# Atlas LV-3 Agena-B

> type of American expendable launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q99672564](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q99672564)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atlas-lv-3-agena-b

## Summary
The Atlas LV-3 Agena-B was an American expendable launch vehicle used for orbital missions between 1961 and 1965. It combined the SM-65D Atlas first stage with the Agena B upper stage, playing a key role in launching early scientific satellites, including the OGO 1 geophysical research satellite. As part of the Atlas-Agena B class, it contributed to the development of U.S. space capabilities during the early Space Age.

## Key Facts
- **First flight**: July 12, 1961
- **Retirement date**: March 21, 1965
- **Manufacturer**: Convair
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Components**: SM-65D Atlas (first stage) and Agena B (upper stage)
- **Subclass of**: Atlas-Agena B launch system
- **Notable payload**: OGO 1 (launched October 11, 1964)
- **Rocket model classification**: Expendable launch vehicle

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the Atlas LV-3 Agena-B?
A: The Atlas LV-3 Agena-B was designed to launch scientific and experimental satellites into orbit, notably the OGO 1 geophysical research satellite, as part of U.S. space research efforts in the 1960s.

### Q: How long was the Atlas LV-3 Agena-B in service?
A: The vehicle conducted missions from its first flight on July 12, 1961, until its retirement on March 21, 1965, supporting critical early space exploration programs.

### Q: What made the Atlas LV-3 Agena-B unique compared to other Atlas rockets?
A: It uniquely combined the SM-65D Atlas first stage with the Agena B upper stage, enabling more flexible orbital insertions and serving as a transitional design in the Atlas-Agena family.

## Why It Matters
The Atlas LV-3 Agena-B was significant for advancing U.S. spaceflight capabilities during the early 1960s, a pivotal period in the Space Race. Its ability to deploy payloads like OGO 1 supported groundbreaking geophysical research, expanding scientific understanding of Earth’s environment. As a member of the Atlas-Agena family, it helped establish the reliability of multi-stage launch systems, influencing later rocket designs and satellite deployment strategies. Though operational for only four years, its missions contributed to foundational knowledge in space science and technology, paving the way for more complex orbital and interplanetary missions.

## Notable For
- **First launch of OGO 1**: Deployed the first Orbiting Geophysical Observatory, a key NASA Earth science mission.
- **Modular design**: Integrated the SM-65D Atlas and Agena B stages, offering improved payload capacity and orbital maneuverability.
- **Short but impactful service**: Conducted critical missions within a four-year window, reflecting rapid advancements in launch vehicle technology during the 1960s.

## Body
### Development and Design
The Atlas LV-3 Agena-B was developed by Convair, integrating the SM-65D Atlas—a modified intercontinental ballistic missile—as its first stage with the Agena B upper stage. This combination allowed for greater payload flexibility and orbital precision compared to earlier Atlas variants. The Agena B provided propulsion and attitude control for final orbital insertion, a critical feature for scientific satellites requiring specific orbital parameters.

### Operational History
- **First flight**: July 12, 1961 (test mission).
- **Notable mission**: Launched OGO 1 on October 11, 1964, initiating a series of NASA’s Orbiting Geophysical Observatories to study Earth’s magnetic field, radiation, and atmospheric conditions.
- **Retirement**: The final Atlas LV-3 Agena-B mission occurred on March 21, 1965, marking the transition to more advanced Atlas-Agena variants like the Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D.

### Legacy
The Atlas LV-3 Agena-B bridged early rocket technology with the demands of scientific space exploration, demonstrating the viability of multi-stage launch systems for orbital research. Its role in deploying OGO 1 highlighted its adaptability for specialized payloads, setting a precedent for future NASA and Department of Defense satellite launch requirements. The vehicle’s design principles influenced subsequent Atlas-Agena configurations, which went on to support lunar, planetary, and clandestine reconnaissance missions through the 1960s and 1970s.