United States Air Force ATDA Atlas SLV-3
About the ATDA Mission
- Type: Test Target
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
The ATDA (Augmented Target Docking Adapter) had been prepared as a back-up target in case of an GATV (Gemini Agena Target Vehicle) failure. The ATDA was a short cylinder consisting of a target docking adapter cone mounted on front and containing a communications system, a guidance and control system, and a reaction control system. It also had running lights, but unlike the GATV, the ATDA had no propulsive capabilities for orbit changes.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
The Space Launch Complex 14 launch pad has hosted 20 rocket launches, including 16 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 SLV-3 Rocket
The Atlas SLV-3, or SLV-3 Atlas was an American expendable launch system derived from the SM-65 Atlas / SM-65D Atlas missile. It was a member of the Atlas family of rockets.
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 SLV-3 ATDA launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3 ATDA launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3 ATDA mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 14 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 ATDA mission?
The ATDA mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3 rocket. The Atlas SLV-3, or SLV-3 Atlas was an American expendable launch system derived from the SM-65 Atlas / SM-65D Atlas missile. It was a member of the Atlas family of rockets. 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 SLV-3 ATDA launch?
The United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3 ATDA 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 SLV-3 ATDA launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the ATDA 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.