NASA LJ-1A Little Joe
About the LJ-1A Mission
| Type | Test Flight |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Suborbital |
Little Joe 1A (LJ-1A) was an unmanned rocket launched as part of NASA's Mercury program on November 4, 1959. This flight, a repeat of the Little Joe 1 (LJ-1) launch, was to test a launch abort under high aerodynamic load conditions. Due to a delayed in the escape motor startup, the abort maneuver was not accomplished at the desired dynamic pressure, requiring a repeat of the test.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Area 1
Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA
| Launches | 7 |
|---|---|
| Total Launches | 86 |
Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
North American Aviation Little Joe Rocket
Little Joe was a solid-fueled booster rocket used by NASA for eight launches from 1959-1960 from Wallops Island, Virginia to test the launch escape system and heat shield for Project Mercury capsules.
| Length | 17.0 m |
|---|---|
| Stages | 1 |
| Maiden Flight | 8/21/1959 |
Learn more about the North American Aviation Little Joe Rocket
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 LJ-1A launch scheduled?
The NASA Little Joe LJ-1A launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the NASA Little Joe LJ-1A mission launch from?
The NASA Little Joe rocket launched from Launch Area 1 at Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA. Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
What rocket was used for the LJ-1A mission?
The LJ-1A mission launched aboard a NASA Little Joe rocket. Little Joe was a solid-fueled booster rocket used by NASA for eight launches from 1959-1960 from Wallops Island, Virginia to test the launch escape system and heat shield for Project Mercury capsules. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the NASA Little Joe LJ-1A launch?
The NASA Little Joe LJ-1A 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 LJ-1A launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest NASA Little Joe launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the LJ-1A 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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