United States Air Force ATS 5 Atlas SLV-3C Centaur
About the ATS 5 Mission
- Type: Earth Science
- Orbit: Geosynchronous Orbit
ATS-5, the last spacecraft in the Hughes/NASA ATS program, was launched August 12, 1969, in a near-perfect trajectory for insertion into synchronous orbit. Although injected successfully into orbit, the spacecraft's reverse spin (counterclockwise) prevented successful deployment of the 124 foot gravity gradient booms for the stabilization experiment. However nine of the other 13 experiments aboard the spacecraft returned useful data.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Complex 36A
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
The Launch Complex 36A launch pad has hosted 70 rocket launches, including 70 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 SLV-3C Centaur Rocket
The Atlas-Centaur was a US expendable launch vehicle derived from the SM-65 Atlas D missile. Launches were conducted from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
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-3C Centaur ATS 5 launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3C Centaur ATS 5 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3C Centaur ATS 5 mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3C Centaur rocket launched from Launch Complex 36A 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 ATS 5 mission?
The ATS 5 mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3C Centaur rocket. The Atlas-Centaur was a US expendable launch vehicle derived from the SM-65 Atlas D missile. Launches were conducted from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. 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-3C Centaur ATS 5 launch?
The United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3C Centaur ATS 5 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-3C Centaur ATS 5 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Atlas SLV-3C Centaur launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the ATS 5 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.