1960-05-20 USA Atlas-D Launch

The first launch from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 12 (LC-12) took place on January 10, 1958, with Atlas 10A. In the latter half of that year, a larger umbilical service tower was constructed in preparation for the C series Atlas tests, which were conducted from December 1958 to August 1959. On September 24, 1959, the first Atlas-Able, designated 9C, exploded during a static firing test at LC-12 when a turbopump on one of the engines failed to initiate a complete engine shutdown. The malfunctioning turbopump continued to allow oxidizer to flow, fueling the fire beneath the vehicle. About a minute later, the rocket experienced a structural failure, collapsed, and exploded. The explosion knocked over the entire service tower and both umbilical towers, causing the concrete launch stand to cave in. Due to the extensive damage to LC-12, it did not host another launch until Missile 56D on May 20, 1960. The large service tower was not rebuilt after the Atlas 9C explosion, and the site later hosted additional ICBM tests, along with the second and third Atlas Able probes.

Successful launch of Atlas D Missile 56D on May 20, 1960 from Launch Complex 12 (LC-12) at Cape Canaveral.

In 1961, LC-12 was modified to support the Atlas-Agena rocket. The first Atlas-Agena launch from LC-12 occurred in August 1961. On April 23, 1962, Atlas-Agena B 133D launched Ranger 4, marking the first American spacecraft to reach the Moon's surface, where it made a hard landing at an impact speed of 9,617 kilometers per hour (5,976 mph).

(Reference from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 12)

1958-12-23 USA Atlas C Flight

Launch of Atlas C spaceflight flight, postmarked at Port Canaveral on December 23, 1958

Atlas C was a prototype of the Atlas missile, with its test program commencing successfully with Missile 3C's flight on December 23, 1958. All systems functioned effectively, and the extended booster burn was executed without any adverse effects. This model represented the final development iteration of the Atlas rocket before the operational Atlas D. Initially intended to serve as the first stage of the Atlas-Able rocket, the plan was scrapped following an explosion during a static test on September 24, 1959, leading to a shift toward the Atlas D.

(Reference from SM-65C Atlas)

1958-12-18 USA Project SCORE

On December 18, 1958, an Atlas rocket launched the Signal Communication by Orbiting Relay Equipment (SCORE) satellite, marking it as the first prototype of a communications satellite and the initial test of any satellite for direct practical applications. The communications payload was placed into low Earth orbit using Atlas serial number 10B, which did not have an upper stage. Weighing 8,750 lb (3,970 kg), Atlas 10B/SCORE became the heaviest artificial object in orbit at that time, as well as the first voice relay satellite and the first human-made object in space that could be seen with the naked eye due to its large, mirror-polished stainless steel tank. This mission initiated a long career for the Atlas as a satellite launcher.

Project SCORE "Goldcraft" launch cover, postmarked at Port Canaveral on December 18, 1958. SCORE (Signal Communications by Orbiting Relay Equipment) was the world’s first purpose-built communications satellite.

On the first orbit, as the satellite passed over California, the primary payload did not respond properly. Finally on 19 December, the backup tape recorder responded to coded commands from the ground and transmitted the US President's message on a short-wave frequency to the world below:
"This is the President of the United States speaking. Through the marvels of scientific advance, my voice is coming to you from a satellite traveling in outer space. My message is a simple one: Through this unique means, I convey to you and all mankind, America's wish for peace on Earth and goodwill toward men everywhere."

Photo: The Atlas relayed a dramatic Christmas message from President Eisenhower on December 19, calling for peace on Earth. The pre-recorded broadcast was received by a tracking station at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and then transmitted through the Pentagon to the White House for the President to listen to. Following this, President Eisenhower is pictured in Press Secretary Hagerty's office as he listens to a tape recording of his message for photographers.

The backup SCORE package continued to work perfectly, responding to 78 realtime and store-and-forward voice and teletype transmissions between ground stations located in Georgia, Texas, Arizona and California. After 12 days, the batteries exhausted and on 21 January 1959, the satellite re-entered the Earth's atmosphere and was destroyed.

(Reference from SCORE (satellite))

1958-11-28 USA Atlas ICBM Flight

Atlas is a series of U.S. missiles and space launch vehicles that originated with the SM-65 Atlas. The Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program began in the late 1950s under the Convair Division of General Dynamics. Although Atlas became operational in October 1959, it quickly became outdated as an ICBM due to advancements in missile technology, leading to its retirement from this role by 1965.

The first successful flight of a fully instrumented Atlas missile to its maximum range occurred on November 28, 1958.

Atlas required extensive preparation times, making it unsuitable for quick-launch ICBM operations. However, this was not a concern for planned space launches, allowing Atlas-derived launch vehicles to have a long history as space launchers. Even before its ICBM service concluded in 1965, Atlas successfully launched four Project Mercury astronauts into orbit and laid the groundwork for a family of effective space launch vehicles, including the Atlas Agena and Atlas Centaur.

(Reference from Atlas (rocket family))