Accession Number:

ADA027759

Title:

Atlas SLV-3 Space Launch Vehicle Flight Failure Investigation SLV-3 5303.

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

GENERAL DYNAMICS/CONVAIR SAN DIEGO CALIF

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1966-09-27

Pagination or Media Count:

238.0

Abstract:

Vehicle 5303 the third Gemini target launch vehicle was launched from Cape Kennedy, Complex 14, on May 17 at 1015 03.422 EST. The flight was unsuccessful due to a lass of Atlas pitch control after 120 seconds of flight. The subsequent abnormal trajectory resulted in an impact of the Atlas sustainer section at 107 nautical miles from Cape Kennedy in a northeasterly direction. As a result, the upper stage Agena vehicle was not in a trajectory which could result in orbital injection and Agena engine start was inhibited by a Range Safety command.

Descriptors:

• *LAUNCH VEHICLES
• FLIGHT TESTING
• PITCH(INCLINATION)
• COUNTING METHODS
• LAUNCHING
• FAILURE(MECHANICS)
• ASCENT TRAJECTORIES
• ABORT

Subject Categories:

• Unmanned Spacecraft

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE