Atlas Missile 68E

General Dynamics Missile Serial Number:   61-2522

General Dynamics Manufacturing Number:   68E

Air Force Missile Tail Number:   522

Missile Acceptance Date:   9/17/1962

Missile Delivery Date:   9/18/1962

ICBM Squadron Number:   566th

ICBM Squadron Site Assignment:   Unknown

Missile Destination:   F.E. Warren Air Force Base

Missile Mission:   Operational ICBM

Missile Launch Date:   12/8/1980

Missile Launch Payload:   NOSS-4

Missile Launch Location:   Vandenberg AFB - SLC3W

Missile Launch Outcome:   Failure

Notes:   Replaced Atlas 56E. This mission was considered classified by the Air Force at the time it was launched. Loss of turbopump lubricant caused B-1 engine shut down just prior to booster jettison. Missile flipped around 180 degrees and descended back towards Earth, breaking up as it fell.



Atlas 68E Photo 1