Atlas SLV-3
SuccessPRIME 1 · United States Air Force
Launch time (NET)
Wednesday, Dec 21, 1966, 22:15 UTC
Launch window
Wednesday, Dec 21, 1966, 22:15 UTC – Wednesday, Dec 21, 1966, 22:15 UTC
Provider
United States Air Force
Rocket
Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 3E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA · Open map
Status
Success
The launch vehicle successfully inserted its payload(s) into the target orbit(s).
Mission
PRIME 1
Type
Test Flight
Orbit
Suborbital (Sub)
The Martin X-23 PRIME (Precision Recovery Including Maneuvering Entry) was a small uncrewed lifting body re-entry vehicle tested by the United States Air Force in the late 1960s. PRIME 1 was launched on 21 December 1966 on a mission to simulate a low-earth orbit reentry with a zero cross-range. The ballute deployed at 30.43 km, though the recovery parachute failed to completely deploy. The vehicle crashed into the Pacific Ocean and was not recovered.
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