Atlas E/MSD from Vandenberg SLC-3W failed carrying OPS 3255 (PARCAE/NOSS SSU triplet plus NRL LIPS-1); booster engine failure caused loss of control and the vehicle exploded after turning around—maiden Atlas E/MSD flight.
- Outcome
- Failure
- Orbit
- LEO
- Low Earth orbit
- Payload to orbit
- Did not reach orbit
- Flight
- 1st
- Only Atlas E MSD flight
- Date and time
- 9 December 1980, 07:18 UTC
- Rocket
- Atlas E MSD
- Builder
- Convair
- Launch site
- Space Launch Complex 3W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
- Payload
- Government/Top Secret
- Launches in 1980
- 101st of 108