LOCKHEED MARTIN

Atlas V 521 | Rainbow 1

SUCCESSJul 17, 2003 at 23:45 UTCAtlas V 521
PADSpace Launch Complex 41
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →
ORBITGeosynchronous Orbit
TYPECommunications

Rainbow 1 is a high power Ku-band direct broadcasting satellite providing direct broadcast services across the continental United States.

VEHICLE
Atlas V 521
MISSION
Rainbow 1
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geosynchronous Orbit
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: c8752d92-aecf-436b-8a19-8b5266c01e34
Reported date: Jul 17, 2003 at 23:45 UTC
Last synced: 21 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
Loading weather…
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
MANUFACTURER
United Launch Alliance
VARIANT
521
FLIGHTS
2
SUCCESSES
2
SUCCESS RATE
100%

Atlas V is the fifth major version in the Atlas rocket family. It is an expendable launch system originally designed by Lockheed Martin, now being operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Lockheed and Boeing.

When is the Atlas V 521 | Rainbow 1 launch?
The Atlas V 521 | Rainbow 1 is scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 11:45 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 Rainbow 1?
The Atlas V 521 | Rainbow 1 mission uses the Atlas V 521 rocket, manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The Atlas V 521 has flown 2 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas V 521 | Rainbow 1 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Rainbow 1 going to?
The Rainbow 1 mission is targeting Geosynchronous Orbit.
Who is launching Rainbow 1?
The Atlas V 521 | Rainbow 1 is operated by Lockheed Martin.
Can I watch the Atlas V 521 | Rainbow 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.
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch date set: Jul 17, 2003 at 23:45 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Lockheed Martin
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 21 hours ago
Launch Library 221 hours ago
Launch ID: c8752d92-aecf-436b-8a19-8b5266c01e34
Open-Meteo Weather21 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.58, -80.58