# SM-65B Atlas

> prototype of the Atlas missile

**Wikidata**: [Q1129316](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1129316)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SM-65B_Atlas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sm-65b-atlas

## Summary
The SM-65B Atlas was a prototype of the Atlas missile, developed by Convair in the United States. It first flew on July 19, 1958, and served as an expendable launch vehicle that was expended after use.

## Key Facts
- First flight occurred on July 19, 1958
- Manufactured by Convair, a division of General Dynamics
- Classified as both a missile model and prototype
- Subclass of the SM-65 Atlas missile family
- Also known by aliases including Atlas B, X-12, and Convair X-12
- Served as an expendable launch vehicle
- Carried the SCORE communications satellite as a payload
- Country of origin was the United States
- Has 17 sitelinks across Wikipedia language editions

### Q: What was the SM-65B Atlas used for?
A: The SM-65B Atlas was a prototype missile that served as an expendable launch vehicle for testing and development purposes. It was used to advance the Atlas missile program and could carry payloads like the SCORE communications satellite.

### Q: When did the SM-65B Atlas first fly?
A: The SM-65B Atlas first flew on July 19, 1958, marking an important milestone in the development of the Atlas missile family.

### Q: Who manufactured the SM-65B Atlas?
A: The SM-65B Atlas was manufactured by Convair, which was a division of General Dynamics at the time.

## Why It Matters
The SM-65B Atlas represents a critical prototype in the development of America's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities during the Cold War era. As a prototype of the Atlas missile family, it provided essential testing and validation data that would inform the production of operational missiles. The successful development and testing of prototypes like the SM-65B Atlas were crucial for establishing the United States' strategic deterrent capabilities during a period of intense technological competition with the Soviet Union. Additionally, its role as an expendable launch vehicle demonstrated the versatility of the Atlas design, which could be adapted for both military and space launch applications. The SM-65B Atlas helped pave the way for subsequent Atlas variants that would play important roles in both the nuclear deterrent force and the space program.

## Notable For
- First prototype in the Atlas missile family to achieve flight
- Successfully carried the SCORE communications satellite, demonstrating early satellite launch capabilities
- Represented a key milestone in America's ICBM development program
- Showed the adaptability of the Atlas design for both military and space applications
- Provided critical data that informed the development of operational Atlas missiles

## Body
### Development and Design
The SM-65B Atlas was developed as part of the broader Atlas missile program initiated by the United States Air Force in the 1950s. As a prototype, it incorporated design features that would be refined in later production models. The missile was built by Convair, leveraging their experience in aerospace engineering to create a vehicle that could serve both as a prototype for testing and as an operational launch vehicle.

### Technical Classification
The SM-65B Atlas falls under multiple classifications: it is both a missile model and a prototype, representing an intermediate stage between conceptual design and full production. It is specifically classified as a subclass of the SM-65 Atlas, indicating its position within the broader missile family. Additionally, it functions as an expendable launch vehicle, a category of space launch vehicles designed to be used once and then discarded.

### Historical Context
The first flight of the SM-65B Atlas on July 19, 1958, occurred during the height of the Cold War, when the United States was actively developing its strategic missile capabilities. This period saw intense competition with the Soviet Union in both military technology and space exploration. The successful flight of this prototype contributed to America's growing confidence in its missile technology and helped establish the foundation for future developments in both military and civilian rocketry.

### Payload Capabilities
One of the notable achievements of the SM-65B Atlas program was its ability to carry the SCORE (Signal Communications by Orbiting Relay Equipment) communications satellite. This demonstrated the vehicle's versatility beyond its primary role as a missile prototype, showing that the Atlas design could be adapted for satellite launch missions. The successful deployment of payloads like SCORE helped establish the Atlas family's importance in the emerging space program.