LOCKHEED MARTIN

Atlas IIAS | Galaxy 8i

SUCCESSDec 8, 1997 at 23:52 UTCAtlas IIAS →
PADLaunch Complex 36B
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →
ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPECommunications

Galaxy 8-i is one of the most powerful satellites to join PanAmSat Corporation’s fleet of spacecraft, with nearly 10 kilowatts of power at beginning of life. It is a Hughes HS-601HP body-stabilized model built by Hughes Space and Communications Company in El Segundo, Calif.

VEHICLE
Atlas IIAS
MISSION
Galaxy 8i
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: cb3f88b6-1750-4213-8b63-85fb49040425
Reported date: Dec 8, 1997 at 23:52 UTC
Last synced: 3 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 | Galaxy 8i launch?
The Atlas IIAS | Galaxy 8i is scheduled for Monday, December 8, 1997 at 11:52 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 Galaxy 8i?
The Atlas IIAS | Galaxy 8i 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 | Galaxy 8i launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 36B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Galaxy 8i going to?
The Galaxy 8i mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching Galaxy 8i?
The Atlas IIAS | Galaxy 8i is operated by Lockheed Martin.
Can I watch the Atlas IIAS | Galaxy 8i 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: Dec 8, 1997 at 23:52 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: 3 minutes ago
Launch Library 23 minutes ago
Launch ID: cb3f88b6-1750-4213-8b63-85fb49040425
Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 28.47, -80.54

Mission Profile

Galaxy 8i was a Atlas IIAS mission operated by Lockheed Martin that lifted off from Launch Complex 36B, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on December 8, 1997. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.