Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Intelsat 501

Operated by United States Air Force, the Communications mission Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Intelsat 501 delivered its payload into Direct-GEO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
United States Air Force
Mission type
Communications
Rocket
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Launch site
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Launch pad
Launch Complex 36B
Payload
—
Target orbit
Direct-GEO
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Intelsat 501 cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1981-05-23T22:42:00.000Z
    Liftoff
    Atlas SLV-3D Centaur 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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