MISSION OVERVIEW
Geostationary communications satellite
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas IIAAGENCY
Lockheed MartinMISSION
Hot Bird 2
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Launch Complex 36BLAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: f4561a34-aaef-42a8-ba5b-6d7fee4bee6b
Reported date: Nov 21, 1996 at 20:47 UTC
Last synced: 9 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 IIA →
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas IIA | Hot Bird 2 launch?
The Atlas IIA | Hot Bird 2 is scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 1996 at 8:47 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 Hot Bird 2?
The Atlas IIA | Hot Bird 2 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 | Hot Bird 2 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 36B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Hot Bird 2 going to?
The Hot Bird 2 mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching Hot Bird 2?
The Atlas IIA | Hot Bird 2 is operated by Lockheed Martin.
Can I watch the Atlas IIA | Hot Bird 2 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 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: Nov 21, 1996 at 20:47 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Lockheed Martin
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 9 minutes ago
●Launch Library 29 minutes ago
Launch ID: f4561a34-aaef-42a8-ba5b-6d7fee4bee6b
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 28.47, -80.54
Mission Profile
Hot Bird 2 was a Atlas IIA mission operated by Lockheed Martin that lifted off from Launch Complex 36B, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on November 21, 1996. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.