# SM-65E Atlas

> variant of the Atlas missile

**Wikidata**: [Q7391028](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7391028)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SM-65E_Atlas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sm-65e-atlas

## Summary
The SM-65E Atlas is a variant of the Atlas missile, developed by Convair and first flown on October 11, 1960. It served as an expendable launch vehicle, primarily used for deploying satellites and other payloads into space.

## Key Facts
- Variant of the Atlas missile, designed as an expendable launch vehicle
- First flight occurred on October 11, 1960
- Manufactured by Convair
- Originated in the United States
- Used in the STACKSAT mission, launching three spacecraft (POGS, TEX, and SCE) on a single booster
- Launched meteorological satellites DMSP 5D-2/F12 and DMSP 5D-2/F13
- Also known by the alias Atlas-E

## FAQs
### Q: What was the SM-65E Atlas primarily used for?
A: The SM-65E Atlas was primarily used as an expendable launch vehicle to deploy satellites and other payloads into space.

### Q: Who manufactured the SM-65E Atlas?
A: The SM-65E Atlas was manufactured by Convair.

### Q: What was the first flight date of the SM-65E Atlas?
A: The first flight of the SM-65E Atlas occurred on October 11, 1960.

### Q: Which mission involved the launch of three spacecraft on a single SM-65E Atlas booster?
A: The US Military's STACKSAT mission involved the launch of three similar spacecraft (POGS, TEX, and SCE) on the same SM-65E Atlas booster.

### Q: What type of satellites did the SM-65E Atlas launch?
A: The SM-65E Atlas launched meteorological satellites, including DMSP 5D-2/F12 and DMSP 5D-2/F13.

## Why It Matters
The SM-65E Atlas played a crucial role in the early days of space exploration, serving as a reliable expendable launch vehicle for deploying satellites. Its successful first flight in 1960 marked a significant milestone in the development of space launch technology. The missile was instrumental in the STACKSAT mission, demonstrating the capability to launch multiple spacecraft on a single booster. Additionally, it contributed to the deployment of meteorological satellites, enhancing weather forecasting and monitoring capabilities. As a variant of the Atlas missile, the SM-65E Atlas showcased advancements in rocket technology and its applications in space exploration and satellite deployment.

## Notable For
- First successful flight on October 11, 1960, establishing a new benchmark in space launch technology
- Used in the STACKSAT mission, launching three spacecraft on a single booster
- Deployed meteorological satellites, including DMSP 5D-2/F12 and DMSP-5D-2/F13
- Known for its reliability and effectiveness as an expendable launch vehicle
- Contributed to advancements in satellite deployment and space exploration

## Body
### Overview
The SM-65E Atlas is a variant of the Atlas missile, designed as an expendable launch vehicle. It was developed by Convair and first flown on October 11, 1960. The missile played a significant role in early space exploration, particularly in the deployment of satellites and other payloads.

### Development and Manufacturing
- Manufactured by Convair
- Originated in the United States
- Designed as an expendable launch vehicle

### Key Missions
- Launched meteorological satellites DMSP 5D-2/F12 and DMSP 5D-2/F13
- Involved in the STACKSAT mission, launching three spacecraft (POGS, TEX, and SCE) on a single booster

### Significance
- First flight on October 11, 1960, marking a milestone in space launch technology
- Demonstrated the capability to launch multiple spacecraft on a single booster
- Enhanced weather forecasting and monitoring through the deployment of meteorological satellites

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "SM-65E Atlas",
  "description": "Variant of the Atlas missile used as an expendable launch vehicle for satellite deployment",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q199913", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SM-65E_Atlas"],
  "additionalType": "MissileModel"
}