NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Failure

Samos 4

Launch Time
Wed Nov 22, 1961 20:45 UTC

Pitch control failed at T+244 seconds. Agena separated but was left facing in the wrong direction for orbital insertion.

Rocket

Atlas-LV3 Agena-B
Image Credit: USAF or NASA
General Dynamics
Status: Retired
Payload to LEO: 1,725 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 0

Mission Details

Samos 4

The Samos E or SAMOS ("Satellite and Missile Observation System") program was a relatively short-lived series of reconnaissance satellites for the United States in the early 1960s, also used as a cover for the initial development of the KH-7 Gambit system.

Payloads: 1
Low Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-3W, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1961

45th orbital launch attempt

Atlas-Agena

10th mission
7th mission of 1961
6th failed mission