PADSpace Launch Complex 3W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITSun-Synchronous Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
Military meteorological satellite
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas EAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
DMSP-5D2 F8
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 3WLAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 52d7b3b4-b3dd-41e2-976c-c4b2ef29521e
Reported date: Jun 20, 1987 at 02:34 UTC
Last synced: 1 minute ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
Loading weather…
CAN YOU SEE THIS LAUNCH?
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
VEHICLE — Atlas E →
MANUFACTURER
Convair
VARIANT
E
FLIGHTS
15
SUCCESSES
15
SUCCESS RATE
100%
The SM-65E Atlas, or Atlas-E, was an operational variant of the Atlas missile. It first flew on 11 October 1960, and was deployed as an operational ICBM from September 1961 until April 1966. Following retirement as an ICBM, the Atlas-E, along with the Atlas-F, was refurbished for orbital launches as the Atlas E/F.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F8 launch?
The Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F8 is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 1987 at 2:34 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 DMSP-5D2 F8?
The Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F8 mission uses the Atlas E rocket, manufactured by Convair. The Atlas E has flown 15 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F8 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 3W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is DMSP-5D2 F8 going to?
The DMSP-5D2 F8 mission is targeting Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
Who is launching DMSP-5D2 F8?
The Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F8 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F8 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 05:33 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 05:33 UTC
Launch date set: Jun 20, 1987 at 02:34 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 05:33 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 1 minute ago
●Launch Library 21 minute ago
Launch ID: 52d7b3b4-b3dd-41e2-976c-c4b2ef29521e
●Open-Meteo Weather16 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.64, -120.59
Mission Profile
DMSP-5D2 F8 was a Atlas E mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 3W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on June 20, 1987. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Sun-Synchronous Orbit. The launch was a success.