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T O P I C R E V I E Wheng44 This looks like an Atlas-Centaur, but I have the feeling this is an Atlas-Agena launching the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory 1 (OAO-1) on 8 April 1966 from LC-12. Can anyone confirm? There is a big 15 painted on the nacelles of the Atlas. This particular launch was unique, because the Atlas-Agena looked like an Atlas-Centaur...Ed HengeveldTomEd:This was in fact an Atlas-Agena that launched OAO-1 on 4/8/66 from LC-12.They used a special interstage adapter and 10 foot diameter shroud on a modified Atlas.But it sure looked like an Atlas-Centaur.Great photos!art540Ed: There are several hints this in not an Atlas-Centaur: 1) The very long adapter up to the shroud 2) the umbilcal tower is notLC-36A/B tower 3) the gantry moved back at a right angle to the pad and 4) there is noprotruding LH2 vent. The number on the nacelles was NASA's ID of Atlas-Agenas laterin the programs after Ranger and Mariner flew.heng44Thanks Tom and Art, I think we have a positive identification :-)Ed
Ed Hengeveld
Ed
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