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| An Atlas-Centaur 1 launch cover from "Swanson" featuring a rubber-stamped cachet, postmarked at Patrick Air Force Base with a machine cancel on May 8, 1962. |
The first Atlas-Centaur, designated AC-1 (Atlas 104D/Centaur F-1), arrived at Cape Canaveral in October 1961 and was erected at the newly constructed Launch Complex 36A. Technical problems, including liquid-hydrogen leakage and guidance and propulsion difficulties, delayed the launch for several months.
AC-1 finally lifted off on May 8, 1962, becoming the first Atlas-Centaur launch and the first flight of the revolutionary Centaur liquid-hydrogen upper stage. The vehicle performed normally for approximately 54 seconds before the Centaur stage failed. A protective insulation panel separated prematurely during ascent, exposing the liquid-hydrogen tank to severe aerodynamic heating. The tank subsequently ruptured, and the escaping hydrogen ignited, destroying the Centaur and Atlas booster.
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| Photo: Atlas-Centaur 1 rocket exploded shortly after launch. |
Although unsuccessful, AC-1 was an important milestone in high-energy rocket propulsion. Centaur was the first major U.S. launch vehicle to employ liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as propellants, a technology that offered significantly higher performance than conventional propellants. NASA regarded this technology as important for future lunar and planetary missions, and Centaur was also intended to launch the Surveyor spacecraft that would help prepare for the Apollo lunar landings.
(Reference from
Atlas-Centaur)
