NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Vela 6A/6B

Launch Time
Wed Apr 08, 1970 10:50 UTC

Rocket

Titan IIIC
Martin Marietta
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 13,642 kN
Payload to LEO: 13,100 kg
Payload to GTO: 3,000 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 42.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 3.0 m

Mission Details

Vela 6A/6B

Like its predecessor, the Vela, the Advanced Vela series of spacecraft was designed to monitor worldwide compliance with the 1963 nuclear test ban treaty. The Advanced series added atmospheric nuclear detonation detection to its capabilities. Additionally, it monitored solar activity (providing radiation warnings for manned missions), terrestrial lightning activity, and celestial X/gamma-ray radiation. All six spacecraft operated for more than 10 years. Their nuclear detection role was assumed by IMEWS in the 1970s. Touted as the longest continuously operating space system in 1985 when USAF shut down the last 3 spacecraft.

Payloads: 2
Total Mass: 522.0 kg
Highly Elliptical Orbit

Location

SLC-40, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

1970

29th orbital launch attempt

Titan III

43rd mission
2nd mission of 1970
37th successful mission
25th consecutive successful mission