PADSpace Launch Complex 17B
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
American communications satellite. The launch on 4 May 1999 was unsuccessful due to underperformance by the rocket booster and the satellite was left in a useless orbit.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Delta IIIAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Orion 3
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 17BLAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 3954ac60-8f76-48a9-a76f-5434f3184c29
Reported date: May 5, 1999 at 01:00 UTC
Last synced: 16 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 — Delta III →
MANUFACTURER
Boeing
VARIANT
8930
FLIGHTS
3
SUCCESSES
1
SUCCESS RATE
33.3%
The Delta III rocket was an expendable launch vehicle made by Boeing. The first Delta III launch was on August 26, 1998.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Delta 8930 | Orion 3 launch?
The Delta 8930 | Orion 3 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, 1999 at 1:00 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 Orion 3?
The Delta 8930 | Orion 3 mission uses the Delta III rocket, manufactured by Boeing. The Delta III has flown 3 times with a 33.3% success rate.
Where is the Delta 8930 | Orion 3 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Orion 3 going to?
The Orion 3 mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching Orion 3?
The Delta 8930 | Orion 3 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Delta 8930 | Orion 3 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 01:16 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch date set: May 5, 1999 at 01:00 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch failure reported
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 16 minutes ago
●Launch Library 216 minutes ago
Launch ID: 3954ac60-8f76-48a9-a76f-5434f3184c29
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Orion 3 was a Delta III 8930 mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on May 5, 1999. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch ended in failure.