December 21, 1966 10:15 pm

PRIME 1

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Atlas SLV-3

Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
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December 21, 1966 10:15 pm

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Last Updated:

2026-07-13 18:31:48

The Martin X-23 PRIME (Precision Recovery Including Maneuvering Entry) was a small uncrewed lifting body re-entry vehicle tested by the United States Air Force in the late 1960s. PRIME 1 was launched on 21 December 1966 on a mission to simulate a low-earth orbit reentry with a zero cross-range. The ballute deployed at 30.43 km, though the recovery parachute failed to completely deploy. The vehicle crashed into the Pacific Ocean and was not recovered.
Launch Overview
Window Open 22:15 UTC
Window Close 22:15 UTC
Lift Off Dec 21, 1966 · 22:15 UTC
Launch Facility Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch Pad Space Launch Complex 3E
Target Orbit Suborbital
Payload Overview
Customer United States Air Force
Payload PRIME 1
Rocket Atlas SLV-3
Destination Suborbital
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship
The Martin X-23 PRIME (Precision Recovery Including Maneuvering Entry) was a small uncrewed lifting body re-entry vehicle tested by the United States Air Force in the late 1960s. PRIME 1 was launched on 21 December 1966 on a mission to simulate a low-earth orbit reentry with a zero cross-range. The ballute deployed at 30.43 km, though the recovery parachute failed to completely deploy. The vehicle crashed into the Pacific Ocean and was not recovered.

Height

LEO Payload

Total Launches

Status

United States Air Force
Space Launch Complex 3E
Launch Overview
Window Open 22:15 UTC
Window Close 22:15 UTC
Lift Off Dec 21, 1966 · 22:15 UTC
Launch Facility Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch Pad Space Launch Complex 3E
Target Orbit Suborbital
Payload Overview
Customer United States Air Force
Payload PRIME 1
Rocket Atlas SLV-3
Destination Suborbital
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship

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