MISSION OVERVIEW
Mars orbiter designed to map 70% of the Martian surface and study temporal changes in the Martian atmosphere and surface.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas SLV-3C CentaurAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Mariner 8
MISSION TYPE
Robotic Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Mars Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Launch Complex 36ALAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 6f7f51ac-6a99-45b3-8464-aeb229667feb
Reported date: May 9, 1971 at 01:11 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-3C Centaur →
MANUFACTURER
Convair
VARIANT
SLV-3C Centaur
FLIGHTS
17
SUCCESSES
15
SUCCESS RATE
88.2%
The Atlas-Centaur was a US expendable launch vehicle derived from the SM-65 Atlas D missile. Launches were conducted from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas SLV-3C Centaur | Mariner 8 launch?
The Atlas SLV-3C Centaur | Mariner 8 is scheduled for Sunday, May 9, 1971 at 1:11 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: FAILURE.
What rocket is being used for Mariner 8?
The Atlas SLV-3C Centaur | Mariner 8 mission uses the Atlas SLV-3C Centaur rocket, manufactured by Convair. The Atlas SLV-3C Centaur has flown 17 times with a 88.2% success rate.
Where is the Atlas SLV-3C Centaur | Mariner 8 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 36A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Mariner 8 going to?
The Mariner 8 mission is targeting Mars Orbit.
Who is launching Mariner 8?
The Atlas SLV-3C Centaur | Mariner 8 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas SLV-3C Centaur | Mariner 8 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: May 9, 1971 at 01:11 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 21:44 UTC
Launch failure reported
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 4 hours ago
●Launch Library 24 hours ago
Launch ID: 6f7f51ac-6a99-45b3-8464-aeb229667feb
●Open-Meteo Weather4 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.47, -80.54
