MISSION OVERVIEW
OAO 1 (Orbiting Astronomical Observatory 1) was a solar-cell-powered satellite instrumented to make precision astronomical observations and to measure the absorption and emission characteristics of the stars, planets, nebulae, and the interplanetary and interstellar media from visible to gamma-ray regions.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas SLV-3 Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
OAO 1
MISSION TYPE
Planetary Science
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Launch Complex 12LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: d8c1ac26-f2c7-4ba2-89ec-0d949769adf3
Reported date: Apr 8, 1966 at 19:35 UTC
Last synced: 6 hours 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 SLV-3 Agena D →
MANUFACTURER
Convair
VARIANT
SLV-3 Agena D
FLIGHTS
48
SUCCESSES
44
SUCCESS RATE
91.7%
The Atlas-Agena was an American expendable launch system derived from the SM-65 Atlas missile. It was a member of the Atlas family of rockets, and was launched 109 times between 1960 and 1978.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | OAO 1 launch?
The Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | OAO 1 is scheduled for Friday, April 8, 1966 at 7:35 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 OAO 1?
The Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | OAO 1 mission uses the Atlas SLV-3 Agena D rocket, manufactured by Convair. The Atlas SLV-3 Agena D has flown 48 times with a 91.7% success rate.
Where is the Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | OAO 1 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 12 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is OAO 1 going to?
The OAO 1 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching OAO 1?
The Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | OAO 1 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | OAO 1 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 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch date set: Apr 8, 1966 at 19:35 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 6 hours ago
●Launch Library 26 hours ago
Launch ID: d8c1ac26-f2c7-4ba2-89ec-0d949769adf3
●Open-Meteo Weather6 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.48, -80.54
