United States Air Force P-31 Atlas-Able
About the P-31 Mission
- Type: Planetary Science
- Orbit: Lunar Orbit
An intended lunar orbiter the vehicle was destroyed when the launch vehicle exploded due to a malfunction in the first stage.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Complex 12
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
The Launch Complex 12 launch pad has hosted 23 rocket launches, including 21 orbital launch attempts. The Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA launch site has been the location for 1111 total rocket launches.
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
Convair Atlas-Able Rocket
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.
About United States Air Force
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Signal Corps, the USAF was established as a separate branch of the United States Armed Forces in 1947 with the enactment of the National Security Act of 1947.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the United States Air Force Atlas-Able P-31 launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Atlas-Able P-31 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Atlas-Able P-31 mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Atlas-Able rocket launched from Launch Complex 12 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
What rocket was used for the P-31 mission?
The P-31 mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Atlas-Able rocket. 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. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the United States Air Force Atlas-Able P-31 launch?
The United States Air Force Atlas-Able P-31 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 United States Air Force Atlas-Able P-31 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Atlas-Able launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the P-31 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 United States Air Force live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.