The events on this day in history for our heritage companies are noted below.
The earliest event was in 1962, the latest in 2004
No milestone events (5 to 65+ years ago)
Human Spaceflight:
1962 – Statement of Work released for the procurement of MM Titan II launch vehicles for the Gemini program (NASA/USAF)
Military and Classified Programs:
1978 – Contract awarded by the USAF to Lockheed for the SIRF (Satellite Infrared Experiment) Program
Exploration and Interplanetary Programs:
1999 – LAUNCH: LM Mars Polar Lander, DS1A&B micro probes, Delta 7425-9.5, LC17B, CCAFS (MPL and Deep Space probes failed at Mars Entry/Descent/Landing) –
2004 – LANDING: Mars Rover Spirit on Mars (using LM Aeroshell)
Earth-Monitoring and Civil Weather Satellite Programs:
NONE
Commercial Programs:
NONE
Test, ICBM and FBM programs:
NONE
Other:
NONE
Today’s photos are of two events.
First, there is a photo of the Mars Polar Lander just before encapsulation and the launch in 1999. MPL and the DS1 A&B probes failed just before or at Entry/Descent/Landing in December 1999. Here are the credits for the photos:
In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2), the camera takes a close look at the Mars Polar Lander. The solar-powered spacecraft is targeted for launch from Cape Canaveral Air Station aboard a Delta II rocket on Jan. 3, 1999. It is designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south pole in order to study the water cycle there. The lander also will help scientists learn more about climate change and current resources on Mars, studying such things as frost, dust, water vapors and condensates in the Martian atmosphere. Photo Credit: NASA.
Launch photo of the Mars Polar Lander spacecraft aboard a Delta II rocket lifting off from Launch Complex 17A. Photo Credit: NASA/KSC
The third image is a diagram of the LM-supplied aeroshell that was used on Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, which landed on Mars on this day in 2004. Image Credit: NASA/JPL.
