MISSION OVERVIEW
The Martin X-23 PRIME (Precision Recovery Including Maneuvering Entry) was a small uncrewed lifting body re-entry vehicle tested by the United States Air Force in the late 1960s. PRIME 1 was launched on 21 December 1966 on a mission to simulate a low-earth orbit reentry with a zero cross-range. The ballute deployed at 30.43 km, though the recovery parachute failed to completely deploy. The vehicle crashed into the Pacific Ocean and was not recovered.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas SLV-3AGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
PRIME 1
MISSION TYPE
Test Flight
TARGET ORBIT
Suborbital
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 3ELAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 6c270cb2-9b99-44b1-bfc1-e30aa5efa4b8
Reported date: Dec 21, 1966 at 22:15 UTC
Last synced: 4 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 →
MANUFACTURER
Convair
VARIANT
SLV-3
FLIGHTS
4
SUCCESSES
4
SUCCESS RATE
100%
The Atlas SLV-3, or SLV-3 Atlas was an American expendable launch system derived from the SM-65 Atlas / SM-65D Atlas missile. It was a member of the Atlas family of rockets.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas SLV-3 | PRIME 1 launch?
The Atlas SLV-3 | PRIME 1 is scheduled for Wednesday, December 21, 1966 at 10:15 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 PRIME 1?
The Atlas SLV-3 | PRIME 1 mission uses the Atlas SLV-3 rocket, manufactured by Convair. The Atlas SLV-3 has flown 4 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas SLV-3 | PRIME 1 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is PRIME 1 going to?
The PRIME 1 mission is targeting Suborbital.
Who is launching PRIME 1?
The Atlas SLV-3 | PRIME 1 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas SLV-3 | PRIME 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 20:52 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:52 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 21, 1966 at 22:15 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: 4 hours ago
●Launch Library 24 hours ago
Launch ID: 6c270cb2-9b99-44b1-bfc1-e30aa5efa4b8
●Open-Meteo Weather5 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.64, -120.59
