UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

Atlas LV-3A | Samos 2

SUCCESS Atlas Agena B →
Jan 31, 1961 at 20:21 UTC
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA 72% success
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PADSpace Launch Complex 3W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →

The United States Air Force successfully launched the Samos 2 reconnaissance satellite aboard an Atlas Agena B rocket from Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex 3W in 1961. This mission was part of the classified Samos program, America’s first military photographic reconnaissance satellite system during the early Cold War era. The launch represented a crucial step in developing U.S. space-based intelligence gathering capabilities to monitor Soviet activities.

CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 9279744e-46b2-4eca-adea-f1379672ec81
Reported date: Jan 31, 1961 at 20:21 UTC
Last synced: 4 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
United States Air Force
VARIANT
LV-3 Agena B
FLIGHTS
29
SUCCESSES
21
SUCCESS RATE
72.4%

The Atlas LV-3A was a largely unsuccessful configuration until it was given an Agena B upper stage. It was responsible for the launch of Mariner II to Venus and had one of the first engines that could be restarted in orbit.

When is the Atlas LV-3A | Samos 2 launch?
The Atlas LV-3A | Samos 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, January 31, 1961 at 8:21 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 Atlas LV-3A | Samos 2?
The Atlas LV-3A | Samos 2 mission uses the Atlas Agena B rocket, manufactured by United States Air Force. The Atlas Agena B has flown 29 times with a 72.4% success rate.
Where is the Atlas LV-3A | Samos 2 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 3W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
Who is launching Atlas LV-3A | Samos 2?
The Atlas LV-3A | Samos 2 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas LV-3A | Samos 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.
Mar 31, 2026 00:38 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch date set: Jan 31, 1961 at 20:21 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Last data sync: 4 minutes ago
Launch Library 24 minutes ago
Launch ID: 9279744e-46b2-4eca-adea-f1379672ec81
Open-Meteo Weather3 days ago
Pad weather at 34.64, -120.59

Mission Profile

Atlas LV-3A | Samos 2 was a Atlas Agena B LV-3 Agena B mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 3W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on January 31, 1961. The launch was a success.