 0
High Earth 2 2 0 0 Including Highly elliptical orbits
Heliocentric 5 3 2 0

See also

References

  • Bergin, Chris. "NASASpaceFlight.com".
  • Clark, Stephen. "Spaceflight Now".
  • Kelso, T.S. "Satellite Catalog (SATCAT)". CelesTrak.
  • Krebs, Gunter. "Chronology of Space Launches".
  • Kyle, Ed. "Space Launch Report". Archived from the original on 5 October 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  • McDowell, Jonathan. "GCAT Orbital Launch Log".
  • Pietrobon, Steven. "Steven Pietrobon's Space Archive".
  • Wade, Mark. "Encyclopedia Astronautica".
  • Webb, Brian. "Southwest Space Archive".
  • Zak, Anatoly. "Russian Space Web".
  • "ISS Calendar". Spaceflight 101.
  • "NSSDCA Master Catalog". NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
  • "Хроника освоения космоса" [Chronicle of space exploration]. CosmoWorld (in Russian).
  • "Rocket Launch Manifest". Next Spaceflight.
  • "Space Launch Plans". Novosti Kosmonavtiki.
  • "Space Satellite Tracking". N2YO.
Generic references:
Spaceflight portal

Footnotes

  1. ^ "Orbital Launches of 1959". space.skyrocket.de. Retrieved 31 August 2025.