Atlas E Credit - via Andreas Parsch Media Gallery

Initial fully operational version of Atlas ICBM. Differed in guidance system from Atlas F. Deployed as missiles from 1960 to 1966. After retirement, the ICBM's were refurbished and used over twenty years as space launch vehicles.

Historical Essay © Andreas Parsch

The SM-65E Atlas E was an improved SM-65D. It used a more accurate Mk.4 reentry vehicle, had an improved propulsion system (designated MA-3), and used an all-inertial guidance system developed by Bosch Arma, which was originally planned for the HGM-25A Titan I. With this navigation system, located in the distinctive large bulge on the side of the missile, the Atlas E could reach an accuracy of about 600 m (2000 ft) CEP. Component testing on modified Atlas D missiles began in March 1960, and in February 1961 the first full Atlas E flight occurred. The SM-65E became operational in September 1961. Because the all-inertial guidance system did away with the necessity to launch the missile close to the launch control center of the base, the Atlas E was deployed in widely dispersed patterns. Adding also new semi-buried coffins, the Atlas E was significantly better (but still not satisfactorily) protected against a preemptive strike than the D model. The USM-65E was the unarmed training version of the Atlas E.

The vehicles converted for space launch use and launched from Vandenberg AFB used a radio guidance system that was based on a modification of the General Electric Radio Tracking System (GERTS), originally employed on the Atlas D. In fact, the GERTS guidance used for space launch employed one of the original radar stations used for the Atlas D and even used some actual Atlas D components in its Pulse Beacon Decoder, the vehicle's X-band radio transponder. Newer solid state computers were used to run the guidance software and were interfaced with the radar; eventually they were made redundant, although with a human operator charged with detecting failure.

The large Bosch-Arma pod on the side of the Atlas E and F space boosters launched from Vandenberg AFB from the mid-70's to the mid-90's was in fact empty. It was not removed and replaced with a more streamlined fairing since that would have cost money and gained no significant performance. So, the Atlas E and F space boosters used Atlas E and F ICBM airframes and engines with the tanks modified with a new payload interface section, a mixture of Atlas E and F components (selected based on which designs were most suitable for the space launch mission) and a modified Atlas D radio guidance system.

GERTS was a complex, glitch-prone system, its only saving graces being that it was both the cheapest guidance system around and the most reliable, operating for almost 30 years without one flight failure and at a per-flight cost an order of magnitude below that of an inertial guidance system. Prior to Apollo-Saturn, all U.S. manned orbital flights used GERTS, both on the Mercury-Atlas D and the Gemini-Titan II missions.

The proper way to refer to the space booster Atlas E's and F's was "Atlas E/F Space Booster," because of the mix of configuration features. Of course, individually the boosters were referred to by their "Tail Numbers" such as 19F, 76E, 68E, etc. The total launched cost of an Atlas E/F space booster was about $15M - or less than 1/3 the cost of a Titan II space booster, and less than 1/20th what was finally admitted as the cost of a single Space Shuttle mission. About 35 unmodified Atlas E/F missiles in storage at Norton AFB were scrapped in the early 1970's. The Space Shuttle was coming and it was assumed that they were not needed. The cost of maintaining them in storage was "horrendous" - about $2000 each per year. At least a half billion dollars worth of perfectly usable, incredibly cheap space boosters (equivalent to a couple of billon dollars in replacement costs) were run over with a bulldozer in order to save perhaps one million dollars in storage costs overtwenty years . The Air Force officer who recommended this travesty of planning received a medal for his farsightedness.

Manufacturer: Convair. Launches: 58. Failures: 19. Success Rate: 67.24%. First Launch Date: 1960-10-11. Last Launch Date: 1995-03-24. Launch data is: complete. LEO Payload: 820 kg (1,800 lb). to: 185 km Orbit. at: 90.00 degrees. Associated Spacecraft: Advanced Tiros N, DMSP Block 5D-2, Geosat, GPS Block 1, LIPS, NOSS, POGS, Tiros N. Liftoff Thrust: 1,713.800 kN (385,278 lbf). Total Mass: 121,000 kg (266,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 28.10 m (92.10 ft). Launch Price $: 50.000 million. in: 1994 price dollars. Flyaway Unit Cost $: 11.000 million. in: 1985 unit dollars.

