Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Pioneer Venus Orbiter

Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Pioneer Venus Orbiter lifted off aboard a Atlas SLV-3D Centaur from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, carrying its payload to Venus.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
United States Air Force
Mission type
Robotic Exploration
Rocket
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Launch site
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Launch pad
Launch Complex 36A
Payload
—
Target orbit
Venus
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Pioneer Venus Orbiter cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1978-05-20T13:13:00.000Z
    Liftoff
    Liftoff confirmed — Atlas SLV-3D Centaur is airborne.
  2. Max-Q
    Max Q — Atlas SLV-3D Centaur endures peak structural stress during ascent.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    First-stage main engine cutoff (MECO) confirmed.
  4. Stage separation
    The spent first stage separates from the upper stage.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    Upper stage ignites, continuing the journey toward orbit.
  6. Orbit insertion
    The mission reaches Venus, successfully entering orbit.
  7. Mission success
    The mission concludes successfully.

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