Atlas LV-3A / Agena A

This page no longer updated from 31 October 2001. Latest version can be found at www.astronautix.com

Atlas LV-3A / Agena A

Atlas Agena A - Atlas Agena A - Midas 2 - COSPAR 1960 Zeta

13,968 bytes. 135 x 434 pixels.

Family: Atlas. Country: USA. Status: Hardware. Other Designations: Atlas-Hustler. Department of Defence Designation: LV-3A.

Agena originally called 'Hustler', based on engine for cancelled rocket-propelled nuclear warhead pod for B-58 Hustler bomber.

Specifications

Payload: 800 kg. to a: Geosynchronous transfer trajectory. Liftoff Thrust: 161,848 kgf. Total Mass: 123,990 kg. Core Diameter: 3.1 m. Total Length: 30.0 m.

Stage Number: 0. 1 x Atlas MA-2 Gross Mass: 3,050 kg. Empty Mass: 3,050 kg. Thrust (vac): 154,734 kgf. Isp: 282 sec. Burn time: 135 sec. Isp(sl): 248 sec. Diameter: 4.9 m. Span: 4.9 m. Length: 0.0 m. Propellants: Lox/Kerosene No Engines: 2. XLR-89-5
Stage Number: 1. 1 x Atlas Agena LV-3A Gross Mass: 117,150 kg. Empty Mass: 2,390 kg. Thrust (vac): 37,038 kgf. Isp: 309 sec. Burn time: 330 sec. Isp(sl): 215 sec. Diameter: 3.1 m. Span: 4.9 m. Length: 20.3 m. Propellants: Lox/Kerosene No Engines: 1. XLR-105-5
Stage Number: 2. 1 x Agena A Gross Mass: 3,790 kg. Empty Mass: 885 kg. Thrust (vac): 7,031 kgf. Isp: 276 sec. Burn time: 120 sec. Isp(sl): 0 sec. Diameter: 1.5 m. Span: 1.5 m. Length: 4.7 m. Propellants: Nitric acid/UDMH No Engines: 1. Bell 8048

Atlas LV-3A / Agena A Chronology

1960 Feb 26 - - 17:25 GMT. LV Configuration: Atlas LV-3 s/n 29D / Agena A s/n 1008. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Complex: LC14. FAILURE: Second stage failed to separate.

Midas 1 Spacecraft: Midas. Payload: Midas / Agena TV 1008. Mass: 2,025 kg.
Missile Defense Alarm System.

1960 May 24 - - 17:37 GMT. LV Configuration: Atlas s/n 45D / Agena A s/n 1007. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral . Launch Complex: LC14.

Midas 2 Spacecraft: Midas. Payload: Midas / Agena TV 1007. Mass: 2,300 kg.
Missile Defense Alarm System.

1960 Oct 11 - - 20:33 GMT. LV Configuration: Atlas LV-3 s/n 57D / Agena A s/n 2101. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC1-1. FAILURE: Second stage failure.

Samos 1 Spacecraft: Samos. Payload: Samos E-1 no. 1. Mass: 1,845 kg.
First generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images; Satellite and Missile Observation Satellite.

1961 Jan 31 - - 20:21 GMT. LV Configuration: Atlas s/n 70D / Agena A s/n 2102. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC1-1.

Samos 2 Spacecraft: Samos. Payload: Samos E-1 no. 2. Mass: 1,900 kg.
First generation photo surveillance; radio relay of images; micrometeoroid impact data. Poor results.
Atlas Agena A
Credit: US Air Force. 13,367 bytes. 158 x 460 pixels.

Bibliography:

45 - Koelle, Heinz Hermann,, Handbook of Astronautical Engineering, McGraw-Hill,New York, 1961.

Atlas Agena A

Back to Index

Last update 12 March 2001.
Definitions of Technical Terms.
Contact Mark Wade with any corrections or comments.
Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site..
© Mark Wade, 2001 .