Initial fully operational version of Atlas ICBM.

LEO Payload: 820 kg (1,800 lb). to: 185 km Orbit. at: 90.00 degrees. Liftoff Thrust: 1,713.800 kN (385,278 lbf). Total Mass: 121,000 kg (266,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 28.10 m (92.10 ft).

Atlas E + 1 x Star 20 upper stage.

Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 1,731.000 kN (389,144 lbf). Total Mass: 125,000 kg (275,000 lb). Total Length: 27.30 m (89.50 ft).

Atlas E + 1 x MSD upper stage.

Apogee: 1,100 km (600 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 1,731.000 kN (389,144 lbf). Total Mass: 122,000 kg (268,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 27.30 m (89.50 ft).

Atlas E + 1 x OIS upper stage.

Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 1,731.000 kN (389,144 lbf). Total Mass: 120,000 kg (260,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 28.70 m (94.10 ft).

Atlas E + 1 x Star 48 + 1 x Star 48 upper stages.

Apogee: 20,000 km (12,000 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 1,731.000 kN (389,144 lbf). Total Mass: 125,000 kg (275,000 lb). Total Length: 32.10 m (105.30 ft).

Atlas E + 1 x Star 37E + 1 x Star 37E upper stages.

Apogee: 20,000 km (12,000 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 1,731.000 kN (389,144 lbf). Total Mass: 125,000 kg (275,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 29.20 m (95.80 ft).

Atlas E + 1 x Trident upper stage.

Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 1,731.000 kN (389,144 lbf). Total Mass: 130,000 kg (280,000 lb). Total Length: 25.00 m (82.00 ft).

ICBM version

Manufacturer: Convair (GD). Total Mass: 120,000 kg (260,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 25.15 m (82.51 ft). Span: 4.88 m (16.01 ft). Standard warhead mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Maximum range: 12,100 km (7,500 mi). Number Standard Warheads: 1. Standard RV: Mk. 4. Standard warhead: W38. Standard warhead yield: 3,750 KT. Standard warhead CEP: 3.23 km (2.00 mi). Boost Propulsion: Liquid rocket, Lox/Kerosene. Guidance: Inertial. Maximum speed: 29,030 kph (18,030 mph). Ceiling: 1,287,800 m (4,225,000 ft). Development Cost $: 2,230.000 million. in: 1965 average dollars. Recurring Price $: 8.309 million. Total Number Built: 381. Total Development Built: 18. Total Production Built: 343. Flyaway Unit Cost $: 1.800 million. in: 1965 unit dollars. Cost comments: Development cost and flyaway cost total for Atlas A through F (ICBM's).

• Stage Number: 0. 1 x Stage: Atlas MA-3. Gross Mass: 3,174 kg (6,997 lb). Empty Mass: 3,174 kg (6,997 lb). Thrust (vac): 1,644.960 kN (369,802 lbf). Isp: 290 sec. Burn time: 120 sec. Isp(sl): 256 sec. Diameter: 4.90 m (16.00 ft). Span: 4.90 m (16.00 ft). Length: 0.00 m ( ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 2. Engine: LR-89-5.

• Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: Atlas E/F. Gross Mass: 117,826 kg (259,761 lb). Empty Mass: 4,926 kg (10,859 lb). Thrust (vac): 386.300 kN (86,844 lbf). Isp: 316 sec. Burn time: 309 sec. Isp(sl): 214 sec. Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Span: 4.90 m (16.00 ft). Length: 20.12 m (66.01 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: LR-105-5.

1959 April - Launch Vehicle: Atlas E.

• Scheduled design complete (95%) for Atlas E-series missiles Nation: USA. References: 4460.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). First E missile flown with MA-3 engine, unsuccessful References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). First successful Atlas E flight. References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development Category II Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. First E launched at SMS 576 from OSTF-1, unsuccessful References: 917.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). Successful Atlas E flight, 9054 miles, from AMR to Indian Ocean (with GE Mark 3 nose cone) References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 1811.

