LAUNCH MISSION
USAF Titan IIIC LES 8, 9 & Solrad 11A, 11B
Launch Pad
Space Launch Complex 40
Description
LES 8 and 9 were experimental nuclear-powered geostationary communications satellites. Solrad 11A and 11B were scientific satellites designed to monitor the solar X-ray, UV and energetic particle emissions.
Titan IIIC
Rocket Description
The Titan IIIC was an expendable launch system used by the United States Air Force from 1965 until 1982. It was the first Titan booster to feature large solid rocket motors and was planned to be used as a launcher for the Dyna-Soar, though the spaceplane was cancelled before it could fly. The majority of the launcher's payloads were DoD satellites, for military communications and early warning, though one flight (ATS-6) was performed by NASA. The Titan IIIC was launched exclusively from Cape Canaveral while its sibling, the Titan IIID, was launched only from Vandenberg AFB.