NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

SCORE

Launch Time
Thu Dec 18, 1958 23:02 UTC

The first communications satellite launch and the only orbital launch of Atlas B.

Rocket

SM-65B Atlas
US Air Force
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 1,600 kN
Payload to LEO: 70 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 26.0 m

Mission Details

SCORE

Project SCORE (Signal Communications by Orbiting Relay Equipment) was the world’s first communications satellite. It captured world attention by broadcasting a Christmas message via shortwave radio from U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower through an onboard tape recorder.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 68.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

LC-11, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

1958

28th orbital launch attempt

SM-65B Atlas

1st mission
1st mission of 1958
1st successful mission