UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | RTS-1 3
—
—
Oct 5, 1966 at 22:00 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
Initializing Launch Globe…
MISSION OVERVIEW
The RTS-1 (Research Test Series 1), also known as MIDAS-RTS-1 or AFP-461, was an extension to the MIDAS program of early warning satellites.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas SLV-3 Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
RTS-1 3
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Polar Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 3ELAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: ecd6491e-d5fa-409a-a027-c80b6058f56e
Reported date: Oct 5, 1966 at 22:00 UTC
Last synced: 14 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
Loading weather…
CAN YOU SEE THIS LAUNCH?
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
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 | RTS-1 3 launch?
The Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | RTS-1 3 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 5, 1966 at 10:00 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 RTS-1 3?
The Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | RTS-1 3 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 | RTS-1 3 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is RTS-1 3 going to?
The RTS-1 3 mission is targeting Polar Orbit.
Who is launching RTS-1 3?
The Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | RTS-1 3 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas SLV-3 Agena D | RTS-1 3 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 20:52 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:52 UTC
Launch date set: Oct 5, 1966 at 22:00 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:52 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 14 minutes ago
●Launch Library 214 minutes ago
Launch ID: ecd6491e-d5fa-409a-a027-c80b6058f56e
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 34.64, -120.59
Mission Profile
RTS-1 3 was a Atlas SLV-3 Agena D mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 3E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on October 5, 1966. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Polar Orbit. The launch was a success.