Vanguard | Vanguard II

Vanguard | Vanguard II rode a Vanguard into space from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, deploying its payload to MEO.

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

Mission timeline

  1. 1959-02-17T15:55:00.000Z
    Liftoff
    Vanguard 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 MEO.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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