MISSION OVERVIEW
The Pioneer P-1, -3, -30 and -31 series was intended to be a lunar orbiter probe, but the mission failed shortly after launch. The objectives were to place a highly instrumented probe in lunar orbit, to investigate the environment between the Earth and Moon, and to develop technology for controlling and maneuvering spacecraft from Earth.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas-AbleAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
P-3
MISSION TYPE
Lunar Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 14LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: f889bd5e-6cf9-4189-9912-d978a6f7b0fe
Reported date: Nov 26, 1959 at 07:26 UTC
Last synced: 6 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Atlas-Able →
MANUFACTURER
Convair
FLIGHTS
3
The Atlas-Able was an American expendable launch system derived from the SM-65 Atlas missile. It was a member of the Atlas family of rockets, and was used to launch several Pioneer spacecraft towards the Moon. Of the five Atlas-Able rockets built, two failed during static firings, and the other three failed to reach orbit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas-Able | P-3 launch?
The Atlas-Able | P-3 is scheduled for Thursday, November 26, 1959 at 7:26 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: FAILURE.
What rocket is being used for P-3?
The Atlas-Able | P-3 mission uses the Atlas-Able rocket, manufactured by Convair.
Where is the Atlas-Able | P-3 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is P-3 going to?
The P-3 mission is targeting Lunar Orbit.
Who is launching P-3?
The Atlas-Able | P-3 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas-Able | P-3 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 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch date set: Nov 26, 1959 at 07:26 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch failure reported
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 6 hours ago
●Launch Library 26 hours ago
Launch ID: f889bd5e-6cf9-4189-9912-d978a6f7b0fe
●Open-Meteo Weather6 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.49, -80.55
