Atlas E/F
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This article is about the expendable launch system. For the missiles, see SM-65E Atlas and SM-65F Atlas.
The Atlas E/F (or SB-1A) was an American expendable launch system and sounding rocket built using parts of decommissioned SM-65 Atlas missiles. It was a member of the Atlas family of rockets.
This rocket article contains payload capacity, but does not include orbital altitude or inclination, which greatly affects the capacity. |
Quick Facts Function, Manufacturer ...
Function | Expendable launch system Sounding rocket |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Convair General Dynamics Lockheed |
Country of origin | United States |
Launch history | |
Status | Retired |
Launch sites | LC-576 and SLC-3, VAFB |
Total launches | 65 |
Success(es) | 56 |
Failure(s) | 9 |
First flight | 6 April 1968 |
Last flight | 24 March 1995 |
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The first stage was built using parts taken from decommissioned Atlas-E and Atlas-F missiles, with various solid propellant upper stages used depending on the requirements of the payload.[1] The Atlas E/F was also used without an upper stage for a series of re-entry vehicle tests. On a single launch, an RM-81 Agena liquid-propellant upper stage was used.[2]