UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Intelsat 503
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Dec 15, 1981 at 23:35 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
Geostationary communications satellite
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas SLV-3D CentaurAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Intelsat 503
MISSION TYPE
Communications
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: fa0d77af-0062-4478-8051-05fc19f7b5a0
Reported date: Dec 15, 1981 at 23:35 UTC
Last synced: 8 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 | Intelsat 503 launch?
The Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Intelsat 503 is scheduled for Tuesday, December 15, 1981 at 11:35 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 Intelsat 503?
The Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Intelsat 503 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 | Intelsat 503 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 36A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Intelsat 503 going to?
The Intelsat 503 mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching Intelsat 503?
The Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Intelsat 503 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Atlas SLV-3D Centaur | Intelsat 503 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: Dec 15, 1981 at 23:35 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: 8 minutes ago
●Launch Library 28 minutes ago
Launch ID: fa0d77af-0062-4478-8051-05fc19f7b5a0
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 28.47, -80.54
Mission Profile
Intelsat 503 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 December 15, 1981. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.