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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Atlas LV-3B | Mercury-Atlas 6

SUCCESSFeb 20, 1962 at 14:47 UTCAtlas LV-3B →
PADSpace Launch Complex 14
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →
ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEHuman Exploration
PROGRAMMercury

Mercury-Atlas 6 was the third crewed spaceflight for the United States. The spacecraft, named Friendship 7, completed three orbits making John Glenn the first United States astronaut to orbit Earth. The mission lasted for 4 hours, 55 minutes & 23seconds.

MISSION
Mercury-Atlas 6
MISSION TYPE
Human Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
PROGRAM
Mercury
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: ef68f324-c31b-471c-b401-2ce64aaa229c
Reported date: Feb 20, 1962 at 14:47 UTC
Last synced: 9 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
VARIANT
LV-3B
FLIGHTS
10
SUCCESSES
7
SUCCESS RATE
70%

The Atlas LV-3B, Atlas D Mercury Launch Vehicle or Mercury-Atlas Launch Vehicle, was a human-rated expendable launch system used as part of the United States Project Mercury to send astronauts into low Earth orbit. Manufactured by American aircraft manufacturing company Convair, it was derived from the SM-65D Atlas missile, and was a member of the Atlas family of rockets.

When is the Atlas LV-3B | Mercury-Atlas 6 launch?
The Atlas LV-3B | Mercury-Atlas 6 is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, 1962 at 2:47 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 Mercury-Atlas 6?
The Atlas LV-3B | Mercury-Atlas 6 mission uses the Atlas LV-3B rocket, manufactured by National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Atlas LV-3B has flown 10 times with a 70% success rate.
Where is the Atlas LV-3B | Mercury-Atlas 6 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Mercury-Atlas 6 going to?
The Mercury-Atlas 6 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Mercury-Atlas 6?
The Atlas LV-3B | Mercury-Atlas 6 is operated by National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is part of the Mercury program.
Can I watch the Atlas LV-3B | Mercury-Atlas 6 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 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch date set: Feb 20, 1962 at 14:47 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 9 hours ago
Launch Library 29 hours ago
Launch ID: ef68f324-c31b-471c-b401-2ce64aaa229c
Open-Meteo Weather9 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.49, -80.55