PADSpace Launch Complex 3E
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
The Parcae satellites were passive ELINT satellites. MSD satellites were dispensers of triplets of ocean surveillance satellites.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas H
AGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 3ELAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 842b7b16-daa8-4d05-a14d-fca448cfeb1a
Reported date: May 15, 1987 at 15:45 UTC
Last synced: 18 hours 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
MANUFACTURER
Convair
VARIANT
H
FLIGHTS
5
SUCCESSES
5
SUCCESS RATE
100%
The Atlas H 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 used to launch five clusters of NOSS satellites for the US National Reconnaissance Office. Two flights also carried LiPS satellites, as secondary payloads for the United States Naval Research Laboratory.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas H | Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9 launch?
The Atlas H | Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9 is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 1987 at 3:45 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 Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9?
The Atlas H | Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9 mission uses the Atlas H rocket, manufactured by Convair. The Atlas H has flown 5 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas H | Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9 going to?
The Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9?
The Atlas H | Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas H | Parcae 9A,B,C & MSD 9 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: May 15, 1987 at 15:45 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: 18 hours ago
●Launch Library 218 hours ago
Launch ID: 842b7b16-daa8-4d05-a14d-fca448cfeb1a
●Open-Meteo Weather18 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.64, -120.59