flown missionSuccess

Atlas SLV-3 | PRIME 1

United States Air ForceSpace Launch Complex 3E — Vandenberg SFB, CA, USADec 21, 1966, 22:15 UTC

The launch vehicle successfully inserted its payload(s) into the target orbit(s).

mission

Name: PRIME 1
Type: Test Flight
Target orbit: Suborbital (Sub)

The Martin X-23 PRIME (Precision Recovery Including Maneuvering Entry) was a small uncrewed lifting body re-entry vehicle tested by the United States Air Force in the late 1960s. PRIME 1 was launched on 21 December 1966 on a mission to simulate a low-earth orbit reentry with a zero cross-range. The ballute deployed at 30.43 km, though the recovery parachute failed to completely deploy. The vehicle crashed into the Pacific Ocean and was not recovered.

schedule

NET (no earlier than): Dec 21, 1966, 22:15 UTC
Window opens: Dec 21, 1966, 22:15 UTC
Window closes: Dec 21, 1966, 22:15 UTC
Last updated: Jun 14, 2023, 03:42 UTC

vehicle & provider

Rocket: Atlas SLV-3
Family: Atlas
Variant: SLV-3
Provider: United States Air Force
Type: Government
Country: USA

launch site

Pad: Space Launch Complex 3E
Location: Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Country: USA
Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
Coordinates: 34.6400, -120.5895