United States Air Force Samos-E6 3 Atlas Agena B
About the Samos-E6 3 Mission
| Type | Government/Top Secret |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Polar Orbit |
| Launch Cost | $14,210,000 |
Samos E-6 (Satellite and Missile Observation System) was an attempt to create an medium-resolution reconnaissance satellite with film return via reentry capsule.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 3W
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
| Launches | 81 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 81 |
| Total Launches | 916 |
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.
United States Air Force Atlas LV-3 Agena B Rocket
The Atlas LV-3A was a largely unsuccessful configuration until it was given an Agena B upper stage. It was responsible for the launch of Mariner II to Venus and had one of the first engines that could be restarted in orbit.
| Length | 20.3 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.1 m |
| Launch Mass | 130.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 363.0 kN |
| Launch Cost | $14,210,000 |
| Maiden Flight | 1/31/1961 |
Learn more about the United States Air Force Atlas LV-3 Agena B Rocket
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.
| Total Launches | 1,078 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 972 |
| Failed | 106 |
| Consecutive Success | 68 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the United States Air Force Atlas Agena B Samos-E6 3 launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Atlas Agena B Samos-E6 3 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Atlas Agena B Samos-E6 3 mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Atlas Agena B rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 3W 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 Samos-E6 3 mission?
The Samos-E6 3 mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Atlas Agena B rocket. The Atlas LV-3A was a largely unsuccessful configuration until it was given an Agena B upper stage. It was responsible for the launch of Mariner II to Venus and had one of the first engines that could be restarted in 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 Agena B Samos-E6 3 launch?
The United States Air Force Atlas Agena B Samos-E6 3 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 Agena B Samos-E6 3 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Atlas Agena B launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Samos-E6 3 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.
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