UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Atlas SLV-3A Agena D | Canyon 5
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Dec 20, 1972 at 22:20 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PADSpace Launch Complex 13
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
Canyon was the first series of NRO’s near geostationary ELINT/SIGINT satellites launched under the designation AFP-827 or Program 7500 for NRO’s Program A. They were focussed on communications intelligence (COMINT).
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas SLV-3A Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Canyon 5
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 13LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 8b07779e-8e95-44ed-9d4c-b82d32fc7888
Reported date: Dec 20, 1972 at 22:20 UTC
Last synced: 20 minutes 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-3A Agena D →
MANUFACTURER
Convair
VARIANT
SLV-3A Agena D
FLIGHTS
12
SUCCESSES
11
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-3A Agena D | Canyon 5 launch?
The Atlas SLV-3A Agena D | Canyon 5 is scheduled for Wednesday, December 20, 1972 at 10:20 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 Canyon 5?
The Atlas SLV-3A Agena D | Canyon 5 mission uses the Atlas SLV-3A Agena D rocket, manufactured by Convair. The Atlas SLV-3A Agena D has flown 12 times with a 91.7% success rate.
Where is the Atlas SLV-3A Agena D | Canyon 5 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 13 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Canyon 5 going to?
The Canyon 5 mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching Canyon 5?
The Atlas SLV-3A Agena D | Canyon 5 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas SLV-3A Agena D | Canyon 5 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 21:44 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 21:44 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 20, 1972 at 22:20 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 21:44 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 20 minutes ago
●Launch Library 220 minutes ago
Launch ID: 8b07779e-8e95-44ed-9d4c-b82d32fc7888
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 28.49, -80.55
Mission Profile
Canyon 5 was a Atlas SLV-3A Agena D mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 13, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on December 20, 1972. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.