Atlas LV-3B — mission imagery
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Partial Failure

Big Joe 1

Atlas LV-3BNational Aeronautics and Space AdministrationSpace Launch Complex 14
Wednesday, September 9, 1959 · 08:19 AM UTCAdd to Calendar

This mission is complete.

Vehicle

Atlas LV-3B

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Atlas V is an expendable launch system in the Atlas rocket family. It was formerly operated by Lockheed Martin and is now operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture with...

Height59.7 m
LEO Payload18,850 kg
Launches147
Successes122

Provider

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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USA • Founded 1958

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and...

Mission Brief

Suborbital flight with the objective of testing the Mercury spacecraft ablative heat shield. The Atlas booster section failed to jettison, leading to a lower apogee. It was nonetheless sufficient to satisfy the Mercury spacecraft team.

PayloadBig Joe 1
OrbitSuborbital
CustomerMercury
Stages2
PadSpace Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA

Mission Timeline

14 / 14100%
Site lock

Launch Site

Space Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA

LAUNCH SITE
28.491°N, 80.547°W

Schedule History

No delays or schedule changes recorded.