UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Atlas Agena B | Ranger 8
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Feb 17, 1965 at 17:05 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
Lunar impactor which successfully reached the surface after transmitting 7,137 photographs.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas Agena BAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Ranger 8
MISSION TYPE
Lunar Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar Impactor
LAUNCH PAD
Launch Complex 12LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 618fd7c9-a824-44fc-9198-a6b25106de71
Reported date: Feb 17, 1965 at 17:05 UTC
Last synced: 15 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 — Atlas Agena B →
MANUFACTURER
United States Air Force
VARIANT
LV-3 Agena B
FLIGHTS
29
SUCCESSES
21
SUCCESS RATE
72.4%
The Atlas LV-3A was a largely unsuccessful configuration until it was given an Agena B upper stage. It was responsible for the launch of Mariner II to Venus and had one of the first engines that could be restarted in orbit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas Agena B | Ranger 8 launch?
The Atlas Agena B | Ranger 8 is scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, 1965 at 5:05 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Ranger 8?
The Atlas Agena B | Ranger 8 mission uses the Atlas Agena B rocket, manufactured by United States Air Force. The Atlas Agena B has flown 29 times with a 72.4% success rate.
Where is the Atlas Agena B | Ranger 8 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 12 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Ranger 8 going to?
The Ranger 8 mission is targeting Lunar Impactor.
Who is launching Ranger 8?
The Atlas Agena B | Ranger 8 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas Agena B | Ranger 8 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 20:13 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:13 UTC
Launch date set: Feb 17, 1965 at 17:05 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:13 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Feb 20, 2025 20:59 UTC
60 Years Ago: Ranger 8 Moon Photos Aid in Apollo Site SelectionBefore Apollo astronauts set foot upon the Moon, much remained unknown about the lunar surface. While most scientists believed the Moon had a solid surface…
NASA
Feb 20, 2025 20:59 UTC
60 Years Ago: Ranger 8 Moon Photos Aid in Apollo Site SelectionBefore Apollo astronauts set foot upon the Moon, much remained unknown about the lunar surface. While most scientists believed the Moon had a solid surface…
NASA
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 15 minutes ago
●Launch Library 215 minutes ago
Launch ID: 618fd7c9-a824-44fc-9198-a6b25106de71
●Spaceflight News API31 minutes ago
2 articles matched
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 28.48, -80.54
Mission Profile
Ranger 8 was a Atlas Agena B LV-3 Agena B mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Launch Complex 12, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on February 17, 1965. The flight carried its payload on a lunar exploration mission to Lunar Impactor. The launch was a success.