Atlas V 501 | OTV-3 (X-37B) (USA-240)

United Launch Alliance flew Atlas V 501 | OTV-3 (X-37B) (USA-240) on a Atlas V 501 out of Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, placing its payload in LEO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
United Launch Alliance
Mission type
Government/Top Secret
Rocket
Atlas V 501
Launch site
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 41
Payload
—
Target orbit
LEO
Atlas V 501 | OTV-3 (X-37B) (USA-240) cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 2012-12-11T18:03:00.000Z
    Liftoff
    Atlas V 501 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 LEO.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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