• Atlas SMS 567 operational. Nation: USA. Fairchild AFB SMS 567 operational References: 4460.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). USAF Atlas fired 9,000 miles for Atlantic Missile Range into Indian Ocean, carrying dummy nuclear warhead and a data capsule which was recovered. References: 18, 278, 1811.

• Atlas SMS 548 operational. Nation: USA. Forbes AFB SMS 548 operational References: 4460.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). USAF Atlas with capsule containing squirrel monkey destroyed by range safety officer at Atlantic Missile Range when main sustainer engine failed 15 seconds after launch. References: 18, 278, 1811.

• Atlas SMS 549 operational. Nation: USA. Warren-3 AFB SMS 549 operational References: 4460.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development/Pod Test/Chemical release mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 1811.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). Last Atlas E R&D flight. References: 1811.

• Research and development Category II Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 917.

• Research and development Category II Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,800 km (1,100 mi). References: 917.

• NTMP K-4 ABM Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). References: 917.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). First successful E missile from OSTF-1, SMS 576 References: 917.

• Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 917.

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 917.

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 917.

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 917.

• NTMP/OT DASO Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 917.

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). References: 917.

• ST Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. References: 917.

• ABRES WAC-3 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 799.

• ST/KX-48 Target mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 917.

• Six Atlas squadrons deactivated. Nation: USA. Forbes AFB SMS 548, Warren-3 AFB SMS 549, Altus AFB SMS 577, Dyess AFB SMS 578, Walker AFB SMS 579, and Plattsburgh AFB SMS 556 all deactivated References: 4460.

• Three Atlas squadrons deactivated. Nation: USA. Fairchild AFB SMS 567, Schilling AFB SMS 550, and Lincoln AFB SMS 551 all deactivated References: 4460.

• RMP-B-6 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 916.

• ABRES RVTO-1A-1 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 916.

• RMP-B-7 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). References: 916.

• NOSS Nation: USA. Payload: PARCAE 4. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: U.S. Navy. COSPAR: F801209A. Decay Date: 1980-12-08. Ocean surveillance; aka White Cloud type spacecraft; Navy Ocean Surveillance Satellite; PARCAE. Other sources give the payload designation ABSAD. The failure was caused by a loss of lubricating oil to one of the booster engines, causing the engine to fail approx 200 milliseconds before it was to have shut down on guidance command. The asymmetric thrust pivoted the booster around approximately 180 degrees, where it stabilized in a retrofire attitude with the sustainer engine still firing. It descended back toward earth through its own exhaust flame and exploded a couple of minutes later.References: 5, 172, 278.

• SSU Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USAF AFSC. COSPAR: F801209B. References: 279.

• SSU Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USAF AFSC. COSPAR: F801209C. References: 279.

• SSU Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USAF AFSC. COSPAR: F801209D. References: 279.

• LIPS 1 Nation: USA. Payload: LIPS 1. Spacecraft: LIPS. Agency: USAF AFSC. COSPAR: F801209E. References: 279.

• Navstar 7 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS SVN 7. Mass: 770 kg (1,690 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 1. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F811219A. Decay Date: 1981-12-18. Global Positioning System. References: 5, 278.

