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Photo Gallery: Maiden launch of Atlas 3 SPACEFLIGHT NOW Posted: May 24, 2000 Lockheed Martin's first Atlas 3A rocket was successfully launched on May 24 from Cape Canaveral and placed the Eutelsat W4 satellite into orbit. Images: Lockheed Martin TV/Spaceflight Now.
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Flight data file Vehicle: Atlas 3A (AC-201) Payload: Eutelsat's W4 Launch date: May 24, 2000 Launch window: 2139-2358 GMT (5:39-7:58 p.m. EDT) Launch site: SLC-36B, Cape Canaveral, Fla. Video vault The inaugural Lockheed Martin Atlas 3A rocket launches from Cape Canaveral with the Eutelsat W4 satellite. PLAY (317k, 36sec QuickTime file) A video camera mounted to the side of the Lockheed Martin Atlas 3A rocket shows the successful liftoff from Cape Canaveral's pad 36B. PLAY (775k, 1min 49sec QuickTime file) The Atlas booster stage separates and the payload fairing is jettisoned as seen by a video camera mounted to the side of rocket. PLAY (366k, 52sec QuickTime file) A camera attached to the Centaur upper stage shows the Atlas booster stage being released and ignition of the RL-10 engine. PLAY (534k, 1min 00sec QuickTime file) Watch the planned sequence of events as the inaugural Atlas 3A rocket carries the Eutelsat W4 telecommunications satellite into orbit. PLAY (775k, 2min 39sec QuickTime file) Lockheed Martin's John Karas explains how the Atlas 3A will accelerate from Earth much faster than previous Atlas rockets. PLAY (230k, 1min 30sec QuickTime file) Learn about the engines and stages of the Lockheed Martin Atlas 3A rocket that will launch the Eutelsat W4 satellite. PLAY (342k, 49sec QuickTime file) The Russian RD-180 engine is test fired at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center to prepare for use aboard the Atlas 3 rocket. PLAY (155k, 23sec QuickTime file) The first Lockheed Martin Atlas 3A rocket is assembled at Cape Canaveral's pad 36Bfor the inaugural launch. PLAY (500k, 1min 16sec QuickTime file) Eutelsat's W4 telecommunications satellite undergoes final pre-launch processing work in Florida. PLAY (331k, 50sec QuickTime file) Download QuickTime 4 software to view this file. Pre-launch briefing Launch preview - Read our story for a complete preview of the first Atlas 3A launch. Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch. Atlas 3A vehicle data - Overview of the rocket that will launch W4 into space. The RD-180 - Facts and figures about the Russian-built engine to power Atlas 3. Eutelsat W4 - Description of the satellite to be launched on AC-201. Launch windows - Available windows for future launch dates of AC-201. |
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FULL LAUNCH STORY |