LOCKHEED MARTIN
Athena II | Lunar Prospector
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Jan 7, 1998 at 02:28 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PADSpace Launch Complex 46
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITLunar Orbit
TYPERobotic Exploration
PROGRAMDiscovery Program
MISSION OVERVIEW
Lunar Prospector was a small spin stabilized lunar orbiter. Using its Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), it collected a large amount of scientific data that helps researchers understand the chemical composition of the lunar surface.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Athena IIAGENCY
Lockheed MartinMISSION
Lunar Prospector
MISSION TYPE
Robotic Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 46LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USAPROGRAM
Discovery Program
COUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 0fdacb6a-4e02-436f-898b-d74115cd911d
Reported date: Jan 7, 1998 at 02:28 UTC
Last synced: 3 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Athena II →
MANUFACTURER
Lockheed Martin
VARIANT
II
FLIGHTS
3
SUCCESSES
2
SUCCESS RATE
66.7%
The Athena II is an American small expendable launch system which was used for three launches between 1998 and 1999.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Athena II | Lunar Prospector launch?
The Athena II | Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 1998 at 2:28 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Lunar Prospector?
The Athena II | Lunar Prospector mission uses the Athena II rocket, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The Athena II has flown 3 times with a 66.7% success rate.
Where is the Athena II | Lunar Prospector launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Lunar Prospector going to?
The Lunar Prospector mission is targeting Lunar Orbit.
Who is launching Lunar Prospector?
The Athena II | Lunar Prospector is operated by Lockheed Martin. It is part of the Discovery Program program.
Can I watch the Athena II | Lunar Prospector launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: Jan 7, 1998 at 02:28 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Lockheed Martin
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 3 minutes ago
●Launch Library 23 minutes ago
Launch ID: 0fdacb6a-4e02-436f-898b-d74115cd911d
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 28.46, -80.53
Mission Profile
Lunar Prospector was a Athena II mission operated by Lockheed Martin that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 46, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on January 7, 1998. The flight carried its payload on a robotic exploration mission to Lunar Orbit. It was flown as part of the Discovery Program program. The launch was a success.