PADSpace Launch Complex 13
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITElliptical Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
The Vela (meaning “watchman” in Spanish) series of spacecraft were designed to monitor worldwide compliance with the 1963 nuclear test ban treaty.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Vela 1A & 1B
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 13LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 88a19d66-08aa-491c-9b0b-efa94f19cacd
Reported date: Oct 17, 1963 at 02:37 UTC
Last synced: 5 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 D →
MANUFACTURER
Convair
VARIANT
Agena D
FLIGHTS
15
SUCCESSES
15
SUCCESS RATE
100%
The Atlas-Agena 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 launched 109 times between 1960 and 1978.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas Agena D | Vela 1A & 1B launch?
The Atlas Agena D | Vela 1A & 1B is scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 1963 at 2:37 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 Vela 1A & 1B?
The Atlas Agena D | Vela 1A & 1B mission uses the Atlas Agena D rocket, manufactured by Convair. The Atlas Agena D has flown 15 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas Agena D | Vela 1A & 1B launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 13 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Vela 1A & 1B going to?
The Vela 1A & 1B mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Vela 1A & 1B?
The Atlas Agena D | Vela 1A & 1B is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas Agena D | Vela 1A & 1B 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: Oct 17, 1963 at 02:37 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 5 minutes ago
●Launch Library 25 minutes ago
Launch ID: 88a19d66-08aa-491c-9b0b-efa94f19cacd
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 28.49, -80.55
Mission Profile
Vela 1A & 1B was a Atlas Agena D mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 13, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on October 17, 1963. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.