PADSpace Launch Complex 41
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITGeosynchronous Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
Rainbow 1 is a high power Ku-band direct broadcasting satellite providing direct broadcast services across the continental United States.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas V 521
AGENCY
Lockheed MartinMISSION
Rainbow 1
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geosynchronous Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 41LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: c8752d92-aecf-436b-8a19-8b5266c01e34
Reported date: Jul 17, 2003 at 23:45 UTC
Last synced: 8 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
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
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
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 8 hours ago
●Launch Library 220 hours ago
Launch ID: c8752d92-aecf-436b-8a19-8b5266c01e34
●Open-Meteo Weather20 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.58, -80.58
Mission Profile
Rainbow 1 was a Atlas V 521 mission operated by Lockheed Martin that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on July 17, 2003. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geosynchronous Orbit. The launch was a success.