PADLaunch Complex 36A
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
FLTSATCOM satellite for US Navy, Air Force and presidential communications
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas SLV-3D CentaurAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
FLTSATCOM 5
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Launch Complex 36ALAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 594f5e5a-e747-4025-a097-7823b5bc2af2
Reported date: Aug 6, 1981 at 08:16 UTC
Last synced: 11 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-3D Centaur →
MANUFACTURER
Convair
VARIANT
SLV-3D Centaur
FLIGHTS
32
SUCCESSES
30
SUCCESS RATE
93.8%
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-3D Centaur | FLTSATCOM 5 launch?
The Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | FLTSATCOM 5 is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 1981 at 8:16 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for FLTSATCOM 5?
The Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | FLTSATCOM 5 mission uses the Atlas SLV-3D Centaur rocket, manufactured by Convair. The Atlas SLV-3D Centaur has flown 32 times with a 93.8% success rate.
Where is the Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | FLTSATCOM 5 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 36A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is FLTSATCOM 5 going to?
The FLTSATCOM 5 mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching FLTSATCOM 5?
The Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | FLTSATCOM 5 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | FLTSATCOM 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 29, 2026 23:43 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 23:43 UTC
Launch date set: Aug 6, 1981 at 08:16 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 23:43 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 11 minutes ago
●Launch Library 211 minutes ago
Launch ID: 594f5e5a-e747-4025-a097-7823b5bc2af2
●Open-Meteo Weather22 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.47, -80.54
Mission Profile
FLTSATCOM 5 was a Atlas SLV-3D Centaur mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Launch Complex 36A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on August 6, 1981. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.