SM-65C Atlas

Atlas C (SM-65C)

Atlas C awaiting launch (USAF)
Function	Prototype ICBM
Manufacturer	Convair
Country of origin	United States
Launch history
Status	Retired
Launch sites	LC-12, CCAFS
Total launches	6
Success(es)	3
Failure(s)	3
First flight	24 December 1958
Last flight	24 August 1959

The SM-65C Atlas, or Atlas C was a prototype of the Atlas missile. First flown on 24 December 1958, the Atlas C was the final development version of the Atlas rocket, prior to the operational Atlas D. It was originally planned to be used as the first stage of the Atlas-Able rocket, but following an explosion during a static test on 24 September 1959, this was abandoned in favour of the Atlas D.

Six flights were made. These were all sub-orbital test flights of the Atlas as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, with three tests succeeding, and three failing.

All Atlas C launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at Launch Complex 12.

Launch history

Date	Time (GMT)	Serial	Apogee	Outcome
1958-12-24	04:45	3C	900 kilometres (560 mi)	Success
1959-01-27	23:34	4C	900 kilometres (560 mi)	Failure
1959-02-20	05:38	5C	100 kilometres (62 mi)	Failure
1959-03-19	00:59	7C	200 kilometres (120 mi)	Failure
1959-07-21	05:22	8C	900 kilometres (560 mi)	Success
1959-08-24	15:53	11C	900 kilometres (560 mi)	Success

See also

• SM-65 Atlas

References

• Encyclopedia Astronautica - Atlas C