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The Atlas, first tested in 1959, was the United States' first successful ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile). It was a " 1.5 stage", liquid-fueled ( LOX and RP-1) rocket, with three engines producing 1,590 kN of thrust.
The original designation of the missile was "XB-65", on the same list of numbers used for bombers, which was changed to "SM-65". In the new designation system of 1962, it became "CGM-16". This letter "C" stood for "coffin", referring to the fact that before launch it was stored horizontally, and prepared for launch by being raised and fueled in the open. The Atlas never was used in a true "silo", deep underground.
Though never used in combat, it was used as the expendable launch system for the Mariner space probes used to study Mercury, Venus, and Mars (1962–1973); and to launch ten of the Mercury program missions (1962–1963). The Mercury-Atlas missions resulted in the first American to orbit the earth (Lt. Col. John H. Glenn Jr.This article is about the U. astronaut and senator. Another famous person with a similar name is English film director John Glen (with one 'N'). John Herschel Glenn Jr. born July 18, 1921) is a former American fighter pilot, astronaut, and politician.) in February of 1962. (Major Yuri A. GagarinYuri Alekseyevich Gagarin ( Russian: YOO-ree ah-lek-SEH-yeh-veech gah-GAH-reen March 9, 1934 March 27, 1968), was a Soviet cosmonaut who in 1961 became the first man to travel into space. Early Life Gagarin was born near Gzhatsk, and his parents worked on, a Soviet cosmonaut, was the first human in orbit on April 12April 12 is the 102nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (103rd in leap years). There are 263 days remaining. Events 467 Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire 1204 The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople 1606 The Union Jack i, 19611961 (As MAD Magazine pointed out on its first cover for the year) was the first "upside-down" year i. one that looked the same upside down since 1881, and the last until 6009. Events January January 1 The farthing coin, used since the 13th century, cease.) Atlas launched the Agena Target VehicleThe Agena Target Vehicle was designed to develop and practice orbital rendezvous and docking in space, in preparation for the lunar mission. The ATV consisted of the Lockheed Agena spacecraft and the McDonnell docking adapter. The Agena was launched froms used during the Gemini program. Direct Atlas descendants continue to be used as satellite launch vehicles into the 21st century.
Atlas was suggested for use by the United States Air ForceThe United States Air Force USAF is the aviation branch of the United States armed forces. The mission of the USAF is "to defend the United States through the control and exploitation of air and space. Organization There are three components of the USAF: in what became known as Project Vanguard. This suggestion was ultimately turned down, however, as Atlas would not be operational in time and was seen by many as being too heavily connected to the military for use in the U.S.' IGY satellite attempt.
Atlas, named for the Atlas of Greek mythology, got its start in 1946 with the award of a Army Air Forces research contract to Convair for the study of a 1,500 to 5,000 mi. (2,400 to 8,000 km) range nuclear armed missile. This was the MX-774 or Hiroc project. The contract was canceled in 1947 but the Army Air Forces allowed Convair to launch the three almost-completed research vehicles using the remaining contract funds. The three flights were only partially successful. However they did show that balloon tanks, and gimbaled rocket engines were valid concepts.