Atlas-Able (Convair)
The Atlas-Able is a non-reusable, inactive launch vehicle manufactured by Convair (established in 1943). It undertook its inaugural launch on 11/26/1959.
The Atlas-Able was an American expendable launch system derived from the SM-65 Atlas missile. It was a member of the Atlas family of rockets, and was used to launch several Pioneer spacecraft towards the Moon. Of the five Atlas-Able rockets built, two failed during static firings, and the other three failed to reach orbit.
Atlas-Able Specifications
| Length | 35 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.05 m |
| Stages | 3 |
| Launch Mass | 120 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 1587 kN |
| GTO Capacity | 250 kg |
Atlas-Able Launch Record
| Total Launches | 3 |
|---|---|
| Failed Launches | 3 |
Manufacturer
Convair, previously Consolidated Vultee, was an American aircraft manufacturing company that later expanded into rockets and spacecraft. The company was formed in 1943 by the merger of Consolidated Aircraft and Vultee Aircraft. In 1953 it was purchased by General Dynamics, and operated as their Convair Division for most of its corporate history.