LOCKHEED MARTIN

Atlas IIAS | Echostar III

SUCCESS Atlas IIAS →
Oct 5, 1997 at 21:01 UTC
Geostationary Orbit Communications Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA 100% success
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Mission Control3D trajectory · Live telemetry · AI narrator · Booster tracking
PADLaunch Complex 36B
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →
ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPECommunications

EchoStar 3 was originaly ordered as DBSC 1 by DBSC (Direct Broadcast Satellite Corporation) which merged with a subsidiary of EchoStar in late 1995. The merger was approved by the FCC in August 1996. EchoStar is only authorized to operate 11 transponders from 61.5°W but was granted in Mar 1998 a special authorization to use the full frequency space at that location.

VEHICLE
Atlas IIAS
MISSION
Echostar III
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 25161436-122b-46bc-86fb-b72d33c29378
Reported date: Oct 5, 1997 at 21:01 UTC
Last synced: 12 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
Lockheed Martin
VARIANT
IIAS
FLIGHTS
30
SUCCESSES
30
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 IIAS | Echostar III launch?
The Atlas IIAS | Echostar III is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 1997 at 9:01 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 Echostar III?
The Atlas IIAS | Echostar III mission uses the Atlas IIAS rocket, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The Atlas IIAS has flown 30 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas IIAS | Echostar III launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 36B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Echostar III going to?
The Echostar III mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching Echostar III?
The Atlas IIAS | Echostar III is operated by Lockheed Martin.
Can I watch the Atlas IIAS | Echostar III 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 5, 1997 at 21:01 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: 12 minutes ago
Launch Library 212 minutes ago
Launch ID: 25161436-122b-46bc-86fb-b72d33c29378
Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 28.47, -80.54

Mission Profile

Echostar III was a Atlas IIAS mission operated by Lockheed Martin that lifted off from Launch Complex 36B, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on October 5, 1997. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.