MISSION OVERVIEW
A-004 was the sixth and final test of the Apollo launch escape vehicle and the first flight of a Block I production-type Apollo Command/Service Module.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Little Joe IIMISSION
A-004
MISSION TYPE
Test Flight
TARGET ORBIT
Suborbital
LAUNCH PAD
Launch Complex 36LAUNCH SITE
White Sands Missile RangePROGRAM
Apollo
COUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 366725ae-a846-4cb2-bdae-58ee8b1715ab
Reported date: Jan 20, 1966 at 15:17 UTC
Last synced: 14 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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APOLLO COMMAND/SERVICE MODULE — APOLLO CSM-002
CSM-002SERIAL
1FLIGHTS
SuborbitalDESTINATION
Single UseSTATUS
Apollo CSM used for the A-004 suborbital test flight.
VEHICLE — Little Joe II →
MANUFACTURER
Convair
VARIANT
II
FLIGHTS
5
SUCCESSES
4
SUCCESS RATE
80%
American rocket used from 1963 to 1966 for five uncrewed suborbital tests of the Apollo spacecraft launch escape system and of the command module parachute recovery system in abort mode.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Little Joe II | A-004 launch?
The Little Joe II | A-004 is scheduled for Thursday, January 20, 1966 at 3:17 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 A-004?
The Little Joe II | A-004 mission uses the Little Joe II rocket, manufactured by Convair. The Little Joe II has flown 5 times with a 80% success rate.
Where is the Little Joe II | A-004 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 36 at White Sands Missile Range.
What orbit is A-004 going to?
The A-004 mission is targeting Suborbital.
Who is launching A-004?
The Little Joe II | A-004 is operated by National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is part of the Apollo program.
Can I watch the Little Joe II | A-004 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 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch date set: Jan 20, 1966 at 15:17 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 14 minutes ago
●Launch Library 214 minutes ago
Launch ID: 366725ae-a846-4cb2-bdae-58ee8b1715ab
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 32.42, -106.32
BROWSE BY
Mission Profile
A-004 was a Little Joe II mission operated by National Aeronautics and Space Administration that lifted off from Launch Complex 36, White Sands Missile Range on January 20, 1966. The flight carried its payload on a test flight mission to Suborbital. It was flown as part of the Apollo program. The launch was a success.