# Atlas E/F

> type of American expendable launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q12403688](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12403688)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_E/F)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atlas-e-f

## Summary
Atlas E/F is an American expendable launch vehicle, a variant of the SM-65 Atlas rocket series manufactured by Convair, used to launch satellites and spacecraft into orbit.

## Key Facts
- Type: American expendable launch vehicle (class: space launch vehicle expended after use)
- Manufacturer: Convair (U.S. company)
- Country of origin: United States
- Aliases: Atlas SB-1A, SB-1A
- Classification: Rocket series, subclass of SM-65 Atlas
- Purpose: Used to launch various satellites and spacecraft, including weather, military, and navigation satellites
- Sitelink count: 5 (Wikipedia)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary use of the Atlas E/F?
A: The Atlas E/F was primarily used as an expendable launch vehicle to place satellites and spacecraft into orbit, including weather, military, and navigation satellites.

### Q: Which satellites were launched by the Atlas E/F?
A: Notable missions included launching NOAA-B (failed weather satellite), TIROS-N (U.S. weather satellite), P78-1 (U.S. Department of Defense satellite), and several OV1 series satellites.

### Q: What is the difference between Atlas E/F and other Atlas variants?
A: The Atlas E/F was a specific variant of the SM-65 Atlas rocket series, designed for launching payloads into orbit, distinguishing it from earlier or later Atlas models with different configurations.

## Why It Matters
The Atlas E/F played a critical role in the early U.S. space program by providing a reliable expendable launch vehicle for launching a variety of satellites and spacecraft. It contributed to advancements in weather monitoring, military reconnaissance, and navigation systems, supporting national security and scientific research. Its use in launching early GPS satellites and weather satellites helped establish the foundation for modern space-based infrastructure.

## Notable For
- First launched the OV1-13 and OV1-14 spacecraft simultaneously in 1963 for magnetospheric radiation experiments.
- Successfully launched the TIROS-N weather satellite in 1970, marking a key advancement in weather monitoring technology.
- Played a role in launching early GPS navigation satellites, including SVN 1, 2, and 3, which were foundational to the Global Positioning System.

## Body
### Overview
The Atlas E/F is a variant of the SM-65 Atlas rocket series, classified as an American expendable launch vehicle. Manufactured by Convair, it was designed for launching satellites and spacecraft into orbit. The Atlas E/F was part of the expendable launch vehicle class, meaning it was expended after use.

### Technical Specifications
The Atlas E/F featured a solid-fuel upper stage, as indicated by the associated image. It was a member of the rocket series subclass of the SM-65 Atlas, with aliases including Atlas SB-1A and SB-1A. The vehicle was developed in the United States, with a sitelink count of 5 on Wikipedia.

### Launch History
The Atlas E/F was used in multiple launch missions between the 1960s and 1970s. Notable missions included launching the OV1-13 and OV1-14 spacecraft in 1963, TIROS-N in 1970, and several DMSP meteorological satellites. The vehicle was also used to launch the NOAA-B weather satellite, which failed during its mission.

### Notable Missions
- 1963: Launched OV1-13 and OV1-14 simultaneously for magnetospheric radiation experiments.
- 1970: Successfully launched TIROS-N, a U.S. weather satellite.
- 1972: Launched Radsat, an American satellite for radiation monitoring.
- 1974: Launched GPS SVN 1, 2, and 3, early navigation satellites.

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