Launch Detail
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Launch Detail
Pulling launch timing, vehicle context, weather signals, and mission evidence.
Launch detail
United States Air Force • SM-65E Atlas • Space Launch Complex 3W (CA)


United States Air Force • SM-65E Atlas • SLC-3W
Fourth generation NOAA meteorological satellite
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Fourth generation NOAA meteorological satellite
The SM-65E Atlas, or Atlas-E, was an operational variant of the Atlas missile. It first flew on 11 October 1960, and was deployed as an operational ICBM from September 1961 until April 1966. Following retirement as an ICBM, the Atlas-E, along with the Atlas-F, was refurbished for orbital launches as the Atlas E/F.
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.
Provider, rocket, pad, and booster history tied to this launch.