United States Air Force Vela 1A & 1B Atlas Agena D
About the Vela 1A & 1B Mission
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Elliptical Orbit
The Vela (meaning "watchman" in Spanish) series of spacecraft were designed to monitor worldwide compliance with the 1963 nuclear test ban treaty.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 13
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
The Space Launch Complex 13 launch pad has hosted 21 rocket launches, including 21 orbital launch attempts. The Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA launch site has been the location for 1086 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 LV-3 Agena D Rocket
The Atlas-Agena 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 launched 109 times between 1960 and 1978.
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 Agena D Vela 1A & 1B launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Atlas Agena D Vela 1A & 1B launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Atlas Agena D Vela 1A & 1B mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Atlas Agena D rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 13 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 Vela 1A & 1B mission?
The Vela 1A & 1B mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Atlas Agena D rocket. The Atlas-Agena 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 launched 109 times between 1960 and 1978. 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 D Vela 1A & 1B launch?
The United States Air Force Atlas Agena D Vela 1A & 1B 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 D Vela 1A & 1B launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Atlas Agena D launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Vela 1A & 1B 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.