LOCKHEED MARTIN

Atlas IIA | DSCS-3 B13

SUCCESSOct 25, 1997 at 00:46 UTCAtlas IIA →
PADLaunch Complex 36A
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →
ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPECommunications

DSCS-3 (Defense Satellite Communications System 3) are geostationary communications satellites, which provide a robust anti-jam, nuclear hardened capability that supports Department of Defense (DoD) worldwide requirements, White House and Diplomatic communications. They are the follow-on generation of the DSCS-2 satellites.

VEHICLE
Atlas IIA
MISSION
DSCS-3 B13
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 7b602398-7e73-4d54-9777-f6353c597b57
Reported date: Oct 25, 1997 at 00:46 UTC
Last synced: 11 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
Lockheed Martin
VARIANT
IIA
FLIGHTS
23
SUCCESSES
23
SUCCESS RATE
100%

Atlas II was a member of the Atlas family of launch vehicles, which evolved from the successful Atlas missile program of the 1950s. It was designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. Sixty-three launches of the Atlas II, IIA and IIAS models were carried out between 1991 and 2004; all sixty-three launches were successes, making the Atlas II the most reliable launch system in history.

When is the Atlas IIA | DSCS-3 B13 launch?
The Atlas IIA | DSCS-3 B13 is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 1997 at 12:46 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 DSCS-3 B13?
The Atlas IIA | DSCS-3 B13 mission uses the Atlas IIA rocket, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The Atlas IIA has flown 23 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas IIA | DSCS-3 B13 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 36A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is DSCS-3 B13 going to?
The DSCS-3 B13 mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching DSCS-3 B13?
The Atlas IIA | DSCS-3 B13 is operated by Lockheed Martin.
Can I watch the Atlas IIA | DSCS-3 B13 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 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: Oct 25, 1997 at 00:46 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Lockheed Martin
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 11 minutes ago
Launch Library 211 minutes ago
Launch ID: 7b602398-7e73-4d54-9777-f6353c597b57
Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 28.47, -80.54

Mission Profile

DSCS-3 B13 was a Atlas IIA mission operated by Lockheed Martin that lifted off from Launch Complex 36A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on October 25, 1997. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.