Atlas Agena D | Vela 1A & 1B

Atlas Agena D | Vela 1A & 1B lifted off aboard a Atlas Agena D from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, carrying its payload to Elliptical.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
United States Air Force
Mission type
Government/Top Secret
Rocket
Atlas Agena D
Launch site
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 13
Payload
—
Target orbit
Elliptical
Atlas Agena D | Vela 1A & 1B cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1963-10-17T02:37:00.000Z
    Liftoff
    Atlas Agena D roars off the pad at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
  2. Max-Q
    The vehicle reaches Max Q, the highest aerodynamic load of the flight.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    MECO — first-stage propulsion ends after a nominal burn.
  4. Stage separation
    Clean stage separation confirmed.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    The upper-stage engine lights up after separation.
  6. Orbit insertion
    Orbit insertion confirmed — now circling in Elliptical.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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