UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F9

SUCCESSFeb 3, 1988 at 05:53 UTCAtlas E →
PADSpace Launch Complex 3W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →
ORBITSun-Synchronous Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret

Military meteorological satellite

VEHICLE
Atlas E
MISSION
DMSP-5D2 F9
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 349d03f4-c1d8-4398-a937-5943729f2787
Reported date: Feb 3, 1988 at 05:53 UTC
Last synced: 9 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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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.

When is the Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F9 launch?
The Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F9 is scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, 1988 at 5:53 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 F9?
The Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F9 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 F9 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 3W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is DMSP-5D2 F9 going to?
The DMSP-5D2 F9 mission is targeting Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
Who is launching DMSP-5D2 F9?
The Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F9 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas E | DMSP-5D2 F9 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.
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: Feb 3, 1988 at 05:53 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
Last data sync: 9 minutes ago
Launch Library 29 minutes ago
Launch ID: 349d03f4-c1d8-4398-a937-5943729f2787
Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 34.64, -120.59

Mission Profile

DMSP-5D2 F9 was a Atlas E mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 3W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on February 3, 1988. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Sun-Synchronous Orbit. The launch was a success.