UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Atlas-Able | P-31
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Dec 15, 1960 at 09:10 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
An intended lunar orbiter the vehicle was destroyed when the launch vehicle exploded due to a malfunction in the first stage.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas-AbleAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
P-31
MISSION TYPE
Planetary Science
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Launch Complex 12LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 583b7dc8-2b7d-494a-a19a-4629c45f0b7d
Reported date: Dec 15, 1960 at 09:10 UTC
Last synced: 1 minute 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-31 launch?
The Atlas-Able | P-31 is scheduled for Thursday, December 15, 1960 at 9:10 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-31?
The Atlas-Able | P-31 mission uses the Atlas-Able rocket, manufactured by Convair.
Where is the Atlas-Able | P-31 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 12 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is P-31 going to?
The P-31 mission is targeting Lunar Orbit.
Who is launching P-31?
The Atlas-Able | P-31 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas-Able | P-31 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: Dec 15, 1960 at 09:10 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: 1 minute ago
●Launch Library 21 minute ago
Launch ID: 583b7dc8-2b7d-494a-a19a-4629c45f0b7d
●Open-Meteo Weather4 days ago
Pad weather at 28.48, -80.54
Mission Profile
P-31 was a Atlas-Able mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Launch Complex 12, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on December 15, 1960. The flight carried its payload on a planetary science mission to Lunar Orbit. The launch ended in failure.