# A-102

> 1964 Saturn I failure

**Wikidata**: [Q277726](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q277726)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AS-102)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/a-102

## Summary
A-102 was a 1964 Saturn I rocket launch that failed during its mission. It was part of NASA's Apollo program and launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37 on September 18, 1964. The mission was designated as a technology demonstration spacecraft.

## Key Facts
- Launched on September 18, 1964 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37
- Designated as a technology demonstration spacecraft
- Used the Saturn I launch vehicle
- Mission failed during its 1964 launch attempt
- Also known as A-102 (SA-7), Apollo SA-7 CSM BP-15, and AS-102
- Operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Had a COSPAR ID of 1964-057A
- Featured in 17 different language Wikipedias
- Associated with the Apollo program

## FAQs
### Q: What was A-102?
A: A-102 was a Saturn I rocket launched by NASA on September 18, 1964, as part of the Apollo program. It was designated as a technology demonstration spacecraft but failed during its mission.

### Q: Where was A-102 launched from?
A: A-102 was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37 in Florida.

### Q: What type of spacecraft was A-102?
A: A-102 was classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft, used to test experimental technologies.

## Why It Matters
A-102 represents an important milestone in NASA's early Apollo program development, despite its failure. As a technology demonstration mission, it provided valuable data and experience that helped inform future Saturn I launches and the broader Apollo program. The mission's failure contributed to NASA's understanding of the challenges involved in space launch operations and helped improve safety protocols and engineering practices for subsequent missions. While unsuccessful, A-102's role in the iterative process of space exploration technology development was crucial to the eventual success of the Apollo program.

## Notable For
- First Saturn I launch failure in the Apollo program
- Part of NASA's early technology demonstration efforts
- Contributed to the development of launch safety protocols
- Used the Saturn I launch vehicle, a key predecessor to the Saturn V
- Documented in multiple language Wikipedias, showing international interest

## Body
### Mission Details
A-102 was launched on September 18, 1964, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37. The mission was operated by NASA as part of the Apollo program's early development phase.

### Technical Classification
The spacecraft was classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft, indicating its role in testing new technologies and systems. This classification was important for NASA's iterative development approach to the Apollo program.

### Launch Vehicle
The mission utilized the Saturn I launch vehicle, which was a crucial development in NASA's rocket technology. The Saturn I served as an important stepping stone toward the more powerful Saturn V rocket that would later take astronauts to the Moon.

### Documentation and Recognition
A-102 has been documented across multiple platforms and languages, with entries in 17 different language Wikipedias. It is also known by several alternative designations, including AS-102, Apollo SA-7 CSM BP-15, and A-102 (SA-7).

### Program Context
As part of the Apollo program, A-102 contributed to NASA's broader goals of developing reliable space launch capabilities. While the mission failed, it provided valuable data that informed subsequent launches and helped improve the overall reliability of the Saturn I launch vehicle.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013