NASA A-004 Little Joe II
About the A-004 Mission
| Type | Test Flight |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Suborbital |
A-004 was the sixth and final test of the Apollo launch escape vehicle and the first flight of a Block I production-type Apollo Command/Service Module.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Complex 36
White Sands Missile Range
| Launches | 5 |
|---|---|
| Total Launches | 5 |
White Sands Missile Range is a United States Army military testing area and firing range located in the US state of New Mexico. The range was originally established in 1941 as the Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, where the Trinity test site lay at the northern end of the Range, in Socorro County near the towns of Carrizozo and San Antonio. It then became the White Sands Proving Ground on 9 July 1945.
Convair Little Joe II Rocket
American rocket used from 1963 to 1966 for five uncrewed suborbital tests of the Apollo spacecraft launch escape system and of the command module parachute recovery system in abort mode.
| Length | 26.2 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.9 m |
| Stages | 1 |
| Maiden Flight | 8/28/1963 |
Mission Spacecraft
Apollo CSM-002
Apollo CSM-002 (CSM-002) was the spacecraft used for this mission. It is a North American Aviation Capsule designed for Cargo and Human Transportation to Lunar Orbit and traveled to Suborbital.
Apollo CSM used for the A-004 suborbital test flight. The Apollo Command/Service Module (CSM) was one of two principal components of the United States Apollo spacecraft, used for the Apollo program which landed astronauts on the Moon between 1969 and 1972. The CSM functioned as a mother ship which carried a crew of three astronauts and the second Apollo spacecraft, the Lunar Module, to lunar orbit, and brought the astronauts back to Earth. It consisted of two parts: the conical Command Module, a cabin that housed the crew and carried equipment needed for atmospheric reentry and splashdown; and the cylindrical Service Module which provided propulsion, electrical power and storage for various consumables required during a mission. An umbilical connection transferred power and consumables between the two modules. Just before reentry of the Command Module on the return home, the umbilical connection was severed and the Service Module was cast off and allowed to burn up in the atmosphere. 14 days
| Type | Capsule |
|---|---|
| Agency | North American Aviation |
| Serial Number | CSM-002 |
| Status | Single Use |
| Destination | Suborbital |
| Maiden Flight | 2/26/1966 |
| Mission End | 1/20/1966 |
| Flights | 1 |
| Crew Capacity | 3 |
| Human Rated | Yes |
| Height | 11.0 m |
| Diameter | 3.9 m |
| Payload Capacity | 1,050 kg |
About NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA have many launch facilities but most are inactive. The most commonly used pad will be LC-39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
| Total Launches | 142 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 122 |
| Failed | 20 |
| Pending | 5 |
| Consecutive Success | 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the NASA Little Joe II A-004 launch scheduled?
The NASA Little Joe II A-004 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the NASA Little Joe II A-004 mission launch from?
The NASA Little Joe II rocket launched from Launch Complex 36 at White Sands Missile Range. White Sands Missile Range is a United States Army military testing area and firing range located in the US state of New Mexico. The range was originally established in 1941 as the Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, where the Trinity test site lay at the northern end of the Range, in Socorro County near the towns of Carrizozo and San Antonio. It then became the White Sands Proving Ground on 9 July 1945.
What rocket was used for the A-004 mission?
The A-004 mission launched aboard a NASA Little Joe II rocket. American rocket used from 1963 to 1966 for five uncrewed suborbital tests of the Apollo spacecraft launch escape system and of the command module parachute recovery system in abort mode. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the NASA Little Joe II A-004 launch?
The NASA Little Joe II A-004 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 NASA Little Joe II A-004 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest NASA Little Joe II launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the A-004 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 NASA live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
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