PADSpace Launch Complex 3W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITMedium Earth Orbit
TYPENavigation
PROGRAMGlobal Positioning System
MISSION OVERVIEW
First generation GPS satellite
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas E/SGS-2AGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
GPS 8
MISSION TYPE
Navigation
TARGET ORBIT
Medium Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 3WLAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USAPROGRAM
Global Positioning System
COUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: ed2827ad-bfd3-4c6b-a876-d2422149b13c
Reported date: Jul 14, 1983 at 10:21 UTC
Last synced: 4 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 E/SGS-2 →
MANUFACTURER
Convair
VARIANT
E/SGS-2
FLIGHTS
4
SUCCESSES
4
SUCCESS RATE
100%
The Atlas E/F (or SB-1A) was an American expendable launch system and sounding rocket built using parts of decommissioned SM-65 Atlas missiles. It was a member of the Atlas family of rockets.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas E/SGS-2 | GPS 8 launch?
The Atlas E/SGS-2 | GPS 8 is scheduled for Thursday, July 14, 1983 at 10:21 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 GPS 8?
The Atlas E/SGS-2 | GPS 8 mission uses the Atlas E/SGS-2 rocket, manufactured by Convair. The Atlas E/SGS-2 has flown 4 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas E/SGS-2 | GPS 8 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 3W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is GPS 8 going to?
The GPS 8 mission is targeting Medium Earth Orbit.
Who is launching GPS 8?
The Atlas E/SGS-2 | GPS 8 is operated by United States Air Force. It is part of the Global Positioning System program.
Can I watch the Atlas E/SGS-2 | GPS 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 29, 2026 23:44 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 23:44 UTC
Launch date set: Jul 14, 1983 at 10:21 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 23:44 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 4 minutes ago
●Launch Library 24 minutes ago
Launch ID: ed2827ad-bfd3-4c6b-a876-d2422149b13c
●Open-Meteo Weather16 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.64, -120.59
Mission Profile
GPS 8 was a Atlas E/SGS-2 mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 3W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on July 14, 1983. The flight carried its payload on a navigation mission to Medium Earth Orbit. It was flown as part of the Global Positioning System program. The launch was a success.