UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

Delta II | MSX

SUCCESSApr 24, 1996 at 12:27 UTCDelta II →
PADSpace Launch Complex 2W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →
ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret

MSX (Midcourse Space Experiment) demonstrated different multispectral imaging technologies to identify and track ballistic missiles during flight by observing rocket launches and orbital debris. Additionally it measured the composition and dynamics of the Earth’s atmosphere by observing ozone, chloroflourocarbons, carbon dioxide and methane.

VEHICLE
Delta II
MISSION
MSX
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 98ddb6e1-ae85-491b-8324-7a07082e338e
Reported date: Apr 24, 1996 at 12:27 UTC
Last synced: 20 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
United Launch Alliance
VARIANT
7920-10
FLIGHTS
9
SUCCESSES
9
SUCCESS RATE
100%

Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems.

When is the Delta II | MSX launch?
The Delta II | MSX is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 1996 at 12:27 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 MSX?
The Delta II | MSX mission uses the Delta II rocket, manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The Delta II has flown 9 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Delta II | MSX launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is MSX going to?
The MSX mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching MSX?
The Delta II | MSX is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Delta II | MSX 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 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: Apr 24, 1996 at 12:27 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 20 minutes ago
Launch Library 220 minutes ago
Launch ID: 98ddb6e1-ae85-491b-8324-7a07082e338e
Open-Meteo Weather10 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.62