Atlas IIA | INMARSAT III F-3

Atlas IIA | INMARSAT III F-3 rode a Atlas IIA into space from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, deploying its payload to Direct-GEO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
Lockheed Martin
Mission type
Communications
Rocket
Atlas IIA
Launch site
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Launch pad
Launch Complex 36A
Payload
—
Target orbit
Direct-GEO
Atlas IIA | INMARSAT III F-3 cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1996-12-18T01:57:01.000Z
    Liftoff
    Atlas IIA 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 Direct-GEO.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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