Gemstar DSS-1
Athena I
Lockheed Martin
Mission
Gemstar DSS-1
- Type: Communications
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
The CTA GEMStar 1 (VITASAT 1) satellite partially sponsored by Volunteers In Technical Assistance (VITA) of Arlington Virginia, was launched at 2230 UTC from Vandenberg AFB on the 15-Aug-95, but a second stage failure destroyed the first flight of the Lockheed LLV-1 launch vehicle (later dubbed Athena-1).
Location
Space Launch Complex 6
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Find the best place to watch the launch from Vandenberg
Space Launch Complex 6 has witnessed the launch of 14 rockets, including 14 orbital launch attempts. While Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA, has been the site for 862 rocket launches.
Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
Rocket
Lockheed Martin Athena I
The Athena I, known as the Lockheed Launch Vehicle (LLV) at the time of its first flight and Lockheed Martin Launch Vehicle (LMLV) at the time of its second flight, is an American small expendable launch system which was used for four launches between 1995 and 2001. It is a member of the Athena family of rockets, along with the larger Athena II.
Agency
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin's Space Division started in the production of missiles and later ICBM's in the 1950s. Their TITAN missile system was used for 12 Gemini spacecraft and the Voyager probes. They have worked largely in collaboration with NASA on many of their probes, landers, and spacecraft, and hope to play a key role in NASA's return to the moon in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Lockheed Martin Athena I Gemstar DSS-1 launch scheduled?
The Lockheed Martin Athena I Gemstar DSS-1 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Lockheed Martin Athena I Gemstar DSS-1 mission launch from?
The Lockheed Martin Athena I rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
What rocket was used for the Gemstar DSS-1 mission?
The Gemstar DSS-1 mission launched aboard a Lockheed Martin Athena I rocket. The Athena I, known as the Lockheed Launch Vehicle (LLV) at the time of its first flight and Lockheed Martin Launch Vehicle (LMLV) at the time of its second flight, is an American small expendable launch system which was used for four launches between 1995 and 2001. It is a member of the Athena family of rockets, along with the larger Athena II. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Lockheed Martin Athena I Gemstar DSS-1 launch?
The Lockheed Martin Athena I Gemstar DSS-1 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Lockheed Martin Athena I Gemstar DSS-1 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Lockheed Martin Athena I launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Gemstar DSS-1 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Lockheed Martin live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.