Vanguard | Vanguard

US Navy flew Vanguard | Vanguard on a Vanguard out of Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, placing its payload in LEO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
US Navy
Mission type
Test Flight
Rocket
Vanguard
Launch site
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Launch pad
Launch Complex 18A
Payload
—
Target orbit
LEO
Vanguard | Vanguard cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1958-03-17T12:15:41.000Z
    Liftoff
    Liftoff confirmed — Vanguard is airborne.
  2. Max-Q
    Max Q — Vanguard 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 LEO, successfully entering orbit.
  7. Mission success
    The mission concludes successfully.

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