Atlas-Agena Launch Console
This is part of the suite of consoles built by General Dynamics, Inc. and used to launch Atlas-Agena rockets from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, in the 1970s and 1980s. The Atlas was developed as a liquid-fuel, intercontinental ballistic missile, and it also was used to launch four missions carrying Mercury astronauts into Earth orbit. The Atlas was also modified to carry an Agena upper stage, which carried a variety of payloads, including reconnaissance satellites, into orbit.
For missions that required a polar or near-polar orbit, the Vandenberg launch site was used, as it allowed a launch over water rather than over a populated area of land. These consoles were part of the equipment that served those launches.
Transferred from U.S. Air Force to NASM in 1994.
Display Status
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Ground Control Apparatus
Contractor
General Dynamics Corp.
Dimensions
3-D: 292.1 x 101.6 x 101.6cm (115 x 40 x 40 in.)
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating
Steel
Aluminum
Paint
Plastic
Glass
Rubber
Paper
Alternate Name
Atlas-Agena Launch Console
Inventory Number
A19940160000
Credit Line
Gift of U.S. Department of Air Force
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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