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Is this an Atlas-Agena?

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Author	Topic: Is this an Atlas-Agena?
heng44 Member Posts: 3386 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001	posted 10-22-2006 09:32 AM 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 Hengeveld
Tom Member Posts: 1597 From: New York Registered: Nov 2000	posted 10-22-2006 10:01 AM Ed: 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!
art540 Member Posts: 432 From: Orange, California USA Registered: Sep 2006	posted 10-23-2006 08:39 AM Ed: There are several hints this in not an Atlas-Centaur: 1) The very long adapter up to the shroud 2) the umbilcal tower is not LC-36A/B tower 3) the gantry moved back at a right angle to the pad and 4) there is no protruding LH2 vent. The number on the nacelles was NASA's ID of Atlas-Agenas later in the programs after Ranger and Mariner flew.
heng44 Member Posts: 3386 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001	posted 10-23-2006 08:51 AM Thanks Tom and Art, I think we have a positive identification :-) Ed

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