• AMS 5 Nation: USA. Program: DMSP. Payload: DMSP S-6. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 797 km (495 mi). Apogee: 810 km (500 mi). Inclination: 98.60 deg. Period: 100.90 min. COSPAR: 1982-118A. USAF Sat Cat: 13736. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• NOAA 8 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: NOAA E. Mass: 3,775 kg (8,322 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Advanced Tiros N. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 793 km (492 mi). Apogee: 817 km (507 mi). Inclination: 98.60 deg. Period: 101.00 min. COSPAR: 1983-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 13923. Carried search and rescue package. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• Navstar 8 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS SVN 8. Mass: 770 kg (1,690 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 1. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 20,757 km (12,897 mi). Apogee: 21,229 km (13,191 mi). Inclination: 64.20 deg. Period: 751.10 min. COSPAR: 1983-072A. USAF Sat Cat: 14189. Global Positioning System. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• DMSP B5D2-2 Nation: USA. Program: DMSP. Payload: DMSP S-7. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 801 km (497 mi). Apogee: 818 km (508 mi). Inclination: 98.40 deg. Period: 101.10 min. COSPAR: 1983-113A. USAF Sat Cat: 14506. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 1 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS SVN 9. Mass: 770 kg (1,690 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 1. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 20,681 km (12,850 mi). Apogee: 21,194 km (13,169 mi). Inclination: 64.20 deg. Period: 748.80 min. COSPAR: 1984-059A. USAF Sat Cat: 15039. Global Positioning System. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 5 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS SVN 10. Mass: 770 kg (1,690 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 1. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 20,612 km (12,807 mi). Apogee: 21,203 km (13,174 mi). Inclination: 61.90 deg. Period: 747.60 min. COSPAR: 1984-097A. USAF Sat Cat: 15271. Global Positioning System. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• NOAA 9 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: NOAA F. Mass: 1,712 kg (3,774 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Advanced Tiros N. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 833 km (517 mi). Apogee: 855 km (531 mi). Inclination: 99.10 deg. Period: 101.80 min. COSPAR: 1984-123A. USAF Sat Cat: 15427. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• Geosat Nation: USA. Mass: 635 kg (1,399 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Geosat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 775 km (481 mi). Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Inclination: 108.10 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1985-021A. USAF Sat Cat: 15595. Ocean sea height mapping. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 10 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Payload: GPS SVN 11. Mass: 770 kg (1,690 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: GPS Block 1. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 20,765 km (12,902 mi). Apogee: 21,673 km (13,466 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 760.40 min. COSPAR: 1985-093A. USAF Sat Cat: 16129. Global Positioning System. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• NOAA 10 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: NOAA G. Mass: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Advanced Tiros N. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 795 km (493 mi). Apogee: 816 km (507 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 101.00 min. COSPAR: 1986-073A. USAF Sat Cat: 16969. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 26 Nation: USA. Program: DMSP. Payload: DMSP S-9/Star 37S S/N 15019. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 828 km (514 mi). Apogee: 848 km (526 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.70 min. COSPAR: 1987-053A. USAF Sat Cat: 18123. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 29 Nation: USA. Program: DMSP. Payload: DMSP S-8/Star 37S S/N 15021. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 807 km (501 mi). Apogee: 817 km (507 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 101.10 min. COSPAR: 1988-006A. USAF Sat Cat: 18822. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• NOAA 11 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: NOAA H. Mass: 1,712 kg (3,774 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Advanced Tiros N. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 838 km (520 mi). Apogee: 854 km (530 mi). Inclination: 99.20 deg. Period: 101.90 min. COSPAR: 1988-089A. USAF Sat Cat: 19531. Carried search & rescue package. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 56 Nation: USA. Payload: POGS & SSR. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Stacksat P87-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 627 km (389 mi). Apogee: 745 km (462 mi). Inclination: 89.80 deg. Period: 98.48 min. COSPAR: 1990-031A. USAF Sat Cat: 20560. Polar Orbiting Geomagnetic Survey satellite designed to measure the Earth's magnetic field vector as a function of position. Data from the experiment was used to improve Earth navigation systems, and was stored in an experimental solid state recorder. Six low cost ground stations were designed, built and located around the world to operate the spacecraft flown on this mission.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 57 Nation: USA. Payload: TEX. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Stacksat P87-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 627 km (389 mi). Apogee: 742 km (461 mi). Inclination: 89.80 deg. Period: 98.45 min. COSPAR: 1990-031B. USAF Sat Cat: 20561. TEX (Transceiver EXperiment) carried a variable power transmitter used to study ionospheric effects on RF transmissions. Data from the experiment was used to determine minimum spacecraft transmitter power levels for transmission to ground receivers. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 58 Nation: USA. Payload: SCE. Class: Technology. Spacecraft: Stacksat P87-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 627 km (389 mi). Apogee: 741 km (460 mi). Inclination: 89.80 deg. Period: 98.44 min. COSPAR: 1990-031C. USAF Sat Cat: 20562. SCE (Selective Communications Experiment) carried a variable frequency transmitter to study ionospheric effects at various RF frequencies, and was also designed to demonstrate message store and forward techniques. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 68 Nation: USA. Program: DMSP. Payload: DMSP S-10. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 724 km (449 mi). Apogee: 837 km (520 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 100.50 min. COSPAR: 1990-105A. USAF Sat Cat: 20978. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program; broken nozzle prevented satellite from reaching desired orbit. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• NOAA 12 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: NOAA D. Mass: 1,416 kg (3,121 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Tiros N. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 805 km (500 mi). Apogee: 824 km (512 mi). Inclination: 98.60 deg. Period: 101.20 min. COSPAR: 1991-032A. USAF Sat Cat: 21263. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 73 Nation: USA. Program: DMSP. Payload: DMSP S-12/Star 37S S/N 15029. Mass: 830 kg (1,820 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 835 km (518 mi). Apogee: 852 km (529 mi). Inclination: 99.00 deg. Period: 101.80 min. COSPAR: 1991-082A. USAF Sat Cat: 21798. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. 500th Atlas launch. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• NOAA 13 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: NOAA I. Mass: 1,712 kg (3,774 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Advanced Tiros N. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 846 km (525 mi). Apogee: 860 km (530 mi). Inclination: 99.20 deg. Period: 102.00 min. COSPAR: 1993-050A. USAF Sat Cat: 22739. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 106 Nation: USA. Program: DMSP. Payload: DMSP 23545/Star 37S S/N 15030 / DMSP 5D-1 F12. Mass: 830 kg (1,820 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 840 km (520 mi). Apogee: 860 km (530 mi). Inclination: 98.89 deg. Period: 101.94 min. COSPAR: 1994-057A. USAF Sat Cat: 23233. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. References: 2, 5, 6, 278.

• NOAA 14 Nation: USA. Program: Tiros. Payload: NOAA K. Mass: 1,712 kg (3,774 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Advanced Tiros N. Agency: NOAA. Perigee: 847 km (526 mi). Apogee: 861 km (534 mi). Inclination: 98.88 deg. Period: 102.02 min. COSPAR: 1994-089A. USAF Sat Cat: 23455. References: 2, 5, 6, 278.

• USA 109 Nation: USA. Program: DMSP. Payload: DMSP 24547/Star 37S / DMSP F13. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 845 km (525 mi). Apogee: 854 km (530 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.90 min. COSPAR: 1995-015A. USAF Sat Cat: 23533. Last successful Atlas E space launch. References: 2, 5, 6, 278.

• McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page, Harvard University, 1997-present. Jonathan McDowell's complete on-line listing of all objects orbited and over 20,000 rocket launches Accessed at: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.

• Isakowitz, Steven J,, International Reference to Space Launch Systems Second Edition, AIAA, Washington DC, 1991 (succeeded by 2000 edition). ISBN: 1563473534. Superseded by the later editions. More at amazon.com...

• Wilson, Andrew, editor,, Jane's/Interavia Space Directory, Jane's Information Group, Coulsdon, Surrey, 1992 et al. ISBN: 0710618107. The most comprehensive source of information for current space projects. Too expensive for human beings and most libraries. More at amazon.com...

• Parsch, Andreas, DesignationSystems.Net, . Outstanding, unique reference for aircraft, missiles, propulsion, and avionics systems. Accessed at: http://www.designation-systems.net/.

• Walker, Chuck, with Powell, Joel, Atlas - The Ultimate Weapon, Apogee Books, Canada, 2005. ISBN: 1894959183. Another excellent Apogee Book, the only in-depth account of the design, development, and production of the rocket that was America's first ICBM, pioneered US spaceflight, and continued to take payloads into orbit into the next millenium. More at amazon